Mardi Gras – New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras is one of the most famous festivals in the United States. You don’t want to miss this one if you’re ever in New Orleans in late February or early March.
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The event takes place right before Ash Wednesday and is a mix of parades, vibrant costumes, and non-stop partying. The streets are filled with lively crowds, elaborate floats, and endless beads being tossed from balconies.
You’ll want to grab a spot early to watch the major parades, like the Krewe of Endymion and the Krewe of Bacchus. The French Quarter comes alive with music, drinks, and colorful masks. It’s a tradition that celebrates culture and fun.
Burning Man – Black Rock City, Nevada
Burning Man is unlike any other festival. It takes place in the Nevada desert during the last week of August. For one week, a temporary city, known as Black Rock City, emerges from the dust.
This event focuses on art, self-expression, and community. People from around the world come to create stunning art installations and participate in performances.
At the end of the week, everything is taken down and burned, creating a “leave no trace” experience. You should be prepared for extreme weather, as the desert is unpredictable. Still, it’s both a physical and a spiritual adventure for those who want something different.
Coachella – Indio, California
Coachella is one of the most iconic music and arts festivals in the world. It happens over two weekends in April and is held in the Californian desert.
Known for its huge line-up of mainstream and indie music acts, Coachella attracts thousands of fans. You can expect performances by some of the biggest names in music, ranging from rock to hip-hop to electronic.
Additionally, Coachella is also famous for its huge art installations. These installations add a visual element to the festival that makes it truly unique. The vibe there is laid-back and stylish, with food trucks, art vendors, and hip fashion everywhere.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
In October, the skies over Albuquerque light up with hundreds of hot air balloons during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This event lasts for nine days, and it’s a beautiful sight as colorful balloons take off into the air at sunrise.
The festival has been part of the local tradition for decades, and travelers can expect crowd favorites like the “Mass Ascension” where all the balloons lift off at once. There are also evening balloon glows that captivate the crowd as illuminated balloons float gracefully over the city.
Bring a camera and dress warmly because mornings in the high desert can be chilly. It’s a family-friendly, awe-inspiring experience for all.
Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York City, New York
Every November, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over the streets of Manhattan. This is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season if you’re in New York City.
The parade features giant, floating balloons shaped like your favorite cartoon characters and pop-culture icons. There are also marching bands, clowns, and performances from Broadway shows.
The parade usually starts in Central Park and ends in front of Macy’s department store in Herald Square. Get there early to grab a good spot! You’ll feel the holiday magic the moment the first float turns the corner.
South by Southwest (SXSW) – Austin, Texas
South by Southwest, or SXSW, is an annual event in Austin that turns the city into a hub for music, film, and technology. It’s held in mid-March, and it’s a combination of conferences, workshops, screenings, and music showcases.
Musicians, filmmakers, and tech enthusiasts from all around the world come to make connections and show off their work. Expect to see performances from up-and-coming bands and well-known artists alike. There’s also plenty of great food, BBQ, and local craft beer to enjoy.
Austin’s famous for its live music scene, so the whole city buzzes with events. If you’re into tech or music, this festival should definitely be on your list.
Day of the Dead – San Antonio, Texas
The Day of the Dead, or “Día de los Muertos,” is traditionally celebrated in Mexico, but San Antonio hosts a big celebration every November 1st and 2nd. It’s a deeply meaningful cultural festival that honors loved ones who have passed away.
During this event, altars (called “ofrendas”) are set up to celebrate the spirits of the deceased. You’ll also see parades, intricate face painting, and traditional food like “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead).
It’s not a sad event, but one that’s more focused on celebrating life, remembering those we’ve lost, and participating in community festivities.
Oktoberfest – Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, might not be in Germany, but it hosts an incredible Oktoberfest celebration in the fall. Held over three weekends in September and October, the entire town transforms into a Bavarian village.
Expect lively polka music, authentic German food, and steins of locally brewed beer. The festival also features traditional Bavarian dances, and you can dress up in lederhosen or dirndls if you want to join the fun.
It’s a great way to experience German culture right here in the U.S.! The town itself is picturesque, with alpine-style buildings and shops to explore in between festival activities.
The Kentucky Derby – Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race. It’s a huge cultural event that takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.
This derby is known for its fashion, especially the elaborate hats worn by spectators. Along with the races, there’s plenty of mint juleps flowing, food, and socializing. Derby Day is a high-energy event where people come to bet on horses and enjoy the party atmosphere.
The build-up to the race is half the fun, with events throughout the week, including the Kentucky Derby Festival that features boat races, parades, and fireworks.
Jazz & Heritage Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often just called Jazz Fest, is one of the city’s biggest cultural events. It runs for two weekends in late April and early May.
While jazz is at the heart of the festival, you’ll also hear everything from blues and rock to Cajun and zydeco. Legendary musicians from all genres have performed there, giving intimate yet powerful performances.
On top of live music, the festival celebrates the area’s unique Creole and Cajun cuisine and culture. Don’t miss out on food stalls offering dishes like gumbo, po’boys, crawfish, and beignets.
Las Vegas New Year’s Eve – Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’re looking for an over-the-top New Year’s Eve celebration, there’s no place quite like Las Vegas.
The entire Las Vegas Strip shuts down to traffic, turning into one massive street party that’s filled with fireworks, live performances, and endless energy. Almost every casino and hotel hosts its own exclusive party, and the fireworks show at midnight is one for the record books.
Las Vegas brings out millions of visitors on this night. If you’re planning on going, you’ll need to book accommodation months in advance. It’s worth it for the lights, music, and electric atmosphere.
Sundance Film Festival – Park City, Utah
Held every January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the U.S. Set in the snowy mountains of Park City, it’s a hotspot for movie buffs, actors, directors, and film critics.
Each year, the festival features independent films and documentaries from filmmakers worldwide. Many of the movies debut here before making it big, so you never know what hidden gems you’ll discover.
Besides films, there are industry panels, meet-and-greets, and parties. Even if you’re not a filmmaker yourself, it’s an exciting place to immerse yourself in the world of cinema.
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