The United States has one of the culturally diverse populations in the world and there are several regional festivals, food festivals, commerce festivals, fairs, religious festivals, art festivals, folk festivals and recurring festivals held each year. There are festivals which are unique only to the United States such as Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, blues festivals, pow wows, strawberry festivals, state fairs, rib fests, and much more. The state fair was introduced in the US in the year 1841 and is one of the oldest running annual American festivals in the world. The American population has always enjoyed a gathering, with most of them doing it just to have a rocking good time. Contact your local tour operator today and check out the procedures for getting your US visa online.
Read on to know more about fun US festivals and events that you can enjoy on your next trip to America.
Ultra Music Festival
Miami hosts some of the coolest festivals and the Ultra Music Festival is one of the exhilarating electronic dance festivals here in the US. Close to 1 million people attend this event each year in the downtown Miami, which is just a stone throw away from the South Beach waters. This is one of the best music festivals which you can ever be part of.
Date – 22nd March, 2024
Location – Bayfront Park, Miami
Timing – 4 pm to 11.45 pm
SXSW
SXSW is a convergence of independent films, original music, and emerging technologies. The year 2016 saw the event highlighting Alex G, Caveman, Crystal Castles, and H/ELOS along with keynote speakers Andy Puddicombe and Casey Gerald who stole the limelight. It is one of the perfect launch pads for budding creative talents. You can bring out the new ideas which would carve a new path in the future for every evolving field.
Date – 8th March to 16th March, 2024
Location – Austin Convention Centre
Timing – 9 am to 4 pm
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is connected to weather prediction. Every year the town of Punxsutawney hosts a show which is full of activities for , from top hat decorating contests to the Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent. It is one of the best USA festivals which you should definitely be a part of. This event is a perfect family entertainer and you can go and enjoy this wonderful event with your entire family.
Date – 2nd February, 2024
Location – Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Timing – Starting at 3 am
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is definitely one of the unique events held in the United States. This carnival is celebrated at the same time across several cities and in many countries in the world. But there is something special in the way it is celebrated in New Orleans. You have to be there to experience the fun and excitement. Be a part of the vivid celebrations as you dress up in costumes and watch the parade pass through the famous French Quarter of New Orleans.
Date – 13th February, 2024
Location – New Orleans, Louisiana
Timing – 11 am to 6 pm
The Cheesemonger Invitational
If you are a cheese lover, then this is the festival to be in. There is probably no better event to be a part in than The Cheesemonger Invitational in San Francisco. A gruelling cheese battle extravaganza where different cheesemongers in the country pit against each other. Strolling through this cheese paradise is a different feeling altogether. Treat yourself with delicious raclette, grilled cheese sandwiches, fondue, and much more.
Date – 23rd June, 2024
Location – Brooklyn Steel, Brooklyn
Timing – 3 pm
Sundance Film Festival
Utah is a place which is never in news apart from hosting the nation’s biggest film festival, Sundance Film Festival. It is one of the famous festivals in USA. On a trip to the Park City, check out the Premiers of the top movies and also click selfies with the stars who visit one in a while. A perfect occasion for a film lover’s delight, know the ski junky in you and meet the pop culture enthusiast hidden in you. You can also attend the parties, seminars, and workshops along with music concerts which are held over a period of ten days.
Date – 18th January to 28th January, 2024
Location – Park City, Utah
Timing – NA
Ragnar Relay Series
Ragnar Relay Series is the perfect event for all active socialites. It is a 200-mile relay which is spread over 2 days and 1 night. Create unforgettable memories by gathering with your team in funky costumes. This relay race is across the country, so you are sure to be in some good company and experience new cultures.
Date – 4th October and 5th October , 2024
Location – Ragnar Trail New Jersey
Timing – NA
Lantern Fest
It is a different feeling altogether when you are surrounded by several glowing lanterns which are released into the air. Considered as a sign of good luck, the American population light their lanterns, which are purchased and the glowing lanterns are then released. We recommend you not to miss out on this beautiful festival of lights and is held in the month of October each year.
Date – 28th September, 2024
Location – Chicago, Illinois
Timing – 5 pm to 10 pm
Super Bowl 50
Super Bowl 50 is not just a football game; this event unites the entire nation together for a couple of hours for some amazing commercials, trash talk, and friendly entertainment. The year 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl 50. We recommend you to attend the game in person, rather than watching it on the TV or the internet. The new Levi’s Stadium has incorporated phones and social media during the game, so you will not miss out any moment in the game.
Date – 11th February, 2024
Location – Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
Timing – Starting 6.30 pm
Key West Food & Wine Festival
This has been often ranked as one of the best food & wine festivals held in America. It is a wonderful time as you spend your entire time tasting a diverse range of innovative cuisines and wines on the warm beaches of Key West. A perfect summer festival which gives you an ideal escape from the harsh winters and explore new tastes among the 40 different options available at your disposal.
Date – 23rd January to 28th January, 2024
Location – Key West, Florida
Timing – NA
Coachella Music Festival
Experience the magic of popular US music festivals like Coachella, where top artists perform under the open sky. It is one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year. Recognised for its fashion, music, and art, the Coachella Music Festival transforms southern California into an oasis with celebrity appearances, art displays, delicious food, and fireworks.
Date – 12th April to 14th April, 2024
Location – Coachella Valley Reserve, California
Timing – 3.40 pm to 11.20 pm
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Take a trip to see the colourful Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Observe how the expansive, blue skies fill with vibrant hot air balloons as you head southwest. At the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, thousands of people go to New Mexico each year to enjoy the cuisine, music, and breathtaking sight of 500 hot air balloons soaring up.
Date – 5th October to 13th October, 2024
Location – Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Timing – 5.45 am to 8 pm
The Florida Seafood Festival
Visit the Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola, Florida, to savour delectable oysters, shellfish, and catch of the day. Two evenings of seafood pleasure with live music, art and craft fairs, blue crab races, and an oyster eating competition are all part of the festival. It is guaranteed that you will find something delicious at the festival, which brings together more than 20 local food sellers of all kinds.
Date – 1st November and 2nd November, 2024
Location – Battery Park, Apalachicola, Florida
Timing – NA
Village of Lights Festival
Leavenworth’s Village of Lights Festival is one of many traditional celebrations. Over 500,000 string lights twinkle against the snow at this well-known Christmas Towns in USA, drawing tourists from all over the world each year. Enjoy carol concerts, browse the German-style Christmas Markets in USA, or visit the Nutcracker Museum. If you are travelling with children, add some magic to your trip with sleigh rides and a petting zoo.
Date – 29th November to 24th December, 2024
Location – Leavenworth, Washington
Timing – 6 am to 11 pm
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
The largest celebration of the year takes place in Times Square, New York, on New Year’s Eve. An estimated 1 million people come here year to ring in the new year, and the excitement in the air is tangible as the crowd waits for the ball to drop. Take a tour around the US around New Year’s Eve to truly experience it. January 1st is a public holiday in USA.
Date – 31st December, 2024
Location – Broadway at 43rd Street, Times Square, New York
Timing – Starting 6 pm
These are only a few of the renowned American events that happen annually. Plan your USA trip around these USA festivals, the best time to visit USA. There are many more to enjoy.
FAQs
1) Which US festival is best for jazz enthusiasts?
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often known as Jazz Fest, is a must-visit event for jazz enthusiasts. This event honours the great musical heritage of the city and includes concerts by both modern and legendary jazz players.
2) What is the best festival to learn about American history and culture?
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a fantastic chance to explore lively American culture. It is one of the most vibrant events in the nation with its colourful parades, lavish costumes and jazz tunes.
3) Which American film festival is a must-see for cinema buffs?
For cinema buffs, a trip to Utah must be planned to attend the Sundance Film Festival. It is the biggest independent film festival in the US, presenting innovative films and providing a chance to interact with stars and filmmakers.
4) Which family-friendly event in the US should you put on your bucket list?
Hundreds of colourful hot air balloons take to the sky during the family-friendly Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico. People of all ages can enjoy this magical event.
5) Which US Christmas festival should be on your holiday bucket list?
Visit the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival in Washington for an enchanting holiday experience. This village with a Bavarian flair becomes a dazzling winter wonderland with holiday markets, carollers, and shimmering lights.