The United States has one of the most 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 that 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 – 28 March 2025, 29 March 2025, and 30 March 2025
Location – Bayfront Park, Miami
Timing – 28 March – 4 pm to 12 am, 29 March – 12 pm to 12 am and 30 March – 12 pm to 10 pm
SXSW
Image Credit: sxsw.com
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 new ideas that would carve a new path in the future for every evolving field.
Date – 7 March to 15 March, 2025
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 – 2 February, 2025
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 – 4 March, 2025
Location – New Orleans, Louisiana
Timing – 11 am to 6 pm
Sundance Film Festival
Utah is a place which is never in the news apart from hosting the nation’s biggest film festival, Sundance Film Festival. It is one of the most famous festivals in the USA. On a trip to Park City, check out the Premiers of the top movies and also click selfies with the stars who visit once 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 – 23 January to 2 February, 2025
Location – Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah
Timing – To be announced
Ragnar Relay Series
The 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 – 3 October 2025 and 4 October 2025
Location – Wawayanda State Park in Hewitt, NJ
Timing – Starting 2 pm
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 which is held in the month of October each year.
Date – 18th October, 2025
Location – Dallas, Texas
Timing – 5 pm to 9 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 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 on any moment in the game.
Date – 9th February, 2025
Location – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Timing – Starting 6.30 pm
Key West Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy delicious food and excellent wines at the Key West Food & Wine Festival, one of the most well-liked winter festivals in America. 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 – 21 January to 25 January, 2025
Location – Key West, Florida
Timing – To be announced
Coachella Music Festival
One of the top US music festivals, Coachella, features amazing live acts, art exhibits, and moments that will never be forgotten. 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 – 11 April 2025 to 13 April 2025, 18 April 2025 to 20 April 2025
Location – Empire Polo Field, Indio, California
Timing – To be announced
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 – 4 October 2025 to 12 October 2025
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 – 17 January to 19 January, 2025
Location – John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, Florida
Timing – To be announced
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 – 28 November 2024 to 28February, 2025
Location – Leavenworth, Washington
Timing – 6 am to 11 pm
New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Attending the renowned Times Square New Year’s Eve event, which includes stunning performances, a lively crowd, and the well-known ball drop at midnight, is one of the things to do on New Year’s Eve. 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 – 31 December, 2025
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.
