The United States of America has a large cultural and historical heritage with different races, customs and traditions. Many people visit the US bcoz of big cities but these festivals, fairs and events define the country as great and must be attended once.
1. Mardi Gras (New Orleans & Mobile, AL)
Mardi Gras is a day “Fat Tuesday (or Shrove Tuesday)”. It’s the day before ‘Ash Wednesday’ from which the Lent season of 40 days starts and goes up to ‘Easter’. It begins from ‘Epiphany’ in January and lasts on this ‘Mardi Gras’ Carnival day which includes the celebration of weeks of parades, street dance, music, parties and much more. So when is Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Mobile, AL – it’s on 13th February, 2024.
2. RISE Lantern Festival, Las Vegas, NV
Lantern festival aims to promote reunion, peace, forgiveness and space away from everyday hotfoot and spent some time with loved ones. Thousands of people gather at Mojave on Jean Dry Lake Bed, Las Vegas, Nevada. This festival is celebrated annually on weekends in the first week of October. The day starts with energetic music, food, drinks, art and where people connect with friends and loved ones, in the evening it will transition into Fire and Lantern ritual.
So when is RISE Lantern Festival – it’s on October 4 and 5, 2024. For more details check on : risefestival.com and hurry to book tickets.
3. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque is the largest hot air balloon festival, which is held every year in the first week of October. Hundreds of people enjoy the rides of over 500 hot air balloons. There are many events held during this festival like early morning ascensions, evening laser light shows, live music performances, fireworks and much more. Note events may be canceled or changed due to weather conditions.
So when is Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico – it’s on October 5 – 13, 2024. For more details and tickets check : balloonfiesta.com
4. Aloha Festivals, Hawaii
Aloha is a cultural annually celebrated festival in Hawaii. It is celebrated to promote Hawaiian culture and to preserve the customs and traditions of Hawaii. It is held each September in 6 major Hawaii islands. The festival starts with “Royal Court Investiture Opening Ceremony” – to honor Hawaii’s ali’i (ruling chiefs) with a series of traditional protocols.
Then the [ 68th Annual Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa ] held the largest block party with local food, art, music and more. Then it concludes with [ 74th Annual Floral Parade presented by ’Alohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach ] with a colorful procession of horseback riders, various floats with performances. Aloha Festival of Hawaii is celebrated in the month of September every year, To know more : alohafestivals.com
5. Minnesota Renaissance Festival
The biggest Renaissance fair held at Shakopee, Minnesota, US is to display interactive outdoor events which focus on recreating the 14th – 17th Century fantasy like England kingdom. This festival is filled with over 250 artisans who display and sell their handicrafts, which can be attended by lakhs of people. It’s simply a Celebration of Nature, art and ancient life. Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrated in the month of September – October. There are also other many famous Renaissance festival, must check out.
6. Fantasy Fest, Florida
Fantasy fest is an annual 10-day event or street party held every year at the end of October. Note This fest is only for adults (grown ups) which is held in ‘Key West, Florida’, attended by thousands of people. This year’s theme for Fantasy Fest is “Cult Classics and Cartoon Chaos”. People wear fancy costumes according to their fantasy, parade, street party, dance and many events are held.
Fantasy Fest in Florida is celebrated every year in the month of October. To know more : fantasyfest.com
7. Halloween (Allhalloween)
All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints’ Eve – is a celebration day where people dress up in costumes and hold parties. So what’s the story. It’s believed that on the ancient Celtic festival ‘Samhain’ celebrated on November 1st, on that day the souls of the dead returned to their homes and to ward off evil spirits people dressed in costumes and a tradition of carving pumpkins into lanterns is performed. So when is Halloween – it’s on October 31st.
8. Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is an annual national holiday in the US on every 4th of Thursday in the month of November, people celebrate the day harvest feast and thanks for blessings of the preceding year with friends and families. Its also called Friendsgiving. People enjoy traditional Thanksgiving meals, break the wishbone for good luck and many traditions performed. And enjoy participating on this day – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. So when is Thanksgiving Day – it’s on November 23, 2023.
9. Christmas
Christmas is celebrated worldwide, we all know, but in the US like NewYork, FLorida, Disney and many places where people celebrate with such enthusiasm, anyone wants to be there. Many customs were performed during this whole Christmas week: exchanging gifts, decorating houses, Churches, sharing meals with friends and family, hanging those socks and waiting for Santa Claus to come and put gifts in. Christmas is celebrated for the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ on December 25.
10. Sundance film festival, Utah
Sundance is the largest annual independent international film festival held in Park City, Utah, US. It’s the gathering of original storytellers and audiences. It’s a 10-day festival which is held at the end of January. Its main purpose is to showcase the films and highlight the potential of independent filmmaking. If you want to attend this festival, book the tickets early.
Sundance film festival in Park City, Utah – is celebrated in the month of January. To know more : sundance.org
11. Gasparilla Parade of Pirates Festival
It is the largest pirate parade festival in the US, which is held every year in late January or early February. This pirate festival is attended by lakhs of people where everyone dresses up in pirate costumes and enjoys several events. This event is played by members of YMKG (Ye Mystic Group of Gasparilla). During the victory parade of Pirates, members throw coins, beads and many souvenirs to the crowd. This Gasparilla Pirate festival is held in Tampa, Florida. It’s a month-long festival, but the main event is held in the end of January.
To know more : gasparillapiratefest.com
12. Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival
Shinnyo lantern floating festival is held every year in Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. Thousands of visitors and hawaiians participate in this traditional festival, this ceremony is held on the occasion of Memorial day. The purpose of this lantern festival is to float into the ocean carrying prayers or messages for the deceased loved ones.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Festival Hawaii – is celebrated in the month of May. To know more : lanternfloatinghawaii.com
13. Burning Man
Burning man is an event based on art, music, self-reliance, self-expression, community based festival held every year in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US. It’s a week-long event where many events held in rock desert, music bands, liver performances and many events occured.
This Burning man event is held in late August and early September. To know more : burningman.org
14. Frozen Dead Guy Days
Frozen Dead Guy Days is a unique festival held every year in March in Nederland, Colorado, US. This festival is celebrated to honor the Grandpa Bredo Morstoel who is frozen in Netherland. During this event there are many contests, competitions, live music, parades, parties and amazing food.
Frozen Dead Guy Days – is celebrated in the month of March. To know more : frozendeadguydays.com
15. Labor Day
Labor day is a federal holiday celebrated in the US on the first Monday of September. This day is celebrated to recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of workers or laborers in making America’s development, strength, prosperity, achievements and wellness. Labor day is celebrated with parades, displays of fireworks and many public gatherings. Note : Labor day is always celebrated on the first Monday of September month.
16. International Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually with 10-days of fun, concerts, food, shopping and much more. This festival celebrates the spring blooming of Yoshino Cherry Trees which is held in Macon, GA, US. This festival is attended by thousands of visitors and this cherry blossom shows the beauty which dazzles the eyes of anyone. Cherry Blossom Festival, Macon, GA – is held between March – April month (date may vary).
There are many more festivals which are not listed here and we update the list on our best, which one is your favorite comment below. You can also suggest more if any.