Someone, somewhere is always celebrating something in the US, although, apart from national holidays, few festivities are shared throughout the country. Instead, there is a disparate multitude of local events: art and craft shows, county fairs, ethnic celebrations, music festivals, rodeos, sandcastle-building competitions, and many others of every hue and shade.
We've listed a selection of the best local festivals covered in this guide. In addition, tourist offices for each state can provide full lists, or just phone the visitor center in a particular region ahead of your arrival and ask what's coming up. Certain festivities, such as
Mardi Gras
in New Orleans, are well worth planning your vacation around; obviously other people will have the same idea, and visiting during these times requires an extra amount of advance effort.
Public holidays
The biggest and most all-American of the
national festivals and holidays
is
Independence Day
. On the Fourth of July, the entire country takes a time out as people picnic, drink, salute the flag and watch or participate in firework...
read more >>
Annual festivals and events
For further details of the selected festivals and events listed below, including more precise dates, see the relevant section of the
Guide
, or contact the local authorities direct. The state tourist boards can provide fuller calendars for each...
read more >>
