If you are looking for a unique experience in the US, whether you live here or you are coming for a visit, then you should head over to one of the best festivals in the country. The most popular and with the biggest crowds are, as you can imagine, Coachella and Mardi Gras, but in this big country, there are certainly more out there for you to join.
Whether you love music or food, there is the perfect festival for you. These events are the best chance for you to meet new people and have some fun. So plan your year around these dates and never miss out on the fun.
1. Jazz and Heritage Festival, New Orleans
Jazz lovers know to head to New Orlean’s for the best players, but there is nothing that can compare with this festival. During this event, you can enjoy the culture and the easygoing nature of the South. If you are planning to head over to the country’s most well-known jazz festival, then you should plan your holidays around April or May, when this event is normally held.
2. Burning Man, Nevada
As far as festivals go, Burning Man is one of the unique ones. It is not a foodie nor a musical event but instead, it is a festival that celebrates self-expression. Thousands of people join the whole week to participate and then leave as if nothing’s happened. To celebrate this event, a temporary city called Black Rock City is set up between the last week of August and the first week of September.
3. Boston Seafood Festival
In August of every year, Boston becomes the capital of all things seafood. Beyond just offering various food stalls that serve anything fish, crustacean, or chowder, there are contests and demonstrations. Moreover, the Boston Fish Pier becomes taken over by seafood on this day.
4. Sundance Film Festival, Utah
While the Oscars is a huge event in Hollywood, the biggest independent film festival in the country is held yearly in Utah. In January of every year, film buffs can enjoy the works of independent filmmakers all over the world. The Sundance Film Festival draws, naturally, the biggest stars although up-and-coming filmmakers share the spotlight. It is truly popular and almost half a million people attended the festival in the past few years.
5. Eat Drink SF
Food is also a true crowd-pleaser, especially when 120 restaurants from one of the country’s biggest cities participate in this yearly festival. San Francisco features their best dishes during this event, which is mostly happening at the Fort Mason Center. Besides food, wines from 70 Californian wineries are also on display. This event is usually held in the last week of August.
6. Great American Foodie Fest
Another must-see for foodies, this four-day bonanza will feature so many different dishes in the form of “food truck“ food. Visitors should go towards the Sunset Station for their fill of traditional and not-so-traditional, creative dishes. So if you are sick and tired of the casinos and clubs in Las Vegas, this is another highlight during your trip. Just make sure you keep your schedule free between October 6 and 9.
These festivals do not just showcase the best of what the host cities have to offer, but they are just like one huge party that you will never want to miss again. So get your calendar and plan those holidays ahead of time.