Ten favorite festivals that you cannot miss
A festival is the perfect way to celebrate life. And when the weather seems to be throwing a celebration of life itself, the festivals begin. People’s favorite festivals encompass the tactics of style and location, but in the end they all promise the same thing: a good time.
- summer festival– This one should surprise no one. His name tells you everything you need to know. Summerfest is located in Milwaukee, WI and features “11 Days of Sun, Fun and Entertainment.” With over 700 bands ranging from Stone Temple Pilots to Earth Wind and Fire, such a large and diverse celebration is sure to please all attendees. Summerfest takes place in early July.
- candy corn festival– If you’re still in Wisconsin and haven’t gotten tired of the sun and fun, not to mention entertainment, how about visiting the Sweet Corn Festival at Sun Prairie? Held in mid-August, visitors enjoy music, carnival rides, a beer tent, and of course sweet corn, 70 tons of sweet corn to be exact.
- taste of chicago– In or around the Chicago area during the summer and looking for something to eat? Why not visit the largest food festival in the Midwest? The Taste of Chicago, where 60 restaurants make sure no one goes hungry.
- jazz festival– Start your celebrations in the city where Jazz originated. New Orleans hosts the most famous jazz festival in the world. Attend this festival to experience the unique culture and atmosphere that only The Big Easy can offer.
- South by Southwest Music Festival– Austin, Texas is home to this musical extravaganza, giving even Summerfest a run for its money. The 80 stages showcasing 1,800 musical acts, as well as film and media conferences guarantee something for everyone to enjoy.
- ShrimpFestival– If you’ve worked up an appetite after dancing to nearly 2,000 bands in Texas, you might want to head to the 37th annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Held in early October, this festival is the perfect place to gorge on the ocean’s most delicious decapod crustaceans. Fine arts, crafts and musical acts accompany the party.
- renaissance festival– What list of festivals would be complete without the matriarch of festivals, the festival of rebirth. Kansas City, MO, plays host to a Renaissance festival that employs more than 500 costumed characters, 13 entertainment stages, artisans, music, dance, arts and crafts, and of course, food. The festival runs for 6 weeks in September and early October.
- Bishop’s Mule Days– Even the website of this festival states that describing Mule Days is difficult. He offers this explanation: “it’s part mule show, part skills test, and part Wild West show.” If you’re near Bishop, California and want to see some country music stars, a mule rodeo and the longest non-motorized parade in the country, check out Bishop Mule Days.
- lobster party– The East Coast also has its festivals. For 61 years and counting, Rockland, Maine has hosted a lobster festival to beat all lobster festivals. Music, a box race, a parade, butter and lemon accompany the main attraction of this festival.
- ozzfest– Since 1996, Ozzfest, named for rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, has rocked crowds across the country. In 2008, however, the festival was limited to one day and one location. Ozzy makes an appearance along with Metallica and a plethora of other bands. Ozzy goes down hard enough to make the lineup. If he is looking for a headbanging music festival, Ozzfest is not to be missed.
Of course, no list of favorite festivals would be complete without mentioning county fairs, 4th of July celebrations, and holiday parades. These events are held throughout the United States and are anticipated by millions of people each year. So whether you’re traveling to a nationally promoted festival or your hometown celebration, you’re sure to find plenty of others to take in the sights, sounds and flavors with you.
