Introduction
The United States of America is known for its wide-ranging landscape, diverse culture, and unique traditions. From the Boston Tea Party to the Chicago White Sox, our country has evolved over time into a melting pot of cultures that have made us who we are today. One such tradition is celebrating festivals—a pastime as old as time itself! There’s no better way to celebrate these cultural differences than by attending these fun events. So sit back on your porch swing or couch with a glass of lemonade in hand, and let us take you on a virtual tour around the country so you can see how Americans celebrate their history through their own unique lens.
Michigan: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Michigan St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an annual event that takes place in Detroit on March 17, the day after St. Patrick’s Day. It is one of the largest parades in America, featuring over 150 units from across Michigan and beyond. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of America,” and it will honor veterans as well as civil rights leaders.
The parade begins at 11:00 am at Woodward Avenue and ends at Jefferson Avenue (just south of Campus Martius Park). More than 60 bands will be participating this year! You can find more information here: https://www.detroitstpatricksdayparade.com/.
New York: The Great American Smokeout
The Great American Smokeout is held on the third Thursday of November and is a day of fun and awareness to help smokers quit. It’s sponsored by the American Cancer Society, which means that it takes place in over 100 cities across the country. New York City is one of them, so if you’re looking for a great weekend getaway with some friends or family members who smoke, then this may be just what you need!
The event kicks off at 11am with a free concert featuring local bands performing on stage at Bryant Park (midtown Manhattan). There will also be free food samples from local restaurants throughout the day as well as information about how to kick your bad habit once and for all – or at least until next year’s GASO celebration rolls around again!
California: National Margarita Day
Luckily for you, National Margarita Day falls on December 22. This means that you have plenty of time to plan a holiday weekend getaway and make it happen! Just think about all the fun things you could do:
- Celebrate with a margarita! Eating Mexican food is an obvious choice for this occasion–you’ll need something to soak up all that tequila anyway.
- Drink tequila! If there’s one thing we know about Californians, it’s that they love their alcohol (and their weed). The great thing about having this holiday fall right before Christmas is that everyone will be too busy celebrating with family members or friends who live far away from them during the rest of December to notice how much they’ve been drinking lately…so feel free not only celebrate National Margarita Day but also New Year’s Eve as well (or maybe even both!).
- Have fun! What else would we recommend doing besides getting wasted?
New Jersey: Mayflower Day
New Jersey: Mayflower Day
Mayflower Day is a celebration of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims, who landed on New England’s shore in 1620. It takes place at Cape May Point State Park in Cape May, New Jersey. The festival features a parade, music and food. This year’s event will take place on October 21st–mark your calendars!
Pennsylvania: Oktoberfest at Penns Landing
Pennsylvania: Oktoberfest at Penns Landing
The best way to celebrate German heritage in Pennsylvania is with an authentic Oktoberfest experience. The event takes place from September 26 to October 1 and features live music, food and drink vendors from around the globe, arts & crafts displays, a children’s area with games and rides for kids of all ages (including face painting), as well as activities for adults like beer-pong tournaments! You can also learn about Pennsylvania’s German heritage through historical exhibits throughout this fun-filled weekend celebration!
Wyoming: Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo
Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, Cheyenne
The world’s oldest rodeo is held in Cheyenne on the 4th of July weekend and has been every year since 1872. It’s also the largest outdoor rodeo in the world, with more than 1,000 competitors competing each year. If you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate America’s Independence Day with some cowboys and horses (and maybe even some cowgirls), this is your chance!
Colorado: Boulder Arts Week Kickoff – First Friday Celebration in Downtown Boulder
Boulder is a city of art and music, so it’s no surprise that there are so many festivals here. The Boulder Arts Week Kickoff – First Friday Celebration in Downtown Boulder is one of the most popular events in town. It takes place on the first Friday of every month, from April through October, and includes live music performances by local artists as well as gallery openings at participating galleries around town.
Boulderites love their art!
Washington, D.C.: Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin is held each spring, from March 20 to April 14. The National Park Service offers free admission to all of its parks during this time, so it’s a great opportunity to see some beautiful sights while enjoying a budget vacation.
The festival commemorates Japan’s gift of over 3,000 cherry trees in 1912; these flowering trees were planted on both sides of the Potomac River near the Jefferson Memorial and along Constitution Avenue NW between 21st Street NW and 17th Street NW (and later expanded). It’s estimated that around 250,000 people attend each year! If you’re planning on going yourself, I highly recommend taking advantage of their shuttle bus service–it will save you tons of time waiting in line for public transportation or trying desperately not get lost while walking around D.C.’s confusing streetscape.*
If there’s no time for sightseeing during your visit? Don’t worry about missing out completely: many museums offer free admission throughout cherry blossom season as well.*
Georgia and South Carolina (shared): Savannah Music Festival, Savannah, GA – Charleston Classic, Charleston, SC
The Savannah Music Festival is the oldest and largest music festival in Georgia, with more than 100 concerts over one week. The 2018 edition takes place April 19-28.
The Charleston Classic is a college basketball tournament held annually at TD Arena on the campus of College of Charleston in Charleston, SC from November 2018 through March 2019.
Texas and Oklahoma shared
If you’re looking for a spring break adventure with a side of culture and nature, then look no further than Oklahoma and Texas. From rodeos to ballet and botanical gardens, there is something for everyone here.
To start off your trip, head over to Fort Worth’s Stockyards Championship Rodeo where cowboys compete against each other in steer wrestling and bull riding competitions. Afterward, check out some local art at the Paseo Arts District Open Studios Tour or explore the city’s rich history at its many museums, including Amon Carter Museum of American Art and National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame – both located in historic downtown Fort Worth!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered. The United States is home to hundreds of festivals and events every year, each one offering something unique. Whether you want to celebrate the Irish heritage or listen to some jazz music in New Orleans, there’s something for everyone!
