10 Popular Festivals In United States

festivals in the united states
Irene
Irene 
Updated
| 5 min read

As most people know, the United States of America is a very huge country with lots to offer. Each state in the USA has something new for you to discover. Some of the main attractions you have to check out when you are here include Statue of Liberty, Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Golden Gate Bridge just to mention a few. If you have some extra time on your hands while exploring, you should also learn about the culture here and socialise with the locals. There is no better way to do that than at one of their many festivals. Check out some of the most popular festivals in the United States.

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Yaabq_a1b
Source: Photo by user Greg Goebel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

One event you cannot miss attending in October is Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival in the world. The festival normally lasts for nine days, and visitors from all over the world gather to experience the enchanting view of colourful balloons floating in the sky. If you want to get more involved, you can also enjoy hot-air ballooning thanks to the favourable weather in Albuquerque. Apart from being a fun festival to attend, this is also an educational event to those who are fascinated by navigation and hot air balloons.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Address: 4401 Alameda Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113, United States

Website: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Takes Place: October

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2. Arizona Aloha Festival

Arizona Aloha Festival
Source: Photo by user Nick Bastian used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Arizona Aloha Festival is a family event that is dedicated to preserving and educating people on the cultures of Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti through traditional dances, musical performances, art and crafts, and traditional food. The festival, which is normally hosted in March at Tempe Beach Park, attracts visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by these cultures. Visitors get to enjoy shopping and eating delicious island food at pocket-friendly prices. The event is educational, so it is encouraged that you bring your kids along, especially if your family tree is connected to these islands.

Arizona Aloha Festival

Address: Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, Arizona, United States

Website: Arizona Aloha Festival

Takes Place: March

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3. Kutztown Folk Festival

festivals in the united states | kutztown folk festival
Source: instagram

First hosted more than 70 years ago, Kutztown Folk Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the country. The main objective of the festival is to celebrate the Pennsylvania Dutch culture in a fun and educative way. There is so much for everyone to enjoy during the event, including learning about early farming, dancing, or taking part in an auction. One of the best things about Dutch culture is the food, and you will get to enjoy a wide variety of it, both savoury and sweet. Before leaving the festival, make sure you stop by Festival Antique Building, where you will find collectables such as sterling silver, pocket watches, and furniture, among others.

Kutztown Folk Festival

Address: 225 N Whiteoak St, Kutztown, PA 19530, United States

Website: Kutztown Folk Festival

Takes Place: Usually held in July

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4. Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival

Joywave performing at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival April 17, 2016
Source: Photo by user Trevorhirst used under CC BY-SA 3.0

For more than 20 years, music lovers from all over the world have been crowding the Greater Palm Springs area just to experience Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The two-week-long festival is normally hosted at Empire Polo Club, and it is popular for inviting famous artists representing all song genres from rock and indie bands to mainstream performers. For those who love art, you can explore Coachella Walls or visit Palm Springs Art Museum. This is not only the perfect opportunity to appreciate music and arts but also a great chance to see what Indio and Greater Palm Springs has to offer.

Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival

Address: Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave, Indio, CA 92201, United States

Website: Coachella

Takes Place: April

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5. Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas

KineticFIELD EDC Las Vegas 2017
Source: Photo by user Insomniac Events used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hosted annually at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Electric Daisy Carnival is a must-attend festival for those who love music and art. The festival is famous for hosting the biggest and brightest artists and represents a variety of genres from techno to hip hop. In addition to the music, the festival also features thrilling carnival rides, themed bars, open-air theatres and Tokyo-style karaoke bars. There is so much to discover at this event, and all are invited to come and have fun.

Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas

Address: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Website: Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas

Takes Place: May

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6. Fantasy Fest

Fantasy Fest float
Source: Photo by user JKBrooks85 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Thanks to Fantasy Fest, the streets of Key West come to life for 10 days. During these 10 days, the streets are filled with people wearing incredible costumes, having colourful parties, and joining fun parades. It attracts visitors from all over the globe who come to have fun and celebrate their creativity. One of the most exciting events during this festival is Bud Light Fantasy Fest. This is a giant parade where you will find a mammoth of a crowd and wonderfully decorated floats with costumed entertainers. At Fantasy Fest, you will find out that there are so many ways to express your creativity.

Fantasy Fest

Address: 922 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040, United States

Website: Fantasy Fest

Takes Place: October

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7. Burning Man Festival

Burning Man 2012 festival from the air (7927652514)
Source: Photo by user Steve Jurvetson used under CC BY 2.0

Every year in August, thousands of guests travel to Nevada just to experience this unique event in a city that only exists to make it happen. In the Black Rock Desert, people gather for the amazing music, the interactive art pieces and, of course, the chance to witness the burning of a large “man” erected in the middle of the event. Ever since it was first hosted in 1986, guests have been attending this festival eager to join in and create. The event typically features art cars, sculptures, DJs and ritual tents. Everything is cleaned up by the attendees after, and the whole festival operates on a “leave no trace” principle.

Burning Man Festival

Address: Black Rock City, Black Rock Desert, Nevada

Website: Burning Man Festival

Takes Place: Usually held in August

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8. South By Southwest

The Octopus Project - SXSW 2010 Festival - Austin, TX
Source: Photo by user kris krüg used under CC BY-SA 2.0

For those who love music and films, this is one of the festivals you have to attend. It is hosted annually in Austin and is known for being a hotbed for discovery. Its unique and creative environment invites people who are eager to discover more than 250 film projects from all genres, including animation, narrative fiction, documentary, and many more all shown across nine days. Attending the festival is the perfect opportunity to network and appreciate the art behind the rapidly evolving world of film production. This is one of those festivals worth attending with your family and friends.

South By Southwest

Address: Austin, Texas

Website: South By Southwest

Takes Place: March

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9. New Orleans Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Parade, New Orleans, Louisiana (LOC)
Source: Photo by user Carol M. Highsmith used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

To enjoy this festival, you must first know what it means to the locals. There is a purpose as well as a story behind everything you will experience at this event. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is hosted every February and normally lasts for two weeks, just before Ash Wednesday. This magnificent, costumed festival is full of tradition and focuses on having a good time, eating, and socializing before starting Lent. New Orleans Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event, and it is a guarantee that your kids will enjoy the parades. One thing to keep in mind when preparing yourself for the festival is that the hotels and flights fill up quickly, so it is always best to start planning early.

New Orleans Mardi Gras

Address: St Charles Avenue, New Orleans

Website: New Orleans Mardi Gras

Takes Place: Usually held in February

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10. Boston Seafood Festival


In the United States, there is a festival for everyone, and if you love seafood, Boston Seafood Festival is perfect for you. Hosted by Boston Fisheries Foundation, this event normally involves tasting sensational seafood dishes, enjoying chef demos, and participating in interactive activities. The event also features competitions such as Battle of the Shuckers. Being a family-friendly festival, children’s activities and educational events are also included in the schedule. There is no better way to enjoy seafood than by eating good food and learning more about one of the oldest industries in the United States.

Boston Seafood Festival

Address: 212 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States

Takes place: August

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Experience the most popular festivals in America

There is no better way to socialise with the locals than by attending their favourite festivals. If you are planning a trip to this country soon, be sure to check out the list above for the best festivals in the USA that you can attend.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Irene Mwikali is a graduate student in Kenya who has a passion for travelling and exploring the world. Currently, her love for travel has taken her to several destinations including South Africa,...Read more

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