10 Places To Visit In USA In August

places to visit in usa in august
Elmo
Elmo 
Published
| 5 min read

If you’re planning a summer holiday in the United States, you might consider travelling there in August. It’s almost the end of summer and beginning of autumn, so you will be welcomed by warm weather. There are so many exciting activities happening all over the country during the month of August, and they are suitable for almost everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a music fan, or simply looking forward to some excitement. So, please sit down and prepare your map and planner, because we are here to help you with a list of events that are worth visiting on your holiday. Keep reading to find out about places to visit in USA in August!

1. Rockland, Maine (Maine Lobster Festival)

Maine Lobster Festival Thoth
Source: Photo by user Karen Apricot used under CC BY-SA 2.0

What started as an event to support the local fishermen in Rockland, Maine, has expanded into an international festival that attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the world. The Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day event that happens on the first weekend of August, where everyone will celebrate their love of seafood. Savour freshly-caught lobster cooked by exceptional seafood chefs and get ready to be entertained by cooking contests, carnival rides, and arts and crafts displays by local artists.

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2. Payson, Arizona (World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo)

Exciting rodeo
Source: Pixabay

Drop by to Payson, Arizona, to unleash your inner cowboy. The World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo has been going on for 136 years now, and you can be a part of its longevity. Since its founding back in 1884, Payson Rodeo has always been held on the third weekend of August, just before summer turns to autumn. Professional rodeo athletes gather to show off their skills through various activities during the festival, from bareback riding and team roping to barrel racing and bull riding. Over the years, this event has gained a lot of attention, and it’s only understandable since it definitely makes the audience go “yeehaw!”

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3. Black Rock City, Nevada (Burning Man Festival)

Sculpture at Burning Man Festival
Source: Needpix

Almost everything about the Burning Man Festival is worth to pay attention to, from the fact that it’s organised and run by volunteers to how it’s being held at a temporary metropolis that exists solely for the event. Even so, this “city” is a major tourist hot spot during the festival. There are two major rules for people who are going to the Burning Man Festival: participate and leave no trace behind. All attendees are expected to contribute something, be it a performance or an art piece. As for leaving no trace behind, it is related to the permit given to this event, so it can still keep going for years. Mind you, though, this festival is not for the faint of heart.

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4. National Harbour, Maryland (Chesapeake Crab, Wine, and Beer Festivals)


If Maine is famous for its fresh lobsters, then Chesapeake City in Maryland has its own crustacean favourite: crabs. If you’re visiting in August, then you can head to the Chesapeake Crab, Wine, and Beer Festival. It’s the place where you can enjoy a wide range of crabs and other seafood dishes prepared by local chefs. While here, you can also enjoy some live entertainment while washing the food down with craft beers and wines. This event is also held in Baltimore, Maryland in June, if you want to visit that city instead - don’t worry, Hannibal Lecter won’t be attending.

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5. Chicago, Illinois (Lollapalooza Music Festival)

Eminem
Source: Photo by user David Silverman used under CC BY 2.0

For the rock fan in you, this festival is a must-visit. The dates are set for July 30 to August 2 in Chicago, Illinois. Now that you know, start planning your holiday to this city so you can attend the Lollapalooza Music Festival. Enjoy performances by the Strokes, the Chainsmokers, Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, and many more. Check out their official website to find out more about tickets and scheduled performers.

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6. San Francisco, California (Outside Lands Festival)

Muse at Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Edward Betts used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Summer is truly the best time to hold a music festival in the US, and there are many all over the country, including San Fransisco. Outside Lands Festival is a celebration for all ages, with a wide range of performances. Every year, it’s held at the famous Golden Gate. This is also a place where you can enjoy a variety of art and food provided by local vendors. This festival has its own app that you can download and use throughout the event to find out about the best food and drinks, who is performing on which stage, and how to get there.

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7. Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa State Fair)

Iowa State Fair - Day 3
Source: Photo by user Phil Roeder used under CC BY 2.0

Known nationally as the most significant and oldest fair in the field of agriculture, Iowa State Fair attracts millions of people from all over the globe to visit Des Moines each year. This event is a celebration of the state’s achievements throughout the year, from agriculture to entertainment, and many more. Iowa State Fair even inspired Phil Stong’s acclaimed novel, State Fair, plus several films and a Broadway musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

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8. Warwick, New York (Hudson Valley Jazz Festival)


If rock music is not your cup of tea, then you might want to check out this festival from another genre of music: jazz. Held annually in August, Hudson Valley Jazz Festival presents the best of American jazz. On its tenth year, this event has continuously garnered the respect and admiration of locals and tourists who come to see some amazing jazz performances. Plan your trip to Warwick, New York, and see how the town comes alive with the sound of jazz.

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9. Brunswick, Maine (Greenwoods Reggae Festival)


Entering its fifth season and not showing any signs of slowing down, Greenwoods Reggae Festival - part of the Greenwoods Roots and Culture Revival - will provide you with the best reggae musicians, along with other presentations. Here, you can also purchase goods that are locally produced and harvested, including some fermented products like craft beer. This event is child-friendly, making it a perfect place to check out if you want to have a pleasant time with family.

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10. Hutchinson, Minnesota (Minnesota Garlic Festival)


This is probably the quirkiest - and most vampire-free - festival that you will ever experience. Minnesota Garlic Festival is a fun celebration organized by local garlic farmers. It is also a great way to support sustainable farming, healthy environment, and rural communities in Minnesota. Here, you can savour food that is cooked with freshly plucked garlic. Minnesota Garlic Festival is probably one of the only places where you can have a go at garlic ice cream. This is a zero-waste event, so make sure you bring your own bag, both for your shopping and your waste.

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Spend your summer having brand new experiences

The United States romanticises the summer holiday, and for good reason. They have many festivities and celebrations during the three months of summer, and you can be a part of them. So, which of these places in the USA will you visit in August next year?

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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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Elmira, also known as Elmo, is a dedicated travel writer who lives by the belief that visiting at least one new place each year broadens knowledge and enriches the heart. Her passion for exploring...Read more

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