Cherry blossom festivals celebrate the beauty of cherry trees, Japanese culture, and history. They are held worldwide, often in partnership with Japanese embassies or goodwill societies. Festivals include flower viewing parties, street fairs, and artistic performances. The events last at least two weeks to take advantage of the flowering window provided by the cherry trees. […]
The Tempe Arts Festival in Arizona is held twice a year, featuring over 400 artists, live music, street performers, and free crafts for kids. The festival also includes food, wine, and beer events, with a percentage of proceeds donated to local charities. Winners of the artist competition receive cash prizes and diplomas. The Tempe Arts […]
Clam festivals celebrate the bivalve and seafood cuisine with various cooking styles, including clam chowder cookouts and deep-fried seafood. They offer an opportunity to try local restaurants’ best dishes and learn new recipes. Festivals are organized by many municipalities, often to bring people together in the community and encourage tourism. Most festivals have themes based […]
Independent film festivals showcase documentaries, short films, and feature films produced by small studios or individual filmmakers. They provide networking opportunities and award prizes. Major studio-funded films are generally ineligible, and festivals have different award categories. Some festivals allow out-of-competition films to be showcased, and some offer awards for actors, directors, and cinematography. Typically an […]
Salsa festivals celebrate Latin heritage with music, dance, food, and artisanal vendors. Live music is essential, and local talent is preferred. Professional troupes perform, and educational workshops are available. Food vendors must obtain licenses, and booths sell out quickly. Festivals are typically held outdoors during warm seasons and are sponsored by local chambers of commerce, […]
A daffodil festival honors the flower and those who grow them, with crafts, goods, and daffodils for sale, musical entertainment, a parade, and a royal court. Attendees can learn about gardening and purchase daffodil-themed merchandise. The festival supports local businesses and is family-friendly. A daffodil festival is typically held in an area known for its […]
Cranberry festivals are held in several states in New England and southern Canada to celebrate the history of the fruit, which is native to North America. Wisconsin has the most successful cranberry industry and hosts the largest festival with over 100,000 attendees. Other states and Canadian provinces also hold festivals with various activities such as […]
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which began in 1947, hosts nearly 17,000 international artists who perform in cramped or unusual venues and rely on audience participation for success. In 2005, 1.3 million tickets were sold for nearly 1,800 performances, and in 2006, approximately 28,000 shows were included. The festival features a variety of acts, including comedy […]
The Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star or Wish Festival, is a Japanese celebration held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. It honors the legend of two separated lovers who reunite on this night by crossing the Milky Way. The festival promotes the idea that wishes can come true and includes […]
Hot air balloon festivals celebrate ballooning with mass launches, rides, night glows, parades, dances, food, and other events. Festivals can range from a few balloons to over 100, and may include wine, art, music, and charity fundraising. Some festivals are held in conjunction with other events, such as fairs or music festivals. A hot air […]
Seafood festivals celebrate local seafood industries or popular types of seafood. They often feature cooking contests, demonstrations, music, and exhibits, and are advertised through various media. Festivals are typically organized by local groups and held outdoors near docks or beaches. They aim to attract visitors and support the local seafood industry through games, contests, and […]
Garden festivals showcase new plants, techniques and products, with workshops and displays of landscapes, trees, and lawns. Events may focus on a particular element or flower, and offer learning opportunities for gardeners. Water features are also popular attractions. A garden festival is a celebration of flowers, plants and all things garden-related. Festivals often showcase the […]
Beer festivals celebrate the beverage in all its forms, with tasting, crafting, and competitions. Well-known festivals include Oktoberfest, Great American Beer Festival, and Český Pivní Festival. Brewers attend to promote their products and gain exposure to buyers. Festivals often include food, entertainment, and beer gardens. Held throughout the year, fall and summer are popular dates. […]
Italian festivals celebrate Italian culture and history with food, music, and entertainment. They take place worldwide and often on city streets or in large venues. Food is a central point, with vendors offering different foods and drinks. Cultural events include music, entertainment, and activities for children. Souvenirs are also available. An Italian festival is an […]
Kite festivals are held worldwide, featuring various kite-related activities and competitions. Popular events include the Blossom Kite Festival in Washington, DC, the Zilker Park festival in Austin, Texas, and the Dieppe International Kite Festival in Canada. Kites have a long history and are enjoyed by both children and adults as an outdoor pastime. A kite […]
Sorghum festivals are held in October in southern US states where the grain is grown. Sorghum is a popular grain used in food, sweeteners, and ethanol production. Festivals feature food, music, and entertainment, and last for two weeks with parades and contests. In the United States, a sorghum festival celebrates the sorghum harvest in the […]
Azalea festivals are springtime celebrations of culture, art, and gardens associated with the flowering of azaleas, popular shrubs that bloom in the spring. They are most commonly celebrated in the Southeastern United States and Japan. Azaleas are prized landscape plants and have been cultivated for hundreds of years, resulting in many thousands of varieties. They […]
Cherry festivals are themed events featuring cherry-related activities, entertainment, and food items held in various regions of the United States, Canada, Australia, and China. The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan, has been an annual event since 1931 and includes parades, an air show, and an art competition. Other cherry festivals include the Beaumont […]
Shakespearean festivals are events or organizations that celebrate the works of William Shakespeare through live performances. They can be short-term events or year-round theater companies that stage Shakespeare’s plays and other works. Festivals may also include games and informational displays, and can be part of larger historical events. Attendees typically require tickets, but some performances […]
Tulip festivals celebrate the tulip flower with events, contests, and exhibitions, as well as carnival attractions. They often occur in areas where tulips are grown and celebrate Dutch heritage. The festivals include entertainment, food, and vendors selling tulip-related products. Tulips come in many colors and are a common spring gift. Some festivals hold competitive events […]
