APRIL
Lantern Festival | April 8-June 14, Grand Rapids, MI
This breathtaking experience at John Ball Zoo consists of a 1-mile tour along an illuminated path of handcrafted lantern display that depict wildlife and elements from Asian culture. The third-annual event welcomes visitors for evenings also filled with local art, food and enjoyable light shows against the night sky. jbzoo.org
Ramps & Rails Festival | April 25, Elkins, WV
Celebrate Appalachian cuisine at the 16th annual Ramps & Rails Festival. This event, which also offers the opportunity to take a one-hour train excursion, features over 50 vendors serving delicious ramps, a garlicky, onion-like wild leek that grows in Appalachia, along with other local heritage foods. mountainrailwv.com
MAY
Tulip Time | May 1-10, Holland, MI
This weeklong event not only showcases a multitude of tulips but also explores Holland, Michigan’s Dutch heritage. Tulip Time began in 1929 after the city council purchased over 100,000 tulips from the Netherlands to plant around Holland and has been a beloved local tradition ever since. tuliptime.com
Feast of the Flowering Moon | May 22-24, Chillicothe, OH
This festival strives to educate, preserve and celebrate Native American culture with unique events and family activities. In downtown of Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park, visitors can experience Native American music and dancing as well as browse the ware of exhibitors and working with craftsmen. feastoftheflowerinmoon.org
Sueños Music Festival | May 23-24, Chicago, IL
Music fills the air along the lakefront at Chicago’s Grant Park for the Sueños Music Festival. Celebrating genres of Latin music such as reggaeton, and Latin pop and trap, the festival has a history of drawing big names in Latin music to perform. This year’s headliners are Fuerza Regida, J. Balvin and Kali Uchis. suenosmusicfestival.com
Windy City Hot Dog Fest | May 29-31, Chicago, IL
Chicago restaurants like Byron’s Hot Dogs and Chicago Doghouse face off for bragging right as to which spot serves up the best hot dogs in the city. Along with the competition to crown the Windy City’s best hot dog there’s also a hot dog-eating contest that attendees can sign up to participate or watch the action unfold. chicagoevents.com
Rochester Lilac Festival | May 8-17, Rochester, NY
Held annually in Highland Park, this festival celebrates the natural beauty of the historic green space that is home to more than 500 different lilac varieties. Over the course of 10 days, attendees can enjoy an art show, local farmers markets and walking tours through the park to learn more about its past. roclilacfest.com
The Kentucky Yoga Festival | May 15-17, Edmonton, KY
Immerse yourself in nature during this three-day festival designed to provide a relaxing and calming atmosphere for attendees. Each day brings different opportunities to engage in mindfulness and yoga techniques with the help of professional instructors. Open-air cabins are available, so attendees can wake up to a Sunrise Yoga session before enjoying the day’s activities. kyyogafest.com
Red River Gorge Bigfoot Fest | May 30, Stanton, KY
Keep an eye out for cryptids at this festival, where attendees are encouraged to dress up to compete in three different costume categories. Other competitions invite festivalgoers to show off their best Bigfoot howl and best cryptid tattoo. In addition to the contests, visitors can catch talks from field experts and enjoy a variety of activities. rrgbigfoot.com
JUNE
Three Rivers Arts Festival | June 5-7 & 11-14, Pittsburgh, PA
This festival celebrated over the span of two weekends offers live music, art galleries, dance and more. This year’s event coincides with the unveiling of Arts Landing, a new outdoor art space in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The new venue features a permanent stage for performances, public art installations and a play area for children and families. traf.trustarts.org
New York State Craft Brewers Festival | June 13, Buffalo, NY
Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just a casual enjoyer, this gathering of more than 50 different breweries hailing from across the state offers plenty to try, from new flavors to award-winning classics. Upgrade to the VIP Beer & Wing experience at 1 p.m., which offers five differently seasoned wings paired with five different beers. thinknydrinkny.com/buffalo
Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival | June 13, Midland, ON
If you’ve never had the chance to sample this Candain delicacy, now’s your chance. Last year, the festival sold 300,000 butter tarts — a flaky pastry filled with a sweet, gooey center — over the course of a single day. Shop more than 250 vendor booths selling uniquely flavored butter tarts, from bacon to coconut to s’mores to peanut-butter-and-jelly. midland.ca
Bloombox Festival | June 20, Indianapolis, IN
Prepare for a day of excellent music as some of the best local and regional artists gather in Indiana’s capital city to showcase their talent. Now celebrating its 25th year, this festival allows attendees to meet with craft vendors, food vendors and visual artists between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. during this one-day event. harrisoncenter.org/bloombox
Indiana Fiddler’s Gathering | June 26-28, Battle Ground, IN
Gather at the Tippecanoe Battlefield for this three-day event celebrating traditional music genres like bluegrass and folk. For over 50 years, this festival has provided a welcoming space for people to express themselves through music and find connection with others. Take part in free instrument and vocal workshops, jam sessions and more. indianafiddlersgathering.org
JULY
Charleston Sternwheeler Regatta | July 2-5, Charleston, WV
See the city of Charleston transform into the peak summertime festival during the Sternwheeler Regatta. After a 13-year hiatus and a comeback in 2022, this four-day festival celebrates summer with music, local vendors, fireworks and family-friendly activities. Take a sunset riverboat cruise for an unforgettable summer weekend or watch from the shoreline as the sternwheelers travel up and down the river. charlestonregatta.com
Ellicottville Summer Music Festival | July 3-5, Ellicottville, NY
Hear music ring through the hills and valleys of Ellicottville during this summer music festival. Musicians perform on the slopes of Holiday Valley, and headliners this year include Mr. Brightside, Hair Nation, Nerds Gone Wild, The Fab Four and others. Coinciding with Fourth of July weekend, a fireworks show caps off the three-day event. ellicottvilleny.com
Blobfest | July 10-12, Phoenixville, PA
Prepare to get weird at this wildly fun festival held at the Colonial Theatre, filming location for the 1958 sci-fi cult classic, “The Blob.” The theme of this year’s festival is “Cirque du Blobfest” and features a street fair, big top entertainment, film screenings, a Blob Ball and more. thecolonialtheatre.com/blobfest
Wabash Riverfest | July 11, West Lafayette, IN
Join residents of West Lafayette, Indiana, in celebrating the Wabash River, the longest free-flowing river in the eastern United States. Get active with guided hikes, canoeing and rock-climbing or take a leisurely float down the river. Other activities include charcoal drawing classes, live music, conservation exhibits and more. wabashriverfest.com
International Soap Box Derby | July 11-18, Akron, OH
Since 1934, more than 500 qualifiers from across the country have come to Akron to compete against each other by racing homemade soap box cars. Join 10,000 spectators in enjoying summer festivities while watching the race unfold. The race week includes other scheduled activities like a vintage car show and parade leading up to the main racing event July 18. aasbd.soapboxderby.org
Gaylord Alpenfest | July 14-18, Gaylord, MI
Feel transported to a Swiss-Alpine village without leaving the country. This festival offers Swiss-themed activities, traditions and cuisine. The centerpiece of the event is the Burning of the Böögg, which involves writing worries down on paper and burning them to signify the beginning of summer. gaylordalpenfest.com
Toronto Caribbean Carnival | June 13-Aug. 3, Toronto, ON
There’s plenty of time to enjoy the festivities presented by North America’s largest Caribbean Carnival. Kicking off June 13 and running through Aug. 3, this three-week celebration spreads across the Greater Toronto Area and plays host to a grand parade, costumed performers, nightly events, steelband competitions and much more. carbanatoronto.com
AUGUST
Ohio River Paddlefest | Aug. 1, Cincinnati, OH
Paddle along the Ohio River and around downtown Cincinnati on canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other human-powered vessels while traversing a 9-mile or 4.5-mile route. This event supports Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that aims to connect city teenagers with nature in outdoor activities. ohioriverpaddlefest.org
Peach Festival | Aug. 8-9, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Enjoy the sweet and juicy fruit at this event featuring farm-fresh treats and activities for the whole family. Catch a performance at the Peach Pit while enjoying a peach-flavored beverage. Other activities include a trip to the Peachy Keen Kids Zone, an antique tractor display, a peach pie contest and more. niagaraonthelake.com/peachfestival
Mountaineer Brewfest | Aug. 15, Wheeling, WV
Held annually on the third Saturday in August, this festival welcomes some of the best crafter brewers from around West Virginia to offer organized tastings to visiting beer enthusiasts. Enjoy live entertainment and local food vendors as well. Proceeds from the festival go to supporting local charities like Circus Saints and Sinners. mountaineerbrewfest.com
Woodland Art Fair | August 15-16, Lexington, KY
Celebrating its 50th year, this festival is one of the biggest free cultural events in Kentucky. Hundreds of artists show up to present their crafts, including pottery, painting, handbags and jewelry. Along with this showing of arts, attendees can enjoy food, drink and musical acts. woodlandartfair.org
The Great American Banana Spilt Celebration | Aug. 22-23, Latrobe, PA
Take a sweet adventure in Latrobe to celebrate the birthplace of the banana spilt. Since 2013, the city has celebrated David Strickler’s delicious invention for one full weekend in August. The event includes free family activities, live entertainment, local shops, adult beverages and the star of the show: delicious banana splits. bananaspiltfest.com
Lewiston Jazz Festival | August 28-29, Lewiston, NY
Starting as a way to uplift regional jazz artists, this event has grown into a large-scale festival hosting over 150 artists performing artists, including some of the genre’s most popular artists. The festival encompasses the entirety of Center Street, which is filled with food and drink vendors. lewistonjazz.com
Ohio Renaissance Festival | Aug. 30–Oct. 26, Waynesville, OH
Leave the modern world behind and enter into a 16th-century village bursting with adventure and wonder in Waynesville, Ohio. Cheer for dueling knights as they joust on horseback, feast on giant turkey legs and shop for handmade treasures. Each weekend centers around a different theme, whether it’s pirates, fairies, Vikings or time travelers, so no two visits to the Ohio Renaissance Festival are the same. renfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
50th Toronto International Film Festival | Sept. 4–14, Toronto, ON
Celebrate 50 years of the Toronto International Film Festival, and catch plenty of buzzworthy movies before they hit theaters. Enjoy star-studded conversations, attend masterclasses and experience gala nights at iconic venues. The Toronto International Film Festival offers more than just movies too. It’s a cultural feast with art installations, special events and chances to connect with fellow cinephiles. tiff.net
Cleveland Air Show | Sept. 5-7, Cleveland, OH
A Labor Day tradition since 1964, the Cleveland Air Show provides three days of exciting aerial spectacles from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, NextGen Eagles Aerobatic Team, USA Golden Knights and more. The event offers an insight into Cleveland’s long aviation history through interactive exhibits for children and aircraft tours. Plus, visitors can get a rush by watching a jet truck race a plane down the runway. clevelandairshow.com
Frankenmuth Auto Fest | Sept. 5–7, Frankenmuth, MI
Vintage automobile lovers will delight in the hundreds of classic cars, hot rods and muscle cars that gather in the Bavarian-style city of Frankenmuth during this three-day festival. The event includes a main car show at Heritage Park, as well as a competition to compete for the festival’s Bavarian Cup at the Harvey Kern Pavilion. Plus, see amphibious Amphicars navigating the Cass River, dig into daily pancake breakfasts and enjoy an evening drone show and a Big Block Party on Sept. 5. frankenmuthautofest.net
Cedar Point HalloWeekends | Sept. 11–Nov. 1, Sandusky, OH
Experience the season’s best mix of fun and frights at the beloved Sandusky theme park’s HalloWeekends, where haunted houses like Fearground Freakshow offer spine-tingling chills and endless fun. The night air fills with eerie sounds and lively scare zones, creating a thrilling atmosphere that is perfect for visitors craving some spooky fun this time of year. cedarpoint.com
100 Y’Ears of Popcorn | Sept. 13, Mount Joy, PA
Celebrate a century of buttery, popped deliciousness at this festival in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. What started as a simple operation on a Lancaster County farm in 1925 has grown into a nationwide supplier of premium popcorn. Join the Reist family for a day of fun, including hayrides, a corn maze, live music, games, fireworks and, of course, plenty of popcorn. reistpopcorn.com/100years
Pygmalion Festival | Sept. 18–20, Urbana, IL
Since 2005, this music festival has celebrated Urbana, Illinois’ arts and culture scene with three days dedicated to showcasing artists and their work. Along with featuring musical acts, the festival lineup also includes creators like comedians and writers. This year, attendees can check out the work of comedian Josh Johnson, electronic music duo Snow Strippers and actor Hannibal Buress. thisispygmalion.com
World Chicken Festival | Sept. 25–28, London, KY
Home to the world’s largest stainless-steel skillet, the World Chicken Festival has celebrated Col. Harland Sanders (of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame) and the state’s chicken heritage for over three decades. Along with world-famous eats, there is musical entertainment, carnival rides and contests throughout the weekend. Hosting over 30,000 people each year, the event works in tandem with over 50 local nonprofits. chickenfestival.com
OCTOBER
Kentucky Apple Festival | Oct. 2–4, Paintsville, KY
Celebrating over six decades of apple production in and around the city of Paintsville, the Kentucky Apple Festival features a hefty lineup of vendors and activities, including live music, a Miss Apple Blossom pageant, a parade, flea market and more. Plus, enjoy plenty of apple-themed treats, from crisp candy apples to warm fried apple pie. kyapplefest.org
Nuit Blanche | Oct. 4–5, Toronto, ON
In Toronto, Ontario, Nuit Blanche welcomes visitors to “translate the city” through immersive art pieces that explore language, culture and identity in urban life. Under guidance from artistic director Laura Nanni, this free all-night festival transforms public spaces into vibrant canvases with contemporary installations from thousands of artists. It has become a landmark cultural event, fueling creativity in the city. toronto.ca
West Side Nut Club Fall Festival | Oct. 6, Evansville, IN
Earning the title of #1 Fall Festival in the USA by USA Today in 2024, the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival offers a massive celebration that attracts over 200,000 people to Evansville, Indiana. The sound of live entertainment and amateur talent competitions erupt along the city’s Franklin Street, along with more than 100 food booths and multiple carnival attractions. nutclubfallfestival.com
Lumenaura Festival | Oct. 10–12, Aurora, IL
This illuminating festival colors the city of Aurora, Illinois, with creative, artistic displays of sights and sound. The vibrant visuals and immersive experiences create a unique way to see the illuminated city at nightfall. The glowing sensory atmosphere is complemented by musical acts on the main stage, and visitors have a chance to create their own artistic masterpieces. yourvoice.aurora.il.us/lumenaura
Peek’n Peak Fall Fest | Oct. 11–12 & 18–19, Clymer, NY
As the leaves fall, so does the Peek’n Peak Fall Fest, returning for two separate weekends in October. With autumn foliage on full display, enjoy perusing the local farmers market and over 100 vendors. Highlights include a pumpkin cannon, ski-lift rides, live entertainment, kids activities and more. pknpkfallfest.com
Bridge Day | Oct. 18, Fayetteville, WV
Each year, one of West Virginia’s largest single-day festivals sees thrill seekers BASE jump and rappel from the top of the New River Gorge Bridge, overlooking the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Visitors can get in on the action with zip lining, whitewater rafting, a 5K run and more. officialbridgeday.com
Punkin Chunkin | Oct. 18, Clayton, NY
This sensational autumn event sees several catapults set up along Clayton, New York’s Riverside Drive. Attendees can marvel as pumpkins are chucked out across the St. Lawrence River, plus enjoy a farmers market and barbecue competition and tasting while they’re in town.
1000islands-clayton.com
NOVEMBER
Festival of Lights | Nov. 6–Jan. 4, Wheeling, WV
Spanning 300 acres and featuring millions of lights, Oglebay Park Resort’s Festival of Lights is one of the largest holiday light shows in the U.S. Enjoy dazzling exhibitions at locations like the Oglebay Zoo, the Oglebay Mansion Museum, Oglebay’s Gardens of Light and others, alongside a Winter Carnival and live shows at the Oglebay Lodge. oglebay.com/calendar/celebrations/festival-of-lights
Route 66 Film Festival | Nov. 7–8, Springfield, IL
Affectionately named after U.S. Route 66, this film festival showcases both short and feature-length films at the city of Springfield’s Hoogland Center for the Arts. Since 2002, this two-day event has welcomed many different genres from countries around the world. Following the full schedule of film screenings, the festival will conclude with an awards ceremony. route66filmfestival.net
Light the Night | Nov. 15–Jan. 1, Charleston, WV
More than 2.5 million lights and eight different interactive displays cover Charleston’s GoMart Ballpark for this festival that is considered the largest winter light festival in West Virginia. In addition to holiday music, food and shopping, enjoy classic amusement park favorites like a Ferris wheel and carousel, or embrace the winter season with outdoor ice skating, ice bumper cars and a trip aboard the Holiday Train. dblightthenight.com
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 22–Dec. 24, Carmel, IN
Each winter in Carmel, Indiana, the annual Christkindlmarkt turns the city into a lively slice of Germany, complete with rows of wooden vendor huts, the scent of sizzling bratwurst and roasted nuts, and the glow of a 33-foot Glühwein pyramid. Adults can browse beer steins and nutcrackers while kids delight in live music and visits from Christkind. carmelchristkindlmarkt.com
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom | Nov. 22–Jan. 3, Louisville, KY
Spending the holidays at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville means filling your schedule with festive activities packed as tightly as the snow on the theme park’s 175-foot-long tubing hill (the largest in the state of Kentucky). From meeting Santa and his reindeer to taking in the property’s over 1.5 million lights and more than 300 Christmas trees, Kentucky Kingdom hosts a wide array of festivities for the whole family to enjoy. kentuckykingdom.com
The Original Santa Claus Parade | Nov. 23, Toronto, ON
For 120 years, this parade has kicked off the holiday season in Toronto with colorful floats, lively music and festive cheer. Attendees can wander along the parade route to catch sight of more than 25 animated floats and roughly 2,000 costumed marchers. Plus, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and celebrate the magic of Christmas as Santa makes his entrance. thesantaclausparade.com
Christmas Time at the Ark Encounter | Nov. 28–Jan. 3, Williamstown, KY
On select days throughout the season, visit this life-size Noah’s ark replica in Williamstown, Kentucky, for a festive laser show and lights display. Supplementary to the biblical theme, guests can ride an educational carousel and meet the ark’s live animals. After participating in a virtual-reality experience, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa to finish out the day. arkencounter.com/christmas
Holly Dickens Festival | Nov. 29–Dec. 14, Holly, MI
Kindle your holiday spirit this year with three weeks of merriment at the Holly Dickens Festival in downtown Holly, Michigan, where you can see Dickens-era costumes, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, hear caroling or savor festive drinks at an old-fashioned pub before taking a timeless picture with Santa Claus. The event kicks off with the Dickens Lighted Parade and a tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 28. hollydickensfestival.org
World’s Largest Disco | Nov. 30, Buffalo, NY
Since 1979, this night-long bash held at the Buffalo Convention Center has been a long-standing charity fundraiser in the area. Attendees can enjoy dressing up in theme and dance the night away on the largest dance floor in New York State, all while supporting a good cuase. Over the years, the World’s Largest Disco has raised over $8 million for various charities. theworldslargestdisco.com
DECEMBER
Canonsburg Old Fashioned Christmas | Dec. 5–6, Canonsburg, PA
Small-town holiday magic is alive and well at this old-fashioned Christmas celebration in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. After starting as a humble local tree-lighting, the festival has grown into a weekend of festivities that draws nearly 30,000 visitors. Explore a global Christmas market, delicious food, kids activities, live entertainment and a tree lighting ceremony. canonsburgsoldfashionedchristmas.com
Magic at the Mill | Dec. 5–20, Holland, MI
Over 1,000 LED tulip blossoms decorate Holland’s authentic De Zwaan windmill to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Plus, attendees can see a musical light show and a guest appearance from Sinterklaas (the Dutch name for Santa Claus) to cap off a night of festive cheer for all ages. holland.org/magic-at-the-mill
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival | Dec. 6, Lebanon, OH
Step into a twinkling holiday wonderland in Historic Downtown Lebanon. Enjoy festive horse-drawn carriages sparkling with lights during two enchanting parades, explore a lively market, hear joyful carolers and share magical moments with Santa. Take part in the Christmas cheer with music, crafts and family fun for all ages. lebanonchamber.org
New Year’s Eve at Niagara Falls | Dec. 31–Jan. 1, Niagara Falls, NY
Visitors to this event can ring in the New Year while overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from Table Rock House Restaurant in Niagara Falls prior to viewing the fireworks display. Niagara Parks has many nighttime activities to illuminate the holiday, including an immersive light experience at the Power Station and an annual Poinsettia Show. The following morning, brunch will be offered at Queenston Heights Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. niagaraparks.com
JANUARY
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition | Jan. 22–25, Rockford, IL
Watch Rockford Illinois’ Sinnissippi Park transform into a winter wonderland for the annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition. Tour the icy atmosphere either on foot or from the comfort of your car to view each entry in the state and high school divisions. Attendees can vote on their favorite sculpture for the People’s Choice award, while the sculptors will be assessing each creation based on creativity, technique and message. ilsnowsculpting.com
FEBRUARY
Culver Winterfest | Feb. 6–8, Culver, IN
During this three-day festival held in Culver, Indiana, ice sculptors from Rock On Ice carve shimmering figures throughout the town as crowds gather in the cold. Kids can rush down the sledding hill while adults lounge in the beer garden. Plus, take part in the chili cook-off, toast marshmallows for s’mores and watch the Ice Fights, where sculptors compete to create frozen masterpieces before time runs out. findculver.com/winterfest
Mythicon | Feb. 13-15, Gettysburg, PA
Step into a world of folklore, fantasy and fun at this family-friendly winter festival held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Immerse yourself in the magic of fairy tales and mythical creatures with whimsical storytelling, music, workshops, games, crafts, guest speakers, drumming and dance performances, shopping and more. mythicon.me
Medina Ice Festival | Feb. 14–17, Medina, OH
Shake off cabin fever at Medina’s Ice Festival. This free event hosts master carvers who transform blocks of ice into dazzling sculptures on the historic square in downtown Medina, Ohio. Explore the glowing ice garden, cozy up by the firey ice tower and snap unforgettable photos. The best way to warm up during the festivities is by exploring the charming local shops nearby. mainstreetmedina.com
Mountain State Maple Days | Feb. 15 & March 15, Various Locations, WV
Delight in everything maple at sugarhouses and businesses across West Virginia during this celebration. Offerings may vary between locations, but highlights include maple tapping and syrup-making demonstrations, as well as maple-themed eats, including maple moonshine, maple-glazed pork chops and more. wvmspa.org/mountain-state-maple-days
Marsh Madness | Feb. 20–21, Linton, IN
Each March in Linton, Indiana, Marsh Madness is held to coincide with the breathtaking migration of Sandhill Cranes and other waterfowl. Located at Humphrey’s Park and the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Greene County, the festival brings bird-watchers together to witness this spectacular migratory feat. Visitors can enjoy guided wetland bus tours, hands-on wildlife demonstrations and activities for kids that blend creativity and conservation. friendsofgoosepond.org/marsh-madness