If you’re in the mood to dance, sample brews or enjoy delicious food, there’s probably a festival near you today. From a rhubarb festival in Wisconsin to a pumpkin-themed event in Virginia, these events offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the season and try something new.
Cheese may be king in Wisconsin, but there’s much more to the state than just this tasty food. The Strawberry Fest in Waupaca offers a family-friendly way to indulge your sweet tooth. The Warrens Cranberry Festival is one of the largest on the planet. And the Green Bay Bluegill Festival is a great place to see classic and wooden boats up close.
This event celebrates the diverse cultures of Portage County in Wisconsin with fantastic food, music and folk dances, as well as traditional arts, crafts and children’s games. It’s a great way for families to learn about the history of their community and make new friends, while having fun at the same time.
In the spring, the beautiful Paine Art Center and Gardens hosts a free plant sale and other activities. During this family-friendly festival, guests can taste local wines, shop for plants and garden supplies and listen to live music. The festival also has a variety of food, including a jalapeno-eating contest and a ketchup slide.
During the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, visitors watch as locals dress up in vibrant costumes. The festivities are a homage to the island’s history, with many people reenacting important moments in the country’s history and culture. The celebration concludes with a parade featuring many of the same characters from the costumed revelry.
Colorado has plenty of festivals to keep you warm throughout the winter. Get your ice skates on at Millennium Park or head to Lakeside for a winter festival with ice skating and live music. Enjoy a scenic (and free!) skating experience at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s ice rink. Rock out to a musical lineup at the free Music Frozen Dancing outdoor festival. Or, sample hard ciders from regional and global producers at Cider Summit Chicago.
If you love to go on a wild adventure, check out the World of Genre Cinema at Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal. This popular event is packed with thrills and spills, plus filmmaker Q&As and premieres.
If you’re looking for a festival that will keep your furry friends entertained, look no further than Fromm Petfest. This free festival is packed with games, activities and fun for cats and dogs. You’ll even find a few vendors selling dog-friendly treats.
