4 Best Summer Festivals in the US

What’s YOUR favorite summer festival to attend?

When the weather begins to clear and the flowers start to bloom, the US gets ready for all the fantastic summer festivals.

From events celebrating summer staples like art, music, barbecue, and beer to festivals that focus on more unique topics,  it seems like there’s a summer festival for everyone and every weekend in every corner of our beautiful country.

And that means that no matter your interests, there’s bound to be a festival for you. Here are just a few of our favorite summer festivals around the US. Click “Next” to see them all, and be sure to leave us a comment at the end to tell us which of them was your favorite!

Battle of Gettysburg Reenactment

When? June 30th to July 2nd

Where? Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Back in 1863, over 160,000 soldiers bravely fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, leading to more than 51,000 casualties during the three-day battle of this part of the Civil War. Historians state that this event, and the Union’s victory, was the turning point in the war.

Each year in July, on or around the anniversary, the devastating fight is relived at Gettysburg National Military Park, 143 miles west of Philadelphia, and you can witness it.

The crowd grows quiet, and its tension is electric as many official reenactors partake in reenactments and quarrels, including the historic Pickett’s Charge.

Highlights:

• Battle Reenactments: There’s one major battle every day mirroring the three days of the original battle
• Cavalry Demonstrations: You can learn about the tactics of horse cavalry units.
• Domestic Demonstrations: Explore how the battle impacted daily life ans how civilians lived.
• Sharpshooter Demonstrations: See what it was like to be considered a sharpshooter during this period.
• Speakers Tent: Various topics throughout the day, including Civil War spies and the role of women in the Civil War.
• Living History: Learn about varied Civil War topics, including clothing and medicine.
• Children’s Activities: Doll making, period candy, tea parties, and period games.
• The Daniel Lady House Museums: Tour the barn and house set up like a Civil War hospital.

UFO Festival

When? June 30th to July 2nd

Where? Roswell, New Mexico

Back in 1947, a ranch owner heard a loud crash outside his house, and when he checked it out, he discovered metal pieces and some other strange parts of some kind of aircraft. He called the Sheriff, who phoned the Air Force, and they came and cleared the wreckage.

Many believe this was a UFO crash and that our government wanted to cover it up. Who knows what’s really out there? No matter the case, the UFO festival is very entertaining to be a part of!

This summer festival takes an amusing look at the UFO Phenomenon and encourages people to dress up as Aliens, their dogs included!

Highlights:

• Tour of the Roswell UFO Crash site
• 5k Alien-Themed Parade known as the “Alien Chase”
• Planetarium Tours
• Vintage Fairs that showcase alien and robot toys
• Alien Research Speakers

Cheyenne Frontier Days

When? July 21st to July 29th

Where? Cheyenne, Wyoming

See a rodeo, sip a cold beer, and check out the tough-as-nails, hat-wearing cowboys at this 10-day bonanza in Wyoming’s capital. It’s held every July, and the summer festival ranks as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

Over 250,000 people attend the festivities each year. Wild West culture thrives at the rodeo, and spectators should prepare for heart-pounding adrenaline rushes during these events.

Highlights:

• PRCA Rodeo: There are nine daily performances. And in between the main acts, there are also bullfighters and barrelmen.
• Behind the Chutes Tour: Get a cowboy’s view behind the chutes as the tour leads you through the gates where the bulls and broncs wait for their events. Finish it off by stepping out onto the arena and looking up into the grandstands.
• Night Shows: There are nights of Championship Bull Riding. And if you’re a country music fan, CFD nights feature some of the greatest names in country music.
• Parades: Making its way through the downtown area, the grand parades feature floats from 1926, marching bands, and horse and riders. Pro Tip: If you want a good seat, stake out your territory just after sunrise to get curbside seating.
• Free Pancake Breakfast: Started by the Cheyenne Frontier Days Committee in 1952, the traditional free pancake breakfast is a fan favorite. Volunteers serve up more than 100,000 pancakes and 475 gallons of syrup in the depot plaza in downtown Cheyenne every year at 7 a.m.

Amish Acres Arts And Crafts Festival

When? August 3rd to August 5th

Where? Nappanee, Indiana

For over a century, the Amish Acres Arts and Crafts Festival has taken place during the first weekend in August in Nappanee, Indiana. This is one of the most exciting summer festivals you can attend if you happen to be in the area!

During this three-day summer festival, over 70,000 visitors go to enjoy the festivities and stroll their way through 350 artists and artisans selling their intricate handmade wares.

Highlights:

• Traditional Amish wagon rides
• Guided tours of the local Amish country
• Four stages of live entertainment
• Musical theater performances

Be sure to tell us in the comments section which summer festival you plan on attending this year! And as always, whichever destination you choose to visit this summer, don’t forget to pack your camera and snap some memorable shots!

If you liked this article, we also highly recommend you check out: 5 Magnificent and Low-Cost Summer Destinations in the US