7 Incredible Cultural Festivals Across the United States

Jul 7, 2024

One of the most wonderful things about living here in the US is that it’s a veritable melting pot of culture! Today, we’re sharing some of the best immersive cultural experiences to visit across the country. From parades to festivals to seasonal celebrations, there are so many exciting and memorable moments to be had. So let’s get to know one another, explore the vast multicultural perspectives out there, and connect with people while having the time of our lives and making unforgettable memories. Get out your calendars because you don’t want to miss these seven incredible cultural festivals across the US!

Chicago’s Caribbean Carnival Weekend in Chicago, Illinois

This lively and vivacious annual event aims to help preserve and celebrate the Caribbean culture and history of the Chicago community. With 5 different events held over a three day Summer weekend, this bustling celebration features some of the biggest names in Caribbean entertainment and SOCA music, live DJs and dance demonstrations. This family-friendly event is chock-full of excitement and you’ll get to enjoy more than 20 musical artists, opportunities to meet local influencers, special event vendors and artists and shopping markets, local food and beverage vendors, Caribbean bands, and an absolutely effervescent parade. New this year to get you warmed up is the addition of the Bantu Festival and Chicago Caribbean Carnival Committee’s “SOCA Village” at the Bantu Festival 2024 event in July, in case you can’t wait until August for the Chicarnival Weekend. This year’s ChiCarnival Weekend promises a jam packed weekend of family fun from August 16th, 17th, and 18th 2024.

Bavarian Blast Festival in New Ulm, Minnesota

Held annually each summer in New Ulm, this unique festival prides itself on being the biggest party of the summer for the local area. It’s a 4-day event that has grown in popularity, and outgrew its original roots at local German Park, now held at the Brown County Fairgrounds. It’s energetic and enthusiastic in celebrating the region’s German heritage. For its 17th year running, the festival promises plenty of live music and dance, family-friendly activities, a sauerkraut-eating contest, beer-stein holding contest, barrel rolling, dog racing, and plenty of polka! Each day is a full schedule of bands, singers, and entertainers in Schell’s Tent. Or enjoy the dancing and demonstrations at KNVJ Polka Hall. Closing out the event is the unforgettable Bavarian Blast Parade! This year’s event is held July 18th through July 21st 2024.

Little Italy Festival in Clinton, Indiana

A full jam-packed festival over Labor Day Weekend, this festival celebrates the local Italian heritage of Clinton with great gusto starting with a parade. You’ll find delicious Italian and Italian-American cuisine from local restaurants and food trucks and handmade gelatos. The festival offers ample opportunity to connect with the local community and city, explore its connections to Italian immigrants and culture, and educate yourself on Italian traditions. There’s plenty of family friendly activities such as face painting, carnival rides and games, and lots of shopping with local and artisan vendors. Treat your ears to some of the live entertainment such as the bands playing traditional Italian favorites, learn some traditional Italian dances, and even try your hand at the local grape stomping competition. This year’s event runs August 30th through September 2nd 2024

Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio

Attracting more than 100,000 attendees each year, this annual celebration showcases the lively music and culture of Ireland! With 37 years running, this is the largest 3-day Irish festival in the world. There are 7 stages of live music and entertainment with more than 60 acts and 800 performers to keep you entertained. Bring the whole family out for a weekend of fun and excitement! Try your luck in the 5K & Kids Dash to kick off the festival, followed by a celebratory Post-Race Party and Concert. Get to know the dogs of Ireland up close and personal at the Celtic Canines area, and learn about the history of Irish dog breeds. Enjoy hands-on workshops, activities, cultural demonstrations, and historical reenactments at the Music and Cultural Workshop stages, or try your hand at a round of darts. Want to learn more about your own Irish heritage? Stop by the Genealogy Tent and trace your roots with the experts on staff. And we can’t forget the shopping! There are more than 90 vendors selling everything from traditional Irish knits and hats to souvenirs and home decor, jewelry, and so much more. This year’s festival takes place from August 2nd through August 4th 2024.

The Diwali Festival of San Antonio, Texas

This unique festival experience celebrates the traditional Indian holiday of Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali is traditionally celebrated over the course of 5 days with festive feasts, gatherings with family and loved ones, fireworks displays, rangoli artworks with oil lamps, and more. The San Antonio festival started in 2009 as a celebration of the “Sister-City” relationship between Chennai, India and San Antonio, Texas. It has since blossomed into a major celebration for the city! Celebrations include ceremonial floating candle lighting along the River Walk, traditional Indian dance celebrations, delectable Indian cuisine from local restaurants and food trucks, art and merchant booths, vendors selling traditional Indian attire, and so much more. And of course, at the end of the night there’s a truly impressive fireworks spectacular! The San Antonio event is a single-night event happening each November, this year taking place on November 2nd 2024.

National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, New York

Celebrating the rich Puerto Rican cultural history of local immigrant populations and the country itself, this day is an explosion of excitement and entertainment while raising awareness about the community’s contributions to the world. The parade starts at 11AM and runs from 44th street to 5th Avenue to 79th Street. Each year features a new theme, with the most recent being “Boricua de Corazon” or “Puerto Rican in Your Heart”. It features fantastic floats, explosive entertainment and musical acts, dazzling folkloric dance demonstrations, incredible costumes and traditional dress, and of course plenty of family-friendly activities, food, and shopping at the 152nd Street Cultural Festival in the Bronx. The next event will take place on June 8th 2025.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico

For nine incredible days, Balloon Fiesta Park becomes a true spectacle to behold as 600 balloons fill the grounds and the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. What started as a small gathering of 13 balloonists has grown into both the largest ballooning event and the most photographed event in the world! In 2022, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary and 50th event and record breaking turnout. Plan to spend at least 3 days here at minimum, so you have better odds of witnessing the incredible balloon launches early in the morning. There’s so much to experience and see here that might even be a little overwhelming. You’ll experience everything from gas balloon races, to flying competitions, to uniquely shaped balloons, drone light shows, live music in Balloon FEstival Park, chainsaw carving competitions, car shows, carnival games and rides, and so very much more. This year’s event starts October 5th and runs through October 13th 2024.