Celebrate Cultural Communities Week with These Amazing Global Culture Festivals Across the US

Jul 8, 2025

Today we’re celebrating Cultural Communities Week by focusing on one of the most fantastic things about living here in the US – there are so many unique and vibrant cultures that make this one exciting place to live. We’re sharing some of the most immersive and diverse cultural festivals all across the US, so you can plan your next road trip accordingly. Center your next trip around one of these great annual festivals, and you’ll not only have a great time and be entertained, but we bet you’ll learn something new, too! We’ve loved connecting with the local community over the years here in Waukegan, and can’t wait to expand our knowledge to learn even more about everyone’s heritage!

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 incredible cultural festivals across the US!

The Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival in South Carolina

This festival commemorates the celebration called Decoration Day, and educates the masses about the history and traditions of Gullah Culture. The festival hosts panels and discussions along with special presentations on Gullah Heritage, but that’s not all! There are numerous Jazz and drum musicians, singers, dances and traditional spoken word storytelling. Learn all about Sweetgrass Basket Weaving’s origins in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and how it was brought to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. You’ll even have your chance to try it first-hand to make a keepsake sweetgrass project. If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, Crocheting or African American Quilting classes may be more your speed. Creative folks will really be interested to learn more about the history of the Gullah’s She’ke’re West African percussion instrument, and meet the artist in person! Abayomi ragdoll making expands on the Yoruba cultural history lesson and is an easy crafting workshop for all ages.

The Miami Goombay Festival

This vibrant festival celebrates the culture and community heritage of the Bahamian people with three days of music, food, and tradition! With entertainment ranging from cultural programming and lectures to live music and dance performances, and family-friendly activities there’s something to entertain everyone! The star of the festival, however, is the Junkanoo, a centuries-old tradition of rhythmic drumming, fantastical elaborate costumes, and a lively street procession. Vendors will also be showcasing Bahamian fashion and art, and serving up classic Bahamian dishes such as conch fitters and conch salad! It’s one of South Florida’s longest running cultural events, and has a sterling reputation for being a must-see destination each year!

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.

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!

Des Moines Iowa World Food and Music Festival

Each year this festival brings together a melting pot of global culture, cuisine, art, music, and more. This three-day event showcases the beautiful unity of arts and food by celebrating the diverse people who helped build our country. Guests of all ages will enjoy a rich experience steeped in history, the arts, and community spirit. Attendees will be able to sign up for cultural activities, sample local and global food from vendors, and shop a multitude of artisanal goods in the marketplace. And of course, plenty of live music, entertainment, dance, and more to enjoy. The US District Court will also kick things off at the start of the fest with a special Naturalization Ceremony, where attendees will witness individuals from all around the world become a US citizen; it’s a great way to celebrate our differences and unite on common grounds.

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!

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 in the morning and makes its way from 44th street to 5th Avenue to 79th Street. Each year features a new theme, and 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.

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! 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. 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.