The beach is not the only space filling up quickly this summer—so are your calendars! The Northeast is ablaze with both warm sunshine and incredible summer festivals for the whole family to enjoy. From cheese samplings to bagpipes, from square dancing to rocket launchings, there is something for everyone. Each fest’s unique forms of entertainment and food will leave your family anxiously awaiting next summer’s festivities. So, grab the fam, check out what’s coming up and save these dates!
Star-Spangled Sailabration
June 13-19
Baltimore, MD
Feeling patriotic? There is no need to wait until July 4th to celebrate our country and the writing of the nation’s Star-Spangled Banner. Attend this Sailabration and enjoy an international parade of over 40 naval vessels and ships sailing into Baltimore. Attendees will be able to tour the ships for free, participate in waterside events and watch the free Star-Spangled Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Have memorabilia signed at the Blue Angels autograph session, examine the aircraft display, and treat your ears to the tunes of the Star-Spangled Symphony. Whatever events you choose to participate in, this festival will be one for the history books! starspangled200.com
Fairfield County Irish Festival
June 15-17
Fairfield County, CT
Treat yourself this Father’s Day weekend by attending this lively celebration of all things Irish!With non-stop music, pipe bands, dance and cultural exhibits galore, the festival offers activities the whole family can enjoy. A ride tent will delight children of all ages, while dads can spend Father’s Day rooting on an outdoor Irish sporting event. Abundant kid activities, traditional Irish food and tons more! irishfestival.org
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
June 16-August 26
Becket, MA
For everyone who loves to bust a move, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is the hot spot to be this summer.Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Jacob’s Pillow is the longest running dance festival in the U.S. Internationally acclaimed performers grace the stage in a variety of performances and types of dance, with dancers showcasing everything from grand jetés to edgy hip rotations.Free talks and tours guarantee that dancers of all ages will find something to enjoy, from perusing the festival’s reading room to studying the curated art and photography exhibits.With this much to do, you wont be able to resist dancing the night away!jacobspillow.org
Celtic Fling and Highland Games
June 22-24
Manheim, PA
Witness a compelling celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic heritage at this festival of dance and narrative, which kicks off with an evening concert on Friday, June 22. Watch as patrons compete in games such as the Scottish Hammer or the Sheaf Toss. parenfaire.com
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
June 27-July 1 and July 4-8
Washington, D.C.
Get your little ones’ brains buzzing! Local scholars and Smithsonian curators will serve up daily doses of music, song, dance, crafts, and cooking. This year’s festival features programs on Creativity and Crisis, Campus and Community and Citified. All the fun happens for free at the National Mall. festival.si.edu
Boston Harborfest
June 28-July 4
Boston, MA
Celebrate in the historic city of Boston! Enjoy historical re-enactments, tours and cruises. Children will beam as they watch The BaHa Brothers, Wayne Potash and the Music Fun Band, and Fly by Night perform. There are over 200 must-see events (not an exaggeration, folks) at this festival—particularly the spectacle known as Chowderfest! bostonharborfest.com
Avenue of the Americas Summerfest
June 30
New York, NY
Experience the world (over 100 different cultures worth) without ever leaving the
city! Peruse the unique items for sale, munch on over 500 varieties of international cuisine, and soak in the worldly entertainment. And the best part? Admission is free of charge. festivals.com
Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival
June 30- July 8
Kutztown, PA
Watch history unfold as you enter the world of the Pennsylvania Dutch. New this year is the “Pennsylvanians and the Civil War” exhibit, featuring Cavalry horses, a reenactment encampment, and a private collection of Civil War artifacts never before revealed to the public eye. Not your cup of tea? Then take part in an old-fashioned cake walk, square dance, relax to the sounds of the Sauerkraut Band, or catch a comedy show. The fun does not end there; you can also view a Mennonite wedding, practice early farming techniques, and experience an actual country auction! kutztownfestival.com
Whaling City Festival
July 13-15
New Bedford, MA
Kids will love Mark Fanelli’s Traveling Amusement Park and food enthusiasts will be in heaven with a plethora (26 to be exact) of international food vendors. Check out the custom car and truck show or scour the craft and flea market with over 200 vendors. Four stages will be set up for performances. whalingcityfestival.net
Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair
July 19-22
Hillsborough, NH
Experience Hillsborough’s small town atmosphere and watch as hot air balloons color the
sky during this four-day festival. Indulge in the tasty selections of the town’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor, participate in a fireman’s muster or a tractor pull, or simply recline and watch the event’s fireworks. Other activities include a parade, live entertainment, and a carnival. With all the fun you will be having, it may be hard to keep your feet on the ground! balloonfestival.org
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
July 22
Shelburne, VT
With the highest number of cheesemakers per capita, it’s
only fitting for Vermont to host
this dairy bonanza. It’s a tasting party that the whole family will enjoy with
over 200 cheeses to savor from over 40 local creameries. Be sure to check out
their artisanal smoked meats, breads, and cider as well. Looking to bring all
the yummy fun back home? Participate in their one-of-a-kind cheesemaking demos
or watch one of their cooking shows. vtcheesefest.com
Yankee Homecoming Festival
July 29-August 5
Newburyport,
MA
From pony rides and fireworks to an antique car display,
there’s something for everyone at the Yankee Homecoming Festival. Catch the
talent showcase; participate in the 10-mile & 5k ride, or watch as the
whole brood goes crazy (in the culinary sense) in the food court. yankeehomecoming.com
Maine Lobster
Festival
August 1-5
Rockland, ME
This annual five-day claw fest boasts lobster eating
contests, a little lobster diaper derby, a lobster crate race, and over 20,000
pounds of lobster servings. Stay tuned for carnival rides and games, road
races, and tours of the US Coast Guard station and vessels, as well as a US
Navy ship. Don’t miss out on the coronation of the 2011 Sea Goddess and then
stop by the big parade to watch her, King Neptune, floats, drills, and much
more march their way down Main Street. mainelobsterfestival.com
Musikfest
August 3-12
Bethlehem, PA
As their website slings: “Musik fest = awesome.”How can it not? It’s a 10-day music festival!
The historic Bethlehem district
features delicious food, family fun, and of course, loads of ear candy—much of
which is free. This year’s spectacular line-up includes famed artists such as
Sheryl Crow and the Goo Goo Dolls. Also
performing: Daughtry, Sublime with Rome,
MGMT with Atlas Sound, and many other favorites, with over 500 performances
during the ten day event! musikfest.org
Curious George Cottage Family Festival
August 11-12
Waterville
Valley, NH
Everyone’s favorite primate is ready to meet his adoring
fans at this two-day event. Delight over story time, explore nature trails, get
crafty, and even munch on yummy delights—all with the infamous Curious George
by your side! Little ones can also sing and dance to the Toe Jam Puppet Band,
as well as attend a book reading by author Liz Jenkins. Other event highlights
include planetarium shows, a rocket launching, a mad science show as well as a
traveling barnyard. And don’t forget to visit the Man with the yellow hat! thereycenter.org
Thunder Over The Boardwalk – Atlantic
City Air Show
August 17
Atlantic City, NJ
There’s always tons of summer fun to be had at Atlantic
City, and this year is no exception thanks to the
return of their air show. Military and civilian pilots will perform heart-stopping
maneuvers, formation flying, and solo routines. Catch performances and
demonstrations by the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds, the US Army Golden Knights,
Super Hornet, and many others will keep the whole family mesmerized. All you
have to do is look up! atlanticcitynj.com
Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks
August 18
Jaffrey, NH
Take your
family to witness not only a sparkling spectacle in the sky, but also to enjoy
live music, dancing, and even a sky diving exhibition!Known to be one of the best fireworks shows
in New England, the event also includes activities and
games for kids of all ages, as well as tons of novelty items and foods for
everyone to enjoy.The fireworks will
certainly not be the only event to leave you in awe!monadnockregion.net
Pittston Tomato Festival
August 16-19
Pittston,
PA
Bite into summer with the 29th Annual Pittston Tomato Festival.
Over fifty thousand people will gather at this four-day event to lap up all the
delicious food, games and rides, as well as live entertainment. Put on
protective goggles and bombard friends with as many rotten tomatoes as you
would like, or watch as little Mr. and Miss Tomato are crowned for the parade. What
could be sweeter than that? All proceeds benefit local charities! pittstontomatofestival.com
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
August 17-19
Machias,
ME
Most people
are not aware that Maine produces
ninety nine percent of the country’s wild blueberries.This two-day festival in Washington County, where the majority of the
berries are harvested, celebrates the state’s favorite fruit crop with a
children’s parade, music, crafts, and more!Enjoy a blueberry pancake breakfast, participate in a blueberry
pie-eating contest, or listen to members of the local church and community
perform in the annual Blueberry Festival Musical.The fest guarantees all to have a berry,
berry fun time!machiasblueberry.com
Dutchess County Fair
August 21-26
Rhinebeck,
NY
Visit a turn-of-the-20th century village complete with a
working blacksmith shop. If time with nature is what you crave, stroll through
the dozens of themed gardens throughout the 162-acre fairgrounds. Complete with
a craft tent, wildlife exhibition and carnival, the whole brood will swoon. dutchessfair.com
The Great New
York State Fair
August 23-September 3
Syracuse, NY
Plan ahead for the state’s largest annual event. Participate
in events that range from a talent showcase to a flower show, or treat yourself
to a concert featuring big name acts like Tyler Hilton.Each day of the fair has a different theme,
with milkshake contests on Dairy Day and free entry for students 16 years old
and under on Student’s Day! nysfair.org
American Folk Festival
August 24-26
Bangor, ME
Experience the fascinating traditions of the world all in
one destination! Through their four unique stages, this three-day festival brings
music, song, and dance from all around the globe to Bangor Waterfront.
Purchase original handcrafted items and savor dozens of ethnic foods. After
getting your fill, stop by the children’s area for more entertaining activities
on the kiddie front. americanfolkfestival.com
Downtown Plymouth
Waterfront Festival
August 25
Plymouth, MA
Massachusetts
is mad about fun. Revel in all the family amusement through favorites like the
Ducky Dash event, or jump around in the ‘festival carnival’ rides (though you might
want to leave this one just to the kids).You can also help choose the community’s own “Plymouth Idol” in their 7th
Annual singing competition.Other features include two stages of live
entertainment, Motor Head’s Cruise-In Car Show, and over 200 crafter and
artisan booths. plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com
