Bakpak USA
http://www.bakpakguide.com/usa/usa101/highlights/popular-events-and-festivals.shtmlPopular Events and Festivals
Americans love to celebrate, whether its a good 'ole conservative flag-waving parade, a jamming multi-day music festival, a feast of the taste buds or a risque, anything goes halloween party.
Americans love to celebrate, whether its a good 'ole conservative flag-waving parade, a jamming multi-day music festival, a feast of the taste buds or a risque, anything goes halloween party. Here's just a sampling of great events and festivals happening around the US during 2009.
The Bite of Seattle
What: Seattle’s best restaurants and food companies join together for Northwest’s top food festival. Includes 5 outdoor beer gardens, entertainment and is free (not including food). Funds are given to charity.
Where: Seattle Center
When: July 17-19, 2009
Contact: (425) 283-5050
Northwest Folklife Festival
What: One of Seattle’s best festivals with four days of music, dance, and theater. Free admission ($10 suggested donation).
Where: Seattle Center
When: May 22-25, 2009
Contact: (206) 684-7300
San Francisco Fringe Festival
What: Over 260 performances by local, national and international theater companies.
Where: Exit Theater, San Francisco
When: September 9-20, 2009
Contact: (415) 931-1094
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
What: Free outdoor performance series in Yerba Buena Gardens. A mix of Bay Area musicians, poets and writers, with a focus on rising talent.
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
When: May to October, 2009
Contact: (415) 543-1718
Jazz & Heritage Festival
What: Over 4,000 musicians, cooks, and crafts people show off their cultures and heritage.
Where: At the Fair Grounds and other city locations
When: April 24-26 and April 30 - May 3, 2009
Contact: (504) 410-4100
Louisiana Swamp Festival
What: Cajun celebration at the Audubon Zoo. Cajun and Zydeco bands jam on 3 stages and authentic Cajun cuisine is served up by the boatload.
Where: Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
When: Around November 1-30. Call for specific dates & times.
Contact: (504) 581-4629
Newport Beach Film Festival
What: The annual Newport Beach film festival features over 70 features and 100 short films from over 25 countries.
Where: Theaters in Newport Beach (Orange County)
When: April 23-30, 2009
Contact: www.newportbeachfilmfest.com
Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show
What: More than a billion dollars worth of boats and yachts will be featured by marine manufacturers from around the world. Admission $18.
Where: Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale
When: October 29 - November 2, 2009
Contact: (800) 940-7642
Chicago Blues Festival
What: The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free-admission blues festival in the world, with five stages of more than 60 performances.
Where: Grant Park in Chicago
When: June 12-14, 2009
Contact: http://www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents
Haunted Happenings
What: Known as “Witch City,” Salem’s (Massachusetts) Halloween popularity has led to a 3-week long celebration. On Halloween night, take the “Fright Train” from Boston’s North Station to Salem. Go to the Common for a wild costume party.
Where: Salem, Massachusetts
When: Around Oct 5-31.
Contact: www.Hauntedhappenings.org
Shakespeare in Central Park
What: Free outdoor performances of select Shakespeare plays. You must line-up for tickets the day of the performance.
Where: Central Park, New York City
When: June - August
Contact: (212) 539-8500
Village Parade
What: The biggest celebration of Halloween in the world! 1.5 million people line the streets to see the most outlandish and unique costumes. Get there early to get a good standing spot.
Where: 6th Ave. in Greenwich Village
When: October 31
Contact: www.halloween-nyc.com