Parades & Festivals

The Rose Parade is an iconic New Year's Day tradition for millions of spectators. And it's the floral-decorated floats that always wow the crowds.

By Wendy Bowman

So what do Meatopia, Outside Lands and Artown have in common? They are all large multi-day festivals being held in the U.S. this summer. We'll explore these and other festivals in our podcast, including a festival that's been around since 1897.

On the last Wednesday in August every year, eating food breaks down into throwing food — a messy and hilarious state of affairs. So, really, what could be more fun than a citywide tomato fight?

By Charles W. Bryant

Live music is the best kind of music there is. And music festivals serve it up to crowds of thousands for days at a time each year. Which are the world's greatest fests?

By Amy Hunter

You won't find cotton candy, jumbo turkey legs or a Ferris wheel at these small town fairs. When communities get creative, they can come up with some strange ways to celebrate.

By Julia Layton & Sarah Winkler

Festivals such as the Rattlesnake Roundup and Secret City Festival are held every year. Learn about eight quirky festivals in North America including the Secret City Festival and Frozen Dead Guys Days.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

The Mississippi Delta Blues Festival is the king of blues festivals. Founded in 1978, the Greenville-based blues festival is the second oldest continuously operating festival of its kind in the country. Read about Delta Blues Festival vacations.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

The first Boston Marathon was run in 1897. Its closest rival, the New York City Marathon, was started in 1970. The pioneering Boston Athletic Association was the inspiration for the event. Learn more about family vacations to see the Boston Marathon.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

A number of cities boast rodents capable of predicting the advent of spring, but there is only one Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil is a 20-pound specimen of Marmota monax who predicts when spring will arrive. Read about Groundhog Day vacations.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

The roots of the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, reach back to 1846 when 60 Calvinists departed Holland for the New World. Today Tulip Time attracts one million annual visitors to a town of barely 35,000. Learn about Tulip Time Festival.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

The Kentucky Derby Festival, which precedes the horse race, is an extravaganza that lasts several weeks featuring fireworks, parades, and more. Learn more about the Derby Festival.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Now in its 34th year the National Storytelling Festival delights audiences young and old with lively stories folktales and legends. Learn more about the National Storytelling Festival held the first weekend of October.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Fourth of July Festivities in Washington D.C. features an elaborate parade followed by a lively festival including music song dance crafts foods and several events geared toward kids. Learn more about this family vacation destination.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Most of the floats that travel down the New Orleans streets during Carnival season are designed and built at Mardi Gras World. Watch as artists sketch sculpt and paint. Learn more about this family vacation destination.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features elaborate floats dancing clowns and giant helium balloons -- the main attraction. The balloons feature characters such as Scooby-Doo and Dora the Explorer. Find out more about Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Mom and Dad can start their engines and take the minivan around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway four days before superstars hit the track. Learn about the Finish Line 500 Festival events preceding the big race.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

A profusion of cherry blossoms, along with parades and kite festivals, are what you'll find at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Food and music are a winning combination and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival serves up heaping portions of both at its spring celebration. Learn more about festival fun for the whole family.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide

Thousands of spectators flock to Keene Pumpkin Festival each year to witness the lighting ritual of four massive towers of carved pumpkins. Find out more about Keene Pumpkin Festival.

By the Editors of Mobil Travel Guide