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

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.

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