20 Best Festivals in the USA You Must Experience

The United States isn’t just a land of iconic cities and national parks—it’s also home to some of the world’s most vibrant and diverse festivals. From massive music events and cultural celebrations to quirky traditions and food fests, there’s something for everyone across the country.

In this guide, you will learn about 20 of the most iconic festivals in the USA, highlighting what makes each one special and why it deserves a spot on your bucket list!

1. Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one of the most famous celebrations in USA. Known for its colorful parades, elaborate floats, and high-spirited street celebrations, this festival blends French, Spanish, and Creole traditions into one unforgettable cultural experience.

Website: https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/

Opening Hours: Events and parades usually begin two weeks before Fat Tuesday, with peak celebrations from late afternoon to midnight on the final day.

How to Get There: Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, then use streetcars or taxis to reach the French Quarter or parade routes along St. Charles Avenue.

Local Tip – Wear purple, green, and gold (the official Mardi Gras colors), and arrive early to get a prime spot along the parade route. Don’t forget to shout “Throw me something, mister!” to catch beads and trinkets.

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2. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Coachella is one of the world’s most famous music and arts festivals, drawing top global artists and massive crowds. Held in the California desert, it’s a melting pot of music, fashion, art installations, and unforgettable moments, making it one of the most popular music festivals in USA for tourists.

Website: https://www.coachella.com/

Opening Hours: Typically runs over two weekends in April; gates open around 11 AM and performances continue late into the night.

How to Get There: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport. Shuttle services and car rentals are available to reach the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Local Tip – Book accommodations months in advance and pack for both daytime heat and chilly desert nights. Don’t miss the larger-than-life art installations scattered throughout the festival grounds.

3. Burning Man

Burning Man is not just a festival—it’s a week-long social experiment in radical self-expression, art, and community. Held in the Nevada desert, participants create a temporary city, share creative projects, and ultimately burn a symbolic wooden effigy.

Website: https://burningman.org/

Opening Hours: Takes place in late August to early September; open 24/7 for the duration of the week.

How to Get There: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport, then drive or shuttle to Black Rock City (approx. 3–4 hours). A special event ticket and vehicle pass are required.

Local Tip – Prepare thoroughly: bring everything you need to survive in the desert (water, food, shelter), as the event follows a “leave no trace” policy. Creativity, open-mindedness, and respect are key.

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4. Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival is America’s premier showcase for independent cinema. Held annually in the snowy town of Park City, Utah, it draws filmmakers, celebrities, critics, and film lovers from all over the world.

Website: https://festival.sundance.org/

Opening Hours: Held in January; film screenings run from morning till late evening across multiple venues.

How to Get There: Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, then take a shuttle or rental car to Park City (about 45 minutes).

Local Tip – Purchase tickets in advance through the official Sundance portal. If you miss out, try the waitlist or catch free public panels. Dress warmly and keep an eye out—you might spot your favorite director or actor in a cozy coffee shop.

5. South by Southwest (SXSW)

SXSW is a dynamic fusion of music, film, tech, and creative industries. Held in Austin, Texas, it’s a playground for innovators, artists, entrepreneurs, and performers from around the world—all gathering to share ideas and showcase talent. 

Website: https://schedule.sxsw.com/

Opening Hours: Usually held in March; events run from early morning keynote sessions to late-night concerts and screenings.

How to Get There: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The downtown area, where most venues are located, is easily accessible by taxi, ride-share, or shuttle.

Local Tip – Badge holders get first access, but there are plenty of free events, outdoor stages, and pop-ups around the city. Plan your schedule in advance and wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of walking between venues!

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6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

An iconic American tradition, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brings giant balloons, dazzling floats, marching bands, and celebrity performances to the streets of Manhattan. It marks the official start of the holiday season in the U.S.

Website: https://www.macys.com/s/parade/

Opening Hours: Held annually on Thanksgiving morning (fourth Thursday of November), from 9 AM to noon (EST).

How to Get There: Fly into any of NYC’s major airports (JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark). Take the subway to Midtown Manhattan for viewing spots along the parade route, starting at Central Park West and ending at Macy’s Herald Square.

Local Tip – Arrive by 6 AM to secure a front-row spot along the parade route. For a warmer view, book a hotel room with windows overlooking 6th Avenue or enjoy a reservation at a nearby breakfast spot.

7. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Affectionately known as Jazz Fest, this celebration honors the music, culture, and cuisine of Louisiana. From jazz and gospel to blues, rock, and zydeco, this music festival in the USA showcases legendary artists and local talent on multiple stages.

Website: https://www.nojazzfest.com/

Opening Hours: Held over two weekends in late April and early May; gates typically open at 11 AM and close by 7 PM.

How to Get There: Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The festival takes place at the Fair Grounds Race Course, easily accessible via taxi, rideshare, or shuttle buses from downtown.

Local Tip – Bring a foldable chair or blanket for comfort, and don’t miss out on the amazing food stalls—serving everything from crawfish étouffée to beignets and jambalaya.

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8. Comic-Con International

Comic-Con International in San Diego is the ultimate celebration of pop culture. What began as a comic book convention has evolved into a famous celebration in the USA, featuring movies, TV shows, anime, cosplay, collectibles, and celebrity panels.

Website: https://www.comic-con.org/

Opening Hours: Usually held in July; this music festival in the USA runs from morning to evening across four action-packed days.

How to Get There: Fly into San Diego International Airport. The San Diego Convention Center, the event’s main venue, is accessible by trolley, bus, or rideshare.

Local Tip – Tickets (badges) sell out fast, so register early. Even if you don’t have one, the Gaslamp Quarter comes alive with free outdoor exhibits, fan meetups, and pop-up activations during the event.

9. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, filling the skies with hundreds of colorful balloons each October. 

Website: https://balloonfiesta.com/

Opening Hours: Held annually in early October; morning launches begin around sunrise, with evening “balloon glows” after sunset.

How to Get There: Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport. The Balloon Fiesta Park is accessible by shuttle services and car rentals from the city center.

Local Tip – Arrive early for the dawn mass ascension and dress in layers as desert mornings can be chilly. Don’t miss the evening Balloon Glow event, where balloons light up the night like giant lanterns.

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10. National Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrating the beautiful blooming of cherry trees gifted from Japan, this festival in Washington, D.C., symbolizes friendship and the arrival of spring. It features cultural performances, parades, and stunning natural beauty around the Tidal Basin.

Website: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

Opening Hours: Usually held from late March to mid-April; events and peak bloom times vary annually.

How to Get There: Fly into Washington D.C.’s Ronald Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport. The festival area is accessible via Metro to the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle stations.

Local Tip – Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Check the National Park Service website for peak bloom forecasts to plan your visit perfectly.

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11. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)

EDC is one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the world, known for its vibrant neon lights, massive stages, and high-energy performances. It takes place in Las Vegas, creating a thrilling sensory experience for EDM fans.

Website: https://lasvegas.electricdaisycarnival.com/

Opening Hours: Usually held in May; the festival runs overnight with performances from afternoon through early morning hours.

How to Get There: Fly into McCarran International Airport (soon to be renamed Harry Reid International). The festival is at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, reachable via shuttle or car rental.

Local Tip – Prepare for long hours on your feet and bring plenty of water. Neon or glow-in-the-dark outfits add to the fun and help you get into the festival spirit.

12. Stagecoach Festival

Stagecoach is the premier country music festival in the USA, held annually in California’s Coachella Valley. It celebrates country, folk, and bluegrass music with top artists performing across multiple stages.

Website: https://www.stagecoachfestival.com/

Opening Hours: Typically takes place in late April; gates open around noon, with performances running into the evening.

How to Get There: Fly into Palm Springs International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport. Shuttle services and car rentals are available to reach the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Local Tip – Wear comfortable boots and prepare for desert weather—hot days and cool nights. Arrive early to catch all the performances and explore the festival’s western-themed activities.

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13. Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is a massive music festival held in Chicago, featuring a diverse lineup of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic artists. It attracts music lovers from all over the world to Grant Park for four days of non-stop entertainment.

Website: https://www.lollapalooza.com/

Opening Hours: Typically held over four days in late July or early August; performances run from early afternoon to late night.

How to Get There: Fly into Chicago O’Hare or Midway Airport. The festival grounds in Grant Park are accessible via Chicago’s extensive public transit system.

Local Tip – Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated. The festival offers food and drink vendors, but arriving early lets you explore the art installations and smaller stages.

14. Austin City Limits Music Festival

Held annually in Zilker Park, Austin City Limits (ACL) celebrates a wide variety of music genres, from rock and indie to hip-hop and electronic. It’s one of Texas’s biggest music events, attracting fans nationwide.

Wesbite: https://www.aclfestival.com/

Opening Hours: Usually spans two weekends in October; daily shows run from early afternoon until night.

How to Get There: Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Zilker Park is accessible by taxi, rideshare, or public transit from downtown Austin.

Local Tip – Purchase tickets early, as the festival sells out fast. Bring a refillable water bottle and check out the local food trucks for a true Austin experience.

15. CMA Music Festival

The CMA Music Festival in Nashville is a celebration of country music’s biggest stars and rising talents. Fans gather to enjoy live concerts, autograph sessions, and a vibrant country culture atmosphere.

Website: https://cmafest.com/

Opening Hours: Held annually in June; daily performances typically run from noon to late evening.

How to Get There: Fly into Nashville International Airport. The festival events are spread across downtown Nashville venues, accessible by taxi, rideshare, or public transit.

Local Tip – Plan ahead for crowded venues and explore Nashville’s famous honky-tonks and BBQ spots before or after the shows.

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FAQs

What festivals are popular in the USA?

Some of the unique festivals celebrated in USA include Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, Burning Man in Nevada, Sundance Film Festival in Utah, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. 

Which are the best festivals & events celebrated in the USA?

The best festivals in the USA often include Mardi Gras, Coachella, Burning Man, South by Southwest (SXSW), New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. 

What is the best time to visit the USA?

The best time to visit the USA depends on the region and your interests. Generally, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather and many festivals. Summer is great for outdoor events, but it can be hot in some areas. Winter is perfect for ski resorts and holiday celebrations.

What is the traditional dance of the USA?

The USA has several traditional dances, including square dancing, clogging, and folk dances that vary by region. 

What is the culture of the USA?

The culture of the USA is diverse and multicultural, shaped by a history of immigration and blending of different traditions. It emphasizes values such as freedom, innovation, and individualism. 

What is the main festival of the USA?

One of the main and most widely recognized festivals in the USA is the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, which celebrates the country’s declaration of independence with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and patriotic events nationwide.

When is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival?

Coachella is typically held over two consecutive weekends in April every year. 

How can I find out about all the upcoming festivals in the USA before I book my trip?

You can find upcoming famous celebrations in the USA by visiting official tourism websites such as Visit USA or city-specific tourism portals.