Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More
These festivals offer travelers and locals alike a rich taste of American culture, creativity, and heritage.
Attending festivals in the U.S. offers a chance to experience a diverse mix of culture, art, music, and cuisine. With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of each event, whether you’re a first-time attendee or a festival veteran. Enjoy the vibrant festival landscape of the U.S. in 2025!
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| A year of festivals in the US |
Here’s an in-depth look at the top festivals across every major category, highlighting the diversity of experiences available throughout the year.
Full List of US Festivals in 2025: Dates, Locations
1. Music Festivals
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| Ultra Music Festival in the US |
Music festivals in the U.S. are some of the most popular, attracting global audiences with genres spanning rock, hip-hop, folk, and electronic music.
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Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Indio, California)
Dates: April – An iconic desert festival with top-tier artists and spectacular art installations.
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Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee)
Dates: June – Known for its eclectic lineup and camping atmosphere, featuring rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic music.
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Newport Folk Festival (Newport, Rhode Island)
Dates: July – A historic festival that showcases folk and Americana music.
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Stagecoach Festival (Indio, California)
Dates: April – A premier country music event, attracting fans and top country artists alike.
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Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Dates: April-May – Celebrating New Orleans’ jazz and blues roots with live performances and local food.
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2. Food Festivals
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| Food festivals in the U.S |
Food festivals across the U.S. bring regional flavors and culinary creativity to life, making them a favorite for food enthusiasts.
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South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Miami, Florida)
Dates: February – A premier event featuring celebrity chefs, wine tastings, and beachfront culinary delights.
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Taste of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
Dates: July – The country’s largest outdoor food festival, offering a diverse mix of local and international cuisine.
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Gilroy Garlic Festival (Gilroy, California)
Dates: July – Dedicated to garlic, with competitions and unique garlic-based dishes.
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New Orleans Oyster Festival (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Dates: June – A Gulf Coast celebration of oysters with delicious dishes and live music.
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Maine Lobster Festival (Rockland, Maine)
Dates: August – Famous for fresh lobster dishes, cooking contests, and a sea goddess pageant.
Learn more: Top 10 Biggest Food Festivals in the U.S. 2025: Taste of Chicago, Maine Lobster And More
3. Art Festivals
Art festivals in the U.S. give artists a stage to showcase their work, while attendees enjoy an immersive art experience.
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Burning Man (Black Rock Desert, Nevada)
Dates: August-September – An immersive art event in the Nevada desert with large-scale installations.
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Art Basel (Miami Beach, Florida)
Dates: December – One of the world’s leading art shows, featuring modern and contemporary pieces from international galleries.
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Laguna Beach Festival of Arts (Laguna Beach, California)
Dates: July-August – A coastal festival with live art demonstrations and the unique “Pageant of the Masters” living art show.
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Cherry Creek Arts Festival (Denver, Colorado)
Dates: July – A top outdoor art festival with a juried art show, live music, and interactive activities.
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Scottsdale Arts Festival (Scottsdale, Arizona)
Dates: March – Showcasing contemporary art with live performances, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden.
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4. Film Festivals
Film festivals celebrate the cinematic arts, showcasing a mix of independent films and major productions.
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Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah)
Dates: January – A top independent film festival showcasing groundbreaking new films.
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Tribeca Film Festival (New York City, New York)
Dates: April – Celebrating storytelling through film, with screenings, discussions, and panels.
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Telluride Film Festival (Telluride, Colorado)
Dates: September – Known for its high-quality, hand-selected films in a stunning mountain setting.
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SXSW Film Festival (Austin, Texas)
Dates: March – Part of the larger SXSW event, featuring innovative films and multimedia projects.
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New York Film Festival (New York City, New York)
Dates: September-October – A prestigious film festival with a carefully curated lineup of films.
5. Historical and Cultural Festivals
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| Historical and cultural festivals in the U.S |
These festivals honor history, heritage, and the vibrant cultural traditions of the U.S.
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Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Washington, D.C.)
Dates: June-July – A celebration of global cultures on the National Mall, with crafts, food, and performances.
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Renaissance Pleasure Faire (Irwindale, California)
Dates: April-June – A journey back to the Renaissance with period costumes, crafts, and entertainment.
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Pow Wow at the Denver March (Denver, Colorado)
Dates: March – A Native American cultural event with traditional dance, music, and arts.
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Cinco de Mayo Festival (San Antonio, Texas)
Dates: May – Celebrating Mexican culture with traditional food, dance, and music.
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St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Boston, Massachusetts)
Dates: March – One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, honoring Irish heritage.
 Top 20 Most Popular Holidays and Festivals Around the World in 2025 |
6. Literary Festivals
Literary festivals bring readers and writers together for book discussions, author readings, and signing events.
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National Book Festival (Washington, D.C.)
Dates: August – Hosted by the Library of Congress, featuring author talks and book signings.
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Brooklyn Book Festival (Brooklyn, New York)
Dates: September – New York’s largest free literary event with readings, book fairs, and discussions.
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Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (Los Angeles, California)
Dates: April – Celebrating literature with panel discussions and workshops at the University of Southern California.
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Texas Book Festival (Austin, Texas)
Dates: October – Celebrates Texas authors and literature with a family-friendly book fair.
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Bay Area Book Festival (Berkeley, California)
Dates: May – Featuring a variety of authors, publishers, and book-themed events.
7. Comedy Festivals
Comedy festivals offer a space for laughter, featuring performances by stand-up comedians, sketch artists, and improv groups.
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Just for Laughs (Chicago, Illinois)
Dates: June – A U.S. version of Montreal’s famous comedy festival, with stand-up and improv acts.
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New York Comedy Festival (New York City, New York)
Dates: November – Featuring top comedians performing across various New York venues.
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Moontower Comedy Festival (Austin, Texas)
Dates: April – Comedy fans can enjoy a mix of stand-up, podcasts, and live shows.
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Burbank Comedy Festival (Burbank, California)
Dates: August – A comedy festival featuring a variety of performances, from sketch to stand-up.
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San Francisco Sketchfest (San Francisco, California)
Dates: January – A renowned comedy festival with sketch, stand-up, and improv acts.
8. Science and Technology Festivals
These festivals celebrate innovation and discovery, offering a space to explore the latest in science and technology.
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World Science Festival (New York City, New York)
Dates: May – Celebrating science with exhibits, talks, and experiments for all ages.
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Bay Area Science Festival (San Francisco, California)
Dates: October – A free festival with interactive science activities and experiments.
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SXSW Interactive Festival (Austin, Texas)
Dates: March – Showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovations in the digital world.
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USA Science & Engineering Festival (Washington, D.C.)
Dates: April – A large STEM celebration featuring exhibits, speakers, and activities.
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Philadelphia Science Festival (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Dates: April – A citywide celebration of science with hands-on activities and demonstrations.
9. Environmental and Eco Festivals
Promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices, these festivals highlight the importance of environmental awareness.
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Earth Day Texas (Dallas, Texas)
Dates: April – The largest Earth Day event, with eco-friendly exhibitors and interactive displays.
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Green Festival Expo (San Francisco, California)
Dates: September – A green marketplace with workshops and eco-conscious products.
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Sustainable L.A. Festival (Los Angeles, California)
Dates: October – Promotes sustainable living with workshops and eco-friendly vendors.
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Wild & Scenic Film Festival (Nevada City, California)
Dates: January – A film festival showcasing environmental and adventure documentaries.
 7 Most Exciting Summer Festivals In The US |
10. Street Festivals
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| Street festivals in the U.S |
Street festivals turn city streets into lively, open-air celebrations of local culture, food, art, and performances.
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Mardi Gras (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Dates: February – Known for parades, masks, and music, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is world-famous.
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Chicago Air and Water Show (Chicago, Illinois)
Dates: August – Features aerial and water stunts along Lake Michigan.
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San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade (San Francisco, California)
Dates: February – Celebrating the Lunar New Year with dragon dances and cultural performances.
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Fiesta San Antonio (San Antonio, Texas)
Dates: April – A 10-day celebration with parades, music, and cultural street events.
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Seattle Seafair (Seattle, Washington)
Dates: July-August – Celebrates Seattle’s maritime heritage with air shows and parades.
Conclusion
The U.S. festival scene in 2025 reflects the nation’s diversity, creativity, and passion for celebration. From coast to coast, you can find a festival that brings people together for a shared experience of music, food, art, literature, science, or simply the joy of community. Be sure to mark your calendar for these top events throughout the year, and enjoy everything the U.S. has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About U.S. Festivals in 2025
1. When is the best time to attend festivals in the U.S.?
The festival season in the U.S. generally spans from spring through fall (March to October). Spring and summer offer a packed calendar of music, food, and outdoor festivals, while autumn brings unique cultural and harvest celebrations. However, you can also find popular winter festivals, especially around New Year’s and the holiday season.
2. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, for many of the major festivals (like Coachella, Sundance Film Festival, and Art Basel), purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended as they often sell out. Smaller or local street festivals may have free admission or allow ticket purchases at the event. Check each festival’s official website for specific ticketing details.
3. Are U.S. festivals family-friendly?
Many festivals in the U.S. are family-friendly, especially food festivals, historical celebrations, and street fairs. However, some music festivals and late-night events may have age restrictions or be more suitable for adults. Family-friendly festivals often offer designated kid zones or activities for children.
4. What should I bring to a U.S. festival?
Essentials typically include a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothing and shoes, a hat, and a small backpack or bag. For outdoor festivals, consider bringing a blanket or folding chair. Always check the event’s rules as some items (like large bags or outside food) may be restricted.
5. Are U.S. festivals accessible for people with disabilities?
Most large festivals in the U.S. strive to be accessible, offering ADA-compliant services like accessible viewing areas, ramps, and designated parking. If you have specific needs, it’s a good idea to reach out to the festival’s organizers in advance to confirm available services.
6. Can I bring pets to festivals?
Generally, pets are not allowed at U.S. festivals due to safety and crowd control. However, some outdoor festivals may be pet-friendly. Service animals are typically permitted as long as they meet specific requirements.
7. What are the weather conditions like for outdoor festivals?
Weather varies by location and season. Summer festivals in the South and Southwest can be very hot, while fall festivals in the Northeast and Midwest may be chilly. Always check the forecast before attending and dress accordingly, especially for outdoor events.
8. What kind of food options are available at U.S. festivals?
Food options vary widely depending on the festival type. Food festivals, naturally, offer a huge variety of local and gourmet dishes. Other festivals often have food trucks and stands with standard festival fare, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at larger events.
9. Is it safe to attend festivals alone?
Many people attend festivals alone and have a great time. Large festivals typically have on-site security and first-aid services. It’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and let someone know your plans if you’re attending solo.
10. How can I stay updated on U.S. festival schedules and changes?
Many festivals update their schedules on their official websites and social media channels. Following these sources is the best way to stay informed about any changes, new artist announcements, or potential delays due to weather.
11. Are there any eco-friendly U.S. festivals?
Yes, many U.S. festivals focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, including Earth Day Texas, Green Festival Expo, and Sustainable L.A. Festival. These festivals promote eco-conscious practices and often feature recycling stations, eco-friendly vendors, and workshops on sustainable living.
