This Summer’s Events in the United States Worth Attending/Flying To

If you have yet to plan your summer vacation, the USA should definitely be on your cards. As always, it is never short on events as diverse as the country itself. Whether you’re an aficionado of music or a culture vulture, these events provide an amazing experience that will make booking a flight and taking the trip worth it. 

Let’s dive into some of the most iconic American events that you should definitely consider booking a flight for.

Summerfest – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Date: Late June to early July (spanning three weekends)

• Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee

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Summerfest is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest music festival in the world. This festival has been bringing entertainment to music lovers ever since 1968. 

This year, the festival features over 800 acts and 1,000 performances across 12 stages.

The roots of Summerfest are deeply intertwined with Milwaukee’s cultural scene. The festival was originally conceived to revitalize the city’s arts and provide a communal space for celebration.

Now it has grown into a significant cultural milestone and it draws nearly a million visitors each year. 

What makes Summerfest so special is the affordability as the tickets are fairly cheap compared to other festivals and the good food certainly helps as well.

2024 Summerfest Lineup (Highlights):

• Tyler Childers: Renowned singer-songwriter bringing his Mule Pull ’24 tour to the festival.
• Mötley Crüe: Iconic rock band known for their energetic performances.
• ILLENIUM: Popular electronic music producer headlining on June 27th.
• Maroon 5: Famous pop-rock band with numerous chart-topping hits.
• Kane Brown: Country music star performing with special guests Kameron Marlowe and Nightly.
• Lil Uzi Vert: Influential rapper performing alongside Lil Yachty and Rico Nasty.
• Keith Urban: Country superstar known for his captivating live shows.
• AJR: Indie pop band performing with Carly Rae Jepsen.
• Black Pumas: Grammy-nominated band known for their soulful music.
• Umphrey’s McGee: Progressive rock band known for their improvisational live performances.

Lollapalooza

• Date: 1 August
• Location: Chicago

Lollapalooza is one of America’s most iconic music festivals. It has a rich history that dates back to its creation in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the lead singer of Jane’s Addiction. 

Originally conceived as a farewell tour for his band, the festival quickly evolved into a multi-genre extravaganza that celebrates the best in music and culture. The name “Lollapalooza” itself means “an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event. A name fitting for such a diverse and spectacular event.

Held annually in Chicago’s Grant Park, Lollapalooza attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. The festival is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, including the “Rock & Recycle” program, which encourages festival-goers to recycle in exchange for rewards. 

The 2024 lineup promises to be one of the best yet with top artists from various genres taking the stage.

2024 Lineup Highlights:

• Blink-182: Pop-punk band known for their energetic performances and nostalgic hits.
• SZA: R&B singer-songwriter with soulful and captivating music.
• The Killers: Iconic rock band famous for their anthemic songs.
• Tyler, the Creator: Rapper and producer known for his unique style and creativity.
• Hozier: Irish musician renowned for his powerful vocals and emotive lyrics.
• Future X Metro Boomin: Collaboration between the rapper and producer, promising an exciting performance.
• Stray Kids: Popular K-pop group known for their dynamic stage presence.
• Melanie Martinez: Singer-songwriter with a distinctive artistic vision.
• Skrillex: Renowned DJ and producer known for his influential electronic music.

Other notable acts include:

• Reneé Rapp: “Mean Girls” star and emerging artist.
• Kesha: A pop star with a vibrant stage presence.
• Deftones: Alternative metal band known for their intense performances.
• Tate McRae: A rising pop artist with catchy tunes.
• Cults: Indie pop band with a unique sound.
• Brandi Cyrus: Singer and DJ.

Fourth of July Celebrations

• Date: July 4th
• Locations: Various cities across the U.S.

America’s Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur across the nation. 

This holiday marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and has since become synonymous with fireworks, parades, concerts, and patriotic displays.

One of the most iconic celebrations is the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City, which makes the sky glow over the East River with a spectacular fireworks display. 

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Another notable event is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, featuring a concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra followed by an impressive fireworks show over the Charles River. In Washington, D.C., the National Independence Day Parade showcases floats, marching bands, and military units, embodying the nation’s patriotic spirit.

In addition to these, Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America Festival offers a week-long celebration in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed. 

And Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! combines live music with a massive fireworks display, drawing thousands to downtown Nashville.

Fun Facts:

• Historical Significance: The holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
• Fireworks: Approximately 15,000 fireworks displays take place across the nation on the Fourth of July.
• Hot Dog Eating Contest: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island has been a Fourth of July tradition since 1916.

Coney Island Mermaid Parade – New York City, New York

• Date: June 22, 2024
• Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the sea. It’s an annual event that captures the whimsical spirit of Coney Island, a historic amusement area in Brooklyn, New York. 

The parade is held every summer, typically on the last Saturday in June, and is one of the largest art parades in the country.

If you are interested in some history, we have you covered. 

The Mermaid Parade in Coney Island was founded in 1983 by Coney Island USA, a non-profit organization for the arts, to kick off the summer season with a splash of creativity and community spirit. The parade pays homage to Coney Island’s long-standing tradition of seaside amusement, drawing inspiration from ancient mythology and modern pop culture. 

Participants dress as mermaids, sea creatures, and other nautical-themed characters, parading down Surf Avenue and the Coney Island Boardwalk.

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2024 Highlights:

• Creative Costumes: Expect to see a dazzling array of homemade costumes ranging from glittering mermaids and mermen to mythical sea creatures and imaginative interpretations of underwater life.
• Floats and Performances: The parade features an eclectic mix of floats, marching bands, dance troupes, and circus performers, all contributing to the festive atmosphere.
• Post-Parade Activities: After the parade, festivities continue with a beach ceremony to honor the summer solstice, followed by parties at local bars and restaurants. The event culminates in the Mermaid Parade Ball, an evening of music, dancing, and celebration.

Fun Facts:

• Founder: The parade was created by Dick Zigun, also known as the “Mayor of Coney Island.” Zigun is a key figure in the preservation of Coney Island’s artistic and cultural heritage.
• Diverse Participation: Each year, thousands of people participate in the parade, including families, local artists, and performers. The event is known for its inclusivity and celebrates the diversity of New York City.
• King Neptune and Queen Mermaid: Each year, the parade features a King Neptune and a Queen Mermaid, typically local celebrities or notable figures, who preside over the festivities. Past royalty have included singer Moby, actress Annabella Sciorra, and artist Laurie Anderson.
• Art and Advocacy: The parade not only showcases artistic expression but also serves as a platform for environmental advocacy, promoting awareness about ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine life.

Newport Folk Festival – Newport, Rhode Island

• Dates: July 26-28, 2024
• Location: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island

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The Newport Folk Festival is one of the oldest and most revered music festivals in the United States, known for its rich history and contribution to the American folk music scene. Held annually in late July at Fort Adams State Park, with Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay in the back, these performances are sure to feel spectacular.

The Newport Folk Festival was founded in 1959 by George Wein, who also founded the Newport Jazz Festival. The festival played a significant role in the 1960s folk revival and has hosted legendary performances by artists such as Bob Dylan, who famously “went electric” at the festival in 1965, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash. Over the years, it has evolved to include a wider range of genres while maintaining its folk roots. Here are the lineups:

• Friday: Adrianne Lenker, Black Pumas, Buck Meek, Guster, MUNA, Shovels & Rope, Steve Poltz
• Saturday: Billy Bragg, Elle King, Joan Baez, Killer Mike, Orville Peck, The War on Drugs
• Sunday: Brittany Howard, Dropkick Murphys, Cory Wong, The Breeders, Tinariwen

Fun Facts:

• Historic Performances: Bob Dylan’s 1965 performance, where he played an electric set, is one of the most talked-about moments in music history.
• Community and Activism: The festival has a strong focus on community and activism, often featuring workshops and discussions on social and environmental issues.

Intimate Setting: Despite its popularity, the Newport Folk Festival maintains an intimate and laid-back atmosphere, making it a favorite among both artists and fans.