Experience social gatherings on another level with expert travel advice and discover eight cultural festivals to inspire your group
Cultural festivals in the U.S. have captivated and energized masses for hundreds of years. But why? Sure, they conjure up thoughts of enthusiastic people, wafting aromas of delicious cuisine, and the sounds of laughter and diverse music. Who doesn’t want to experience all the above in one place? To top it off, festivals offer unique perspectives into a community’s cultural identity, drawing millions of curious attendees annually.
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What’s the Attraction to Cultural Festivals?
We talked with Sue Arko, an expert tour operator, for clarity on why cultural festivals are fantastic experiences for groups of all ages and interests.
Sue Arko, a leading industry expert and tour operator, explains, “I always enjoy adding festivals to my tour itineraries for a variety of reasons. Most times, festivals are inexpensive and add value to my tour of a destination.”
They also provide large venues and spaces perfect for groups to gather comfortably. In special instances, and with the right expert on your side, attendees have unique opportunities to glimpse where the magic begins.
“Often,” Sue reveals, “I can work with the event organizer to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the festival. This is something that people attending on their own are not able to do.” This unparalleled way to experience something already thrilling is the difference between special and extraordinary.
Sue acknowledges, “Festivals offer me the opportunity to partner with organizers to attract and work with and discover new niche groups.” She goes on to say, “I can think of a couple of instances where my company became the official tour operator for the event. This was a win for me in securing additional business and a win for the event in not having to deal with the special requirements that groups need.”
While individuals can certainly plan a group trip to a festival, the benefits of expert guidance are undeniable. With the right assistance, you can transform your trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The plethora of celebratory social events hosted across the country is dizzying so consider the following cultural festivals in the U.S. for your next group adventure.
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is jam-packed with programs for all ages and one-of-a-kind experiences. Photo courtesy of Panegyrics of Granovetter.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Elko, NV)
The week-long, multi-generational cultural festival in Elko, Nevada, celebrates the unique art form of cowboy poetry and the music, creative art, and dance of the rural West’s cowboy country. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is jam-packed with programs for all ages and one-of-a-kind experiences highlighting the region’s cultural expression. Start planning your group trip today for the next annual celebration.
Festival Highlights:
- Shows and workshops featuring poets, bands and singer-songwriters.
- Discussions and special sessions covering cowboying, music, poetry, stewardship, history and other relevant subjects.
- Exhibitions showcasing cowboy history, including 30 years of contemporary cowboy gear, western art, antique saddles and more.
- Films, open mics and jam sessions.
- Western mercantile at the vendor market featuring the highest quality authentic gear and art.
Dogwood Arts Festival (Knoxville, TN)
With the likes of Elvis Presley and Bob Hope in attendance during the Dogwood Arts Festival’s almost 70-year history, it’s no wonder this is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville. Featuring more than 100 fine art vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, music and food, crowds gather in World’s Fair Park every April to celebrate.
Festival Highlights:
- Exceptional handmade crafts and artwork from numerous vendors and emerging artists.
- Maker Experiences: hands-on workshops offered by local makers, such as block printing, balm making, stool making, terrarium creations, candle making and more.
- ‘A Taste of Real Good Kitchen’ featuring local food entrepreneurs offering delicious treats in the Tasting Tent.
- Live entertainment and musical performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The San Francisco Chinese New Year fest always draws a crowd. Photo by Presidio of Monterey.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade (San Francisco, CA)
As one of the few remaining illuminated parades in North America outside of Asia, the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade is the largest celebration of its kind in the world. Named one of the top ten parades globally by the International Festivals & Events Association, the event combines vibrant Chinese culture with the American tradition of parading.
Festival Highlights:
- The Flower Market Fair features over 120 vendors selling fresh flowers, fruits and candies.
- A Community Street Fair is a shopper’s paradise with more than 120 booths and concessions, including all-ages entertainment such as giant puppets, a Chinese dragon and other cultural artifacts.
- Thousands of traditional “Lai Sees” are passed out to excited children containing a chocolate gold coin during Choy Sun Doe Day, celebrating the god of wealth.
The Texas SandFest has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds over the years. Photo by Jonathan Cutrer.
Texas SandFest (Port Aransas, TX)
Beginning as a small local competition in 1997, the Texas SandFest has grown exponentially into an internationally recognized family-friendly event. The three-day cultural festival held each April is a one-of-a-kind experience featuring enormous sand sculptures on display and live events.
Festival Highlights:
- Impressive sand sculpting competitions for professionals and amateurs.
- Face painting for kids.
- Celebrity sand sculpture demonstrations.
- Sand sculpting lessons for children ages 5-12 and other kids’ activities.
- Live musical performances, food and shopping opportunities.
- Beer and wine tent for adults.
Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, HI)
Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaii’s vibrant and ancient heritage that includes cultural demonstrations, an art fair, and, of course, hula performances. The celebration highlights the history and culture of the islands and has welcomed thousands of visitors every spring since 1963.
Festival Highlights:
- Premier hula competition with traditional outfits, music and ancient dance styles.
- Performances including hula and folk dance from around the Pacific.
- Merrie Monarch Royale Parade.
National Shrimp Festival (Gulf Shores, AL)
Shrimp is a staple food in the South, and Gulf Shores, Alabama, celebrates the delicacy during the National Shrimp Festival every October. Delicious seafood and non-seafood cuisine are the top draws, followed closely by regional music, beautiful art and fun activities.
Festival Highlights
- Live entertainment, including country music, jazz and classic rock performances.
- A variety of shrimp cooked any way you can imagine, along with non-seafood dishes with a local flare.
- Craft fair filled with handmade artisanal creations, jewelry, artwork, sculptures, paintings and much more.
North Carolina Pickle Festival (Mount Olive, NC)
Pickle-loving groups unite at the annual North Carolina Pickle Festival where the Mt. Olive company comes together with the community of Mount Olive in celebration. Although the theme is all things pickles, the community is what fuels the festivities at this free event.
Highlights
- Pickle eating contest and pickle recipe contest.
- Live music and dance performances.
- Car show, dance stage and special guests.
- Beer and wine garden.
- Pickleball tournament for a variety of ages.
When it comes to unforgettable group travel experiences, cultural festivals check all the boxes for family-friendly interactive entertainment. From events showcasing vibrant Chinese culture and parading to niche festivals celebrating pickles, shrimp, or butterflies, cultural festivals provide a well-rounded heritage experience.
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By Heather Dale
