Attend one of these lively fests to enhance your East Coast adventure
If you find yourself in New England during the summertime, here are five festivals that are perfect for groups. There is something for everyone at these fests and if you can’t hit them all, even one is worth the trip.
Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland
The Maine Lobster Festival is a great New England attraction for those who want to enjoy warm and inviting games, food and activities. The festival, which takes place the first weekend of August, is host to some of the world’s best lobster dishes. To compliment the divine food, revelers can try beer, wine, and spirits, from local breweries. The event also features activities for attendees of all ages such as: parades, cooking contests, crate races, cod fish carries, eating contests and more. The festival also provides live music each day and artworks from local artists.
The festival is held at Rockland Harbor Park on Main Street and has free parking nearby. There are shuttles used for those who park in nearby lots. There are plenty of hotels around the area and in nearby towns for travelers who hope to see a bit more of the beautiful state.
The Maine Lobster Festival features divine food and revelers can also try beer, wine, and spirits, from local breweries. Photo courtesy of the Maine Lobster Festival
Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival in Massachusetts
If you find yourself on the East Coast this summer, the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival is a breath-taking activity that is well worth the stop. This July, in Cape Cod, breathtaking hydrangea gardens are on full display. The gardens are designed by local homeowners and may include a myriad of other beautiful blooms. The proceeds benefit several local nonprofits.
Along with garden tours, the festival hosts several workshops and lectures. Learn how to cultivate gardens by professionals, or even how to properly prune and care for hydrangeas. Festival goers can also opt to view painting demonstrations by exquisite local artists. Of course, there are also opportunities to leave with your own plants through promotions at nurseries and home centers.
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in Mystic, Connecticut
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in Mystic, Connecticut is truly a fun-filled, worthwhile adventure. The festival, which takes place every August, features 200 artists from across the United States who use a wide variety of mediums. The art is spread across a two-mile route in downtown Mystic that revelers can travel to get a glimpse of each extravagant piece.
There are also activities and a children’s art park, at the Mystic Seaport Shipyard, so people of all ages can enjoy themselves. MOAF also puts on a performing arts stage that includes performances of dancing, music and theater. Local nonprofits will be selling food and drinks to raise money for their organizations, and of course to keep patrons properly fed and hydrated.
The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival in Mystic, Connecticut is truly a fun-filled, worthwhile adventure.
Charlestown Seafood Festival in Rhode Island
The Charlestown Seafood festival is home to an abundance of delicious seafood dishes. Vendors create their own menus and use a wide variety of seafood such as: oysters, clam, lobster, shrimp, crawfish, salmon, scallops, and more. They also have other options for non-seafood lovers. The festival begins in early August, so there is plenty of time to get yourself a delicious seafood meal, or several.
Along with food to please anyone who may stop by, Charlestown also hosts a series of fun events and activities during the three-day festival. There is continual live music or a DJ all day, every day. Several different local and regional bands will play, they each have a bit of a rock and roll feel that brings together a fun atmosphere. Along with live music, the occasion also has a brilliant firework show on Saturday. A kid zone with arts and crafts are available for all the younger patrons. A lively carnival is open each day, from opening to closing, featuring exciting rides and amusing games, perfect for attendees of all ages. On Sunday, an antique car and bike show takes place. The Charlestown Seafood Festival is the perfect family summer vacation spot.
Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic in New Hampshire
Sand Sculpting is a unique talent, the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic is the perfect festival to spend some time at the beach and enjoy viewing the epic pieces. There is a Master Group Carve and solo sand sculptors will be working to create masterpieces. The event is a competition, there are prizes and a ceremony for those who compete, and voting for patrons who are there for the art. The event concludes with a magnificent firework display.
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By Cady Price
