FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL

 

NORTHEASTERN U.S.
February 2–May 18
Secrets of Circles
Pittsburgh
This exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh focuses on the math, science, and beauty behind the familiar shape. Visitors can uncover the secrets of the circle and learn more about its presence in nature, machines, art, and cultures around the world.
pittsburghkids.org

February 8–September 1
RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture
Washington, D.C.
The National Portrait Gallery presents a collection of photographs, portraits, and video installations featuring hip-hop icons. Highlights include portraits of artists such as LL Cool J and Ice-T, each based on a famous European or American painting from the 17th–19th centuries, as well as murals by two D.C.-based graffiti artists.
npg.si.edu

February 9–April 27
Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins
Philadelphia
This 6,000-square-foot exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences takes visitors on a journey from the North Pole to the South Pole. Learn about the Earth’s coldest regions through interactive games, authentic artifacts, and the latest scientific research.
215.299.1000
ansp.org

February 9–May 4
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
Philadelphia
Science and fiction converge at The Franklin Institute’s latest exhibit. Explore the hard facts behind the fantasy technologies depicted in the Star Wars movies.
215.448.1200
fi.edu

February 24–May 12
Design and the Elastic Mind
New York City
This exhibit at MoMA takes a look at how designers help people deal with changes in technology, science, and social mores by creating everyday items from concepts that may have been inconceivable just a decade ago. The exhibit includes everything from nanodevices to vehicles, and from appliances to interfaces.
moma.org

February 28–March 3
Artexpo New York
New York City
The world’s largest fine- and popular-art fair marks its 30th anniversary this year. Held at the Javits Convention Center, the show features traditional and modern works including paintings, sculpture, and photography. This year a lecture series will be open to the public for the first time.
artexpos.com

March 2–9
Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia
The world’s premier indoor flower show celebrates the birthplace of jazz with a New Orleans theme for 2008. “Jazz It Up!” features pumped-up versions of the Crescent City’s walled courtyards, cast-iron balconies, fountains, and canals. The show is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
theflowershow.com

March 28–30
CRAFTBOSTON 2008
Boston
This annual event, sponsored by the Society of Arts and Crafts, attracts both U.S. and international artists working in a variety of media, including jewelry, fiber, ceramics, paper, metal, and glass. Visitors can stop by to see or buy one-of-a-kind items and hear educational lectures by artists and collectors.
craftboston.org

March 29
42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Washington, D.C.
The skies above the National Mall will be filled with colorful paper and ribbons, as kite fliers from around the country and the world gather to celebrate their hobby. The event dates to 1967 and was created by Paul E. Garber, founder of the National Air and Space Museum.
kitefestival.org

March 29–April 13
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.
The city welcomes spring with this signature event now in its 96th year. The festival celebrates the city of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the people of D.C. in 1912. A parade is set for April 12.
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

April 3–15
Philadelphia Film Festival
Philadelphia
Presented by the Philadelphia Film Society, this annual event showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema. In theaters throughout the city, visitors can see full-length and short films as well as documentaries, experimental works, and animation.
phillyfests.com

April 29–May 4
PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature
New York City
Hosted by PEN American Center, an organization devoted to promoting literature and defending free expression, this fourth annual event features more than 100 authors from around the world participating in discussions, readings, and performances. Events take place at venues across the city. Featured guests include Salman Rushdie and Annie Proulx.
pen.org

MIDWESTERN U.S.
February 1–29
Museum of Modern Ice
Chicago
Millennium Park hosts this winter celebration featuring the installation of boldly colored abstract paintings in ice by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. The U.S. debut of Halloran’s Paintings Below Zero features a massive ice wall measuring 95 feet long and nearly 12 feet high. Another of Halloran’s creations will be embedded into the park’s ice rink so visitors can skate on its multicolored surface.
museumofmodernice.com

February 8–17
Chicago Auto Show
Chicago
The largest car show in North America, this event dates to 1901. Now held at the McCormick Place complex, the show features nearly a thousand different vehicles, including domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs; experimental and concept cars; and antiques and collectibles.
chicagoautoshow.com

March 7–8
Schlafly 8th Annual Stout and Oyster Festival
St. Louis
The Schlafly Tap Room flies in more than 25,000 fresh oysters from both coasts for this yearly event. Guests can sample oysters prepared in a broad range of cooking styles and dishes. You’ll find them fried, grilled, and baked; there’s also a raw bar offering several varieties on the half shell. Of note: the oysters Rockefeller, the gumbo, and the po’ boys.
schlafly.com

March 19–22
Wheel and Sprocket Bike Expo
Milwaukee
The Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park hosts this bike show and sale featuring more than 1,500 bicycles — fully assembled and ready to ride. Guests can shop for bike parts, accessories, and clothing; attend clinics and seminars; and visit with factory representatives and bike experts.
milwaukee.org/calendar

SOUTHERN U.S.
February 21–24
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
South Beach
This star-studded event brings together some of the world’s top chefs and Food Network personalities, such as Rachael Ray and Mario Batali. Packed with tastings and seminars, the festival benefits Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant, as well as the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.
sobewineandfoodfest.com

February 28–March 2
Charleston Food + Wine Festival
Charleston, South Carolina
Celebrate the best of low-country cuisine at this annual event billed as “four days of indulgence in one of America’s best culinary destinations.”
charlestonfoodandwine.com

March 3–22
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston
Almost two million people visit Reliant Park each year for the biggest livestock show in the world. In addition to cowboys, bulls, and horses, the event features world-class entertainment. Headliners for 2008 include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana, and Rascal Flatts.
hlsr.com

March 20–April 5
Savannah Music Festival
Savannah
Georgia’s largest music festival is a 17-day marathon of nearly 100 events at theaters, auditoriums, and other venues around the historic city. Highlights include new works from drummer Stewart Copeland, who just finished a world tour with The Police, and jazz trombone great Wycliffe Gordon.
savannahmusicfestival.org

March 28–30
Spring Daytona Beach Car Show and Swap Meet
Daytona Beach
The infield of Daytona International Speedway will be filled with thousands of vehicles, from classic cars to hot rods, for this annual event. In addition to show cars, the festival features a swap meet with both new and used parts, a car corral with vehicles for sale, and a display of homemade crafts.
daytonabeachcarshows.com

April 1–5
Tin Pan South
Nashville
The country’s largest music festival dedicated to songwriters and their craft features more than 70 performances over five days and nights. Each year the festival features hundreds of songwriters and in the past has welcomed artists such as Art Garfunkel, Garth Brooks, Donna Summer, Loretta Lynn, and Kenny Loggins. Shows take place at venues across the city.
tinpansouth.com

April 3–6
Food Lion AutoFair
Charlotte
Billed as the world’s largest automotive extravaganza, this fair takes over Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a car show featuring entries from more than 50 clubs, thousands of parts and memorabilia vendors, and a collector car auction.
lowesmotorspeedway.com

April 26
Queen’s Cup Steeplechase
Mineral Springs, North Carolina
Held at Brooklandwood, a 300-acre farm located about 40 minutes from downtown Charlotte, this annual event features thoroughbreds competing at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. The three-mile course includes rolling turf and four-foot jumps.
queenscup.org

WESTERN U.S.
February 12–14
Southwest Polka Party
Las Vegas
This 17th annual event celebrates the sounds of the accordion. Five bands perform over three days at The Orleans Hotel & Casino.
southwestpolka.com/LasVegas.htm

February 14–17
Seattle Festival of Improv Theater
Seattle
This annual performing and teaching exposition showcases some of America’s most innovative and entertaining improv talents. Since it began in 2002, the festival has grown to become the country’s best showcase of unscripted, interactive theater.
seattleimprov.com

February 29–March 1
Phoenix Sister Cities WorldFEST
Phoenix
Booths featuring interactive and educational activities let kids and adults explore each of Phoenix’s ten sister cities — Calgary, Canada; Catania, Italy; Chengdu, China; Ennis, Ireland; Grenoble, France; Hermosillo, Mexico; Himeji, Japan; Prague, Czech Republic; Ramat-Gan, Israel; and Taipei, Taiwan. Adults can also sample beers from around the world and hear live bands.
phoenixsistercities.org

February 29–March 2
Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show
Albuquerque
More than 200 exhibitors from around the world gather at the Sandia Resort and Casino Events Center to present the largest collection of hot and spicy products ever assembled in the U.S.
fiery-foods.com/ffshow

March 13–16
National Festival of the West
Phoenix
Visitors pay homage to the Old West at this annual gathering, named one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association. The festival features Western music, Western film and TV celebs, cowboy poetry, more than 200 exhibitors selling Western items, and a chuck wagon cooking competition. The event is held at Rawhide Western Town at Wild Horse Pass.
festivalofthewest.com

March 27–30
Pebble Beach Food & Wine
Pebble Beach, California
Billed as the premier epicurean event on the West Coast, this festival brings together 35 top chefs and 200 wineries from around the world for four days of activities, including tastings, wine-pairing dinners, cooking demos, a sommelier challenge featuring blind tastings by master sommeliers, and a rare-wine auction and dinner.
pebblebeachfoodandwine.com

April 2–5
Taste of Vail
Vail, Colorado
Thirty-five chefs and representatives from more than 50 wineries will be on hand for this four-day festival combining great food and unbeatable skiing. Individual events include the chef showcase dinner and silent auction, the 4th Annual Colorado Lamb Cook-Off, and a mountaintop picnic.
tasteofvail.com

April 27
18th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
San Francisco
A celebration of all things motorized, this event showcases 2,000 cars, aircraft, and other vehicles at the Half Moon Bay Airport, located about 20 miles south of the Bay City. The festival features automobiles ranging from hot rods, customs, low riders, street machines, and muscle cars to touring, luxury, and sports cars. Also on display are historic military aircraft, tricked-out trucks and motorcycles, fire engines, tanks, antique tractors, and more.
miramarevents.com

EUROPE
February 15–24
The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Dublin
Since 2003, this festival has presented new releases, classics, and small-budget films from Ireland and around the world. Screenings take place at venues across the city.
dubliniff.com

March 3–16
Poets’ Springtime
Paris
The City of Lights waxes poetic for two weeks of events devoted to the art of poetry. Debates, exhibitions, recitals, workshops, and more are held at locations around the city, including street corners, cafes, and museums.
printempsdespoetes.com

March 5–11
British Antique Dealers’ Association Fair
London
Held at the Duke of York Square in Chelsea, this antiques showcase features furniture, paintings, and much more. Experts will also be on hand for a series of informal talks and other events.
bada-antiques-fair.co.uk

March 13–16
Rome Marathon
Rome
Runners wind their way past several of the city’s most famous sites, including the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Marathon Village is set up during the three days leading up to the race and features vendors and concerts.
maratonadiroma.it

March 15–16
London Orchid Show
London
The Royal Horticultural Society hosts this event at Royal Lawrence Hall. On hand will be exhibitors from the U.K. and abroad, as well as the industry’s top breeders and traders. Visitors can participate in a variety of talks on orchid-related topics, see exotic hybrids along with traditional varieties, and receive expert advice from growers.
rhs.org.uk

CANADA
February 25–March 2
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
Vancouver
One of the biggest and oldest wine events on the planet, this festival attracts some of the world’s top vintners for seven days of tastings, pairings, gourmet dinners and luncheons, seminars, and culinary competitions. It’s held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre.
playhousewinefest.com

March 12–16
March 12–16 Canada Blooms: The Toronto Flower & Garden Festival
Toronto
Spring arrives along with this annual show featuring more than six acres of gardens created by some of Canada’s leading landscape designers. There are over 200 hours of demonstrations and talks led by national and international horticulture experts, and the Marketplace sells the latest gardening products, decorations, and services.
canadablooms.com

MEXICO / CARIBBEAN
March 2–9
Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival
Zihuatanejo, Mexico
This fifth annual event features performances at bars and restaurants all around town and raises money for art and cultural endeavors in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.
zihuafest.info

April 21–May 5
Santo Domingo International Book Fair
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Writers, artists, vendors, and bookworms from around the world gather for this event at the Plaza de la Cultura Juan Pablo Duarte.
ferilibro.com