APRIL, MAY AND JUNE

 

NORTHEASTERN U.S.
April 3–15
Philadelphia Flower Show
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 choose from full-length and short films as well as documentaries, experimental works, and animation.
phillyfests.com

April 21
112th Boston Marathon
Boston
The world’s oldest annual marathon is now also regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious. The first race, held in 1897, attracted a field of 15 runners. Last year’s event featured more than 20,000.
bostonmarathon.org

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. Notable guests include Salman Rushdie and Annie Proulx.
pen.org

May 2–3
National Cathedral Flower Mart
Washington, D.C.
The city welcomes spring with the season’s premier outdoor event, now in its 69th year. Held on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, the festival features lavish floral displays representing countries from around the world, horticulture and landscape exhibits, herbs and plants of all kinds, as well as puppet shows, kids’ games and rides, food, and music.
cathedral.org/ahg

May 2–September 5
Glass and Steel: Art Transcends Industry
Pittsburgh
As part of the city’s 250th anniversary celebration, the Pittsburgh Glass Center unveils its latest exhibition showcasing art that combines two of the city’s signature elements: glass and steel. All works are created by local artists from southwestern Pennsylvania.
pittsburghglasscenter.org

May 6–April 30, 2009
There’s a Mystery There: Sendak on Sendak
Philadelphia
The Rosenbach Museum & Library presents a major retrospective of the work of children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, best known for his 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are. The exhibit showcases more than 130 pieces from the museum’s collection, including original artwork, rare sketches, never-before-seen working materials, and interview footage. New objects go on display every four months.
rosenbach.org

May 10–11
Wings Over Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Elite pilots and hi-tech aircraft take to the sky in this eighth annual event at the Air Force Reserve base in Moon Township. The Snowbirds, Canada’s precision aerobatic team, will perform. The event is free.
wingsoverpittsburgh.com

May 16–18
ArtDC
Washington, D.C.
Representatives from 80 galleries in Europe, Asia, and the Americas gather at the Washington Convention Center to showcase modern and contemporary works of art. Hundreds of pieces will be available for purchase, and gallery owners and art experts will be on hand to answer questions.
dc-artfair.com

May 17–January 4, 2009
The Horse
New York City
The latest exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History explores the relationship between humans and horses. The display focuses on the evolution of the horse, which dates back more than 50 million years, and highlights the ways that the animal has influenced warfare, trade, transportation, agriculture, sports, and other facets of human life.
amnh.org

June 1–4
Cape Cod Life Food & Wine Festival
Boston
Cape Cod Life Publications hosts this inaugural event showcasing the best culinary offerings from Cape Cod, Boston, and the surrounding area. More than 40 restaurants hold nightly dinners featuring the chef’s finest creations. In addition, local and international winemakers offer pairings of vintages from around the world.
festival.capecodlife.com

MIDWESTERN U.S.
April 30–May 3
29th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival
St. Louis
Each year, more than 60 professional storytellers from across the country come together for this free four-day event. Hosted by the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ Continuing Education program and College of Arts & Sciences, the festival features events at venues across the city.
umsl.edu/storytelling

May 17
Kansas City Literary Festival
Kansas City
Returning for its second year, this event brings authors and book lovers together for a day of discussions and readings. National, local, and regional authors will be represented, with stages devoted to kids, poetry, specialty authors, and culinary interests.
kansascitylitfest.org

June 13–15
Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival
Avon, Ohio
Just 18 miles outside Cleveland, the unofficial duct tape capital of the world honors its homegrown innovation (the city is the birthplace of the popular Duck brand) with this fifth annual festival. Highlights include displays of artwork, crafts, and even fashions made from duct tape.
avonducttapefestival.com

June 28
Moto Stars: Celebrities + Motorcycles
Columbus, Ohio
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located about 15 miles outside Columbus in Pickerington, will hold a dedication ceremony for its newest exhibit showcasing more than a hundred of the world’s most recognizable cycle enthusiasts. Highlights include memorabilia from Neil Peart, drummer and lyricist for the band Rush; the bike ridden by Will Smith in the 2004 movie I Robot; and exotic custom cycles made for entertainers including will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas and comedian Carlos Mencia.
motorcyclemuseum.org

SOUTHERN U.S.
April 1–5
Tin Pan South
Nashville
The country’s largest music festival dedicated to songwriters and their craft boasts 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 cars from more than 50 clubs, thousands of parts and memorabilia vendors, and a collector car auction.
lowesmotorspeedway.com

April 18–20
Virginia International Tattoo
Norfolk
A tradition that dates to 17th century Europe, a tattoo is a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. This event, the largest tattoo in the U.S., includes marching bands, pipe and drum teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, and choirs. More than 850 participants from eight countries will perform.
vafest.org

April 22–25
A Night in Old San Antonio
San Antonio
This four-night extravaganza is one of the largest historic preservation festivals in the country. Set in the La Villita National Historic District, an 18th-century Spanish neighborhood, the event features 15 specialty areas serving a variety of ethnic foods. The event is now in its 60th year and attracts more than 100,000 people.
niosa.org

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

April 29–30
Ponderosa Stomp
New Orleans
The Crescent City rocks with this two-night concert “celebrating the unsung heroes of the blues, garage, soul, funk, rockabilly, swamp pop, and New Orleans R&B.” Performances take place at the House of Blues and The Parish, an adjacent special events center.
ponderosastomp.com

May 2–4
19th Annual Spring Herb Festival
Asheville, North Carolina
More than 55 vendors from across the Southeast gather at the WNC Farmers’ Market to present a vast array of herbs and herbal products. The festival features everything from soaps, lotions, and medicinal herbs to teas, crafts, and baked goods.
ashevilleherbfestival.com

May 23–June 8
Spoleto Festival USA
Charleston, South Carolina
A celebration of art and artists from around the world, this annual event features more than 140 performances, including opera, dance, music, and theater. Highlights include the landmark opera Amistad, the American premiere of the musical Monkey: Journey to the West, and the Swiss dance company Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève.
spoletousa.org

WESTERN U.S.
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 19
The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta
Tempe
Dozens of boats made entirely from cardboard navigate a 200-yard course across Tempe Town Lake for this annual fundraiser. Awards are given in three classes and two divisions, along with special prizes for team spirit, best dressed, and most creative use of cardboard. The Titanic Award commemorates the most spectacular sinking. Proceeds benefit local children’s charities.
rotaryriverrally.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 showcases 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

May 2–11
Hawaii Romance Festival
Honolulu
Already a favorite honeymoon destination, Hawaii makes its claim as one of the world’s most romantic destinations with this second annual event. Hosted by the Matt Catingub Orchestra of Hawaii, the 10-day festival includes concerts of popular love songs, romantic dinners, and a vow renewal ceremony held on the grounds of Iolani Palace.
mcooh.com

May 3–July 5
Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe
Colorado Springs
Works by more than 80 artists document the rise of America’s most iconic sex symbol in this exhibit at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The display includes more than 250 photos and paintings, including the famous Seven Year Itch subway grate scene; The Last Sitting, poignant photos taken of Monroe just six weeks before her death; and Andy Warhol’s well-known series Marilyns.
csfineartscenter.org

May 9–11
Reno River Festival
Reno
Held in the city’s downtown Riverwalk district, this annual festival attracts athletes from around the world. Competitions include kayaking at the Truckee River Whitewater Park, mountain bike speed trials, and a footrace in the mud. For spectators, there’s live music, great food, a beer garden with handcrafted microbrews, and an expo featuring outdoor products.
renoriverfestival.com

May 30–July 16
World Series of Poker
Las Vegas
Some of the world’s sharpest card sharks ante up for this high-stakes tournament, held at the Rio Hotel & Casino. The event is free to watch, but if you want to play, a buy-in can cost as much as $50,000.
worldseriesofpoker.com

June 27–September 21
Power & Glory: Court Arts of China’s Ming Dynasty
San Francisco
Working in collaboration with three of China’s most prestigious museums, the Bay City’s Asian Art Museum presents an exhibition of art works from one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. More than 240 objects will be on display, including porcelain, paintings, textiles, and more.
asianart.org

EUROPE
April 13
London Marathon
London
While the runners wind their way through town, spectators can raise a pint at one of the 80 or so pubs located along the 26.2-mile route. Many establishments will host live music during the race and most will sport festive decorations in honor of the event.
london-marathon.co.uk

May 16–18
Kensington Dollshouse Festival
London
Good things come in small packages at this event, one of the world’s top showcases for dollhouses, miniatures, and models. Visitors can find the tiniest details to complete their own dollhouses, from wallpaper to bathroom fittings, or buy a complete mini-mansion fully furnished.
dollshousefestival.com

May 17–18
Vinilmania
Milan
This event has attracted record collectors from around the world since it began in 1986. Nearly 300 exhibitors will be on hand to sell and trade rare vinyl, including albums, EPs, and singles. The show also includes CDs, books, memorabilia, concerts, and more.
vinilmaniaitalia.com

May 25–June 8
French Open
Paris
The world’s best tennis players battle it out on the clay courts of Roland Garros Stadium. The event is the second of four Grand Slam competitions; others are the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
fft.fr/rolandgarros/default_en.asp

June 4–8
A Taste of Stockholm
Stockholm
Chefs from some of the city’s finest restaurants prepare their best recipes — with more than 200 different dishes offered. Visitors can enjoy live music while they eat; musicians perform everything from big band to classical to rock ’n’ roll.
smakapastockholm.se

CANADA
May 23–25
EAT! Vancouver
Vancouver
Billed as “The Everything Food and Cooking Festival,” this event is the largest consumer food, beverage, and cooking show in Canada. The event takes place at BC Place Stadium and showcases hundreds of food, beverage, and kitchen goods exhibitors, along with representatives from wineries, breweries, restaurants, and chocolatiers. Activities include cooking demonstrations, wine and cheese seminars, chef competitions, and barbecue and chili cookoffs.
eat-vancouver.com

June 26–July 6
Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal
Several downtown city blocks are closed to traffic from noon to midnight to make way for 11 days of non-stop entertainment. Highlights include live music, several cafes and bistros, an art gallery, street performers, and a musical park for kids.
montrealjazzfest.com

CARIBBEAN
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

May 1–3
Cayman Carnival Batabano
Cayman Islands
A tradition on the islands that began in 1984, this festival celebrates Caribbean culture and arts with a masquerade ball, parade, and street party. The name of the event is a salute to the Caymans’ turtle heritage; “batabano” refers to the tracks that turtles leave on the sand as they cross the beach to nest.
caymancarnival.com