MAY, JUNE AND JULY

 

NORTHEASTERN U.S.
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 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 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.
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

June 12–15
Affordable Art Fair
New York City
The perfect venue for novice art buyers to make that first purchase, this seventh annual festival features works from more than 75 galleries representing 12 countries. Most of the pieces on display are priced between $100 and $5,000, and nothing is more than $10,000. Buyers can choose from contemporary paintings, sculpture, photography, and prints.
aafnyc.com

June 15–September 1
Baseball as America
Boston
This traveling exhibition spends ten weeks at the Museum of Science, Boston, showcasing more than 500 artifacts from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. The artifacts date back to the game’s origins 150 years ago and include the “Green Light” letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraging the MLB commissioner to keep the game going during WWII, the T206 Honus Wagner card of 1909, and the baseball that Cy Young threw for the first pitch of the first World Series in 1903.
mos.org

June 20–22
Popped! Festival
Philadelphia
More than 40 musicians will perform over three days at this outdoor festival headquartered at Drexel University. In addition to offering entertainment for all ages, the event is focused on promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Electricity will come from generators using biodiesel, a vegetable-based fuel, and water stations will replace bottled water.
poppedphiladelphia.org

July 12–13
Taste of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
The city proves there’s more to its cuisine than chicken wings with this event, now in its 25th year. Visitors can taste a variety of foods, from Polish pierogi to Italian sausage to German pastries. Plate-size samples are available for up to $4, while smaller bite-size portions are just $1. Participating restaurants also offer healthy options that are lower in sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
tasteofbuffalo.com

July 12–13
North Atlantic Blues Festival
Rockland, Maine
Held in the city’s Harbor Park, this event showcases more than 15 blues artists from around the world. There’s also a “Club Crawl” featuring more than 15 bars hosting live blues bands.
northatlanticbluesfestival.com

MIDWESTERN U.S.
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 fashions made from duct tape.
avonducttapefestival.com

June 28
MotoStars: 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.
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

June 5–8
CMA Music Festival
Nashville
Fans can get close to some of their favorite performers at this annual event featuring autograph sessions and nightly concerts at LP Field. This year’s headliners include Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Dwight Yoakam, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Jewel.
cmafest.com

June 6–8
Harborfest
Norfolk, Virginia
Town Point Park is the place to be for this summertime event, now in its 32nd year. A celebration of the area’s maritime history, the festival includes more than 700 boats and ships, over 130 hours of live entertainment on multiple stages, the Dockside Art Gallery, and a variety of food from crab cakes to funnel cakes.
festeventsva.org

June 13–14
Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival
Tryon, North Carolina
About 40 miles outside Asheville (or 90 miles from Charlotte), you’ll find one of the top five Kansas City Barbecue Society–sanctioned BBQ competitions in the country. This 15th annual event is home to the North Carolina State Barbecue Championship and features all kinds of ’cue — pulled, chopped, and sliced.
blueridgebbqfestival.com

June 28
Great American Backyard Campout
Charlotte
The U.S. National Whitewater Center invites families to come out for this free daylong event featuring kayak clinics, rock climbing, flat-water paddling, whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more.
usnwc.org

July 12
Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show
Pensacola
The U.S. Navy’s famed Blue Angels make their home base in Pensacola, and the precision flying team presents two shows there each year. The group performs alongside other civilian and military pilots.
blueangels.navy.mil

July 12
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Charlotte
Visitors can taste some of the world’s best beers, sip the finest Kentucky bourbons, and chow down on North Carolina barbecue at this event held at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. There will also be live music, bourbon tasting classes led by master distillers, and a cigar tent.
beerandbourbon.com/north-carolina/show-info

WESTERN U.S.
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 event 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 Convention Center. 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 6–8
Downtown L.A. Open House 2008
Los Angeles
Visitors who’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in L.A. can experience the city firsthand with this free, self-guided tour of several downtown neighborhoods. Participants can visit a variety of cultural venues, restaurants, and shops, and experience luxury hotels at special reduced rates.
downtownla.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 City by the Bay’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

July 18
Mighty Mud Mania
Scottsdale
What began in 1976 as a promotion for Shout pre-wash spray is now the highlight of the Parks and Recreation Division’s summer recreation program. The event features the dirtiest obstacle course around with competitions for kids aged 7 to 17. There’s also a mini mud course and puddle pools for children under 7.
scottsdaleaz.gov/mightymudmania

July 18–20
18th Annual National Train Show
Anaheim
The world’s largest model train show pulls into a different city and state each year. The 2008 event will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center, where visitors will find more than 56,000 square feet of operating model train displays, the latest accessories from U.S. and international vendors, free appraisals, and a children’s play area.
nationaltrainshow.org

EUROPE
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 fully furnished mini-mansion.
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 tournament is the second of four Grand Slam competitions; the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open are the others.
fft.fr/rolandgarros

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 10–15
Worldwide Short Film Festival
Toronto
Venues across the city showcase the best short films from around the world. Prizes are handed out for the best Canadian short, as well as the best live-action, animated, documentary, and experimental films.
worldwideshortfilmfest.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 nonstop entertainment. Highlights include live music, an art gallery, street performers, and a musical park for kids.
montrealjazzfest.com

MEXICO/CARIBBEAN
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

June 8–15
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Artists from the U.S. and Europe join performers from Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean for this 18th annual event. It features eight days of music and entertainment suitable for all ages.
ochoriosjazz.com

June 29
San Pedro and San Pablo Festival
Cozumel, Mexico
Each year the island honors St. Peter and St. Paul with this community fair. The event includes rides, food, and a craft show.
islacozumel.com.mx