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Fun Things To Do This Weekend From Around The Country!
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Cultures Aren't Just in Petri Dishes
By: Maria King
Date: May 12, 2013
Date: May 12, 2013
I am extremely fond of cultural events because of the experience and exposure to the traditions of a particular ethnic group. I am not sure that many of us appreciate the rarity of that opportunity. The United States is known as a blending of cultures like no other place on earth. One fabulous outgrowth of that is the wealth of cultural events taking place throughout the year. Just this week we feature Chinese, Norwegian, German, Italian, Scottish, Native American, Greek, Swedish and more. And remember that although I can only feature 10-14 events in this space, there are 100’s taking place most weeks. Once you immerse yourself in a culture and gather an understanding of exactly what it is all about, people tend to be much more tolerant. That’s because understanding a culture removes fear and that’s what leads to tolerance. And that tolerance is what makes the U.S a very special place indeed.
If you think that you would like to experience a "culture"-al event outside a Petri dish, use the search box above. If you want to see what events are happening each and every week in your area, sign up for our free weekly email. Make sure to grab the kiddies, your significant other, granny or the dog, whoever happens to be available and get out there. If you have never experienced a cultural event, try to attend one this week. I promise that you will enjoy delicious food, good music and an excellent time all around. Plus you might learn something about another group of people or maybe even yourself. You never know when you might discover that you really like herring. Who knew?
May 19, 2013
Little Italy San Diego, CA US 92101
Since 1994. The highly popular free family event features authentic Sicilian food and entertainment, surrounded by the colorful ambiance of the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego's downtown, located within walking distance of the beautiful San Diego harbor and within minutes of San Diego’s downtown district. Three main stages will feature a wide variety of Sicilian and Italian entertainment. At noon, a procession of dozens of costumed dancers, musicians, and representatives of the Italian organizations in San Diego will parade through the streets carrying flags from the different regions of Sicily and Italy. Food booths representing the many restaurants in Little Italy will line the streets to satisfy the hungry crowds by serving up Sicilian specialties of all varieties. A pasta- eating contest will also highlight the day’s activities. Festival visitors will also be able to relax at two wine and beer gardens, or shop among the many booths offering Italian-themed artifacts and services. People will be literally dancing in the streets, and no wonder. The event features the nationally acclaimed Roman Holiday Ensemble who will be on hand with their costumed musicians and dancers to provide a lively show of Sicilian and Italian music. Strolling entertainers will pepper the Festival grounds throughout the day, providing an authentic Sicilian musical ambiance that will transport visitors to the shores of Palermo as they enjoy the traditional melodies. The Sicilian Festival is also the perfect venue for families with children. All children’s activities are FREE, and include a large inflatable slide, puppet theatre shows, face painting, and many other activities to keep the bambini entertained throughout day. A Sicilian cultural pavilion will display photos and other memorabilia of the history of the Sicilian-American community in San Diego.
75,000 Attendees
75,000 Attendees
May 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Since 1971, features arts and crafts exhibitors with a wide range of merchandise including cabinets to outdoor furniture, mountain dulcimers, quilts, pottery, handmade Indian jewelry, windchimes and cypress Adirondack chairs, hand-woven baskets, soaps, lotions, candles, hand-blended spices, air- brush painting, caricatures and more. Plus authentic Italian food, games, rides, live entertainment and more.
8,000 Attendees
8,000 Attendees
May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Since 1982, grab your kilt and join the scouts in traditional athletic and dance competitions or sample a meat pie colorful parades and social events complete the spectrum of this highland weekend.
3,000 Attendees
3,000 Attendees
May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Downtown Westby Westby, WI US 54667
Since 1969, enjoy ethnic food, arts and crafts exhibits, including rose making and carving demonstrations, quilt auction, huge classic car show, antique engines, two parades, and entertainment.
10,000 Attendees
10,000 Attendees
May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Since 1984, Greek, mid-eastern and Indian foods. Music and other entertainment will provide enjoyment while you eat. Everyone knows the best part of any Greek festival is the food, and this year's festival will not disappoint. This festival features a scrumptious medley of Middle Eastern and Greek dishes, plus Georgian, Russian and Romanian fare. Also included are an indoor Old World Market, artwork and costumed dancers.
30,000+ Attendees
30,000+ Attendees
May 17, 2013 - May 18, 2013
Downtown Kingsburg, CA US 93631
Friday smorgasbord. Saturday is Parade, Swedish festival features ethnic foods, live entertainment, and childrens activities.
May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Downtown Hermann, MO US 65041
Since 1953, the festival will feature activities relating to Hermann's German Heritage. Highlights include maypole dancing, wooden shoe carving, volksplatz, heritage crafters, children's events, German foods, parades, music, German speaking greeters, folk art show and a historical production sponsored by the Brush and Palette Club. Takes place in various locations.
May 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Since 1996, the Garden has collaborated with the Chinese Culture Education and Services Foundation to produce an event to celebrate Chinese culture. Hundreds of community volunteers work towards producing a weekend filled with colorful Chinese pageantry, art, music and dance, history and legends, and of course, wonderful food! A 70-foot dragon and lion dancers open this springtime celebration that includes a Grand Parade and acrobatics, theater, martial arts, Chinese calligraphy, painting and authentic regional cuisine. Enjoy t'ai chi and tea tasting in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, where special tours focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details.
May 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Since 1991, a huge celebration of different cultures that we share the planet with. Enjoy food, music, costumes and more. You and your friends and family will enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international children's games, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays.
50,000 Attendees
50,000 Attendees
May 17, 2013 - May 19, 2013
The words 'Syttende Mai" are Norwegian for the 17th of May. On May 17, 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was signed, finally granting Norway its own independence. Stoughton celebrates Syttende Mai on the weekend nearest May 17, and has been doing so as far back as 1868, when the immigration of Scandinavians to this part of Wisconsin was reaching its peak. Soughton's Syttende Mai celebration is a very colorful and gala affair with many people wearing authentic Norse costumes. Folk dancing is a delighful part of the celbration. Special Norwegian foods and delicacies are served, including a tasty smorgasbord. Scandinavain arts, such as rosemaling, play an important role in the history of Stoughton. This is where many premier rosemalers begin their craft. All in allm Syttende Main is entertaining and equally educational for all memebrs of the family. Come join us for a weekend of fun and celebration including, canoe racing, parades, norwegian dancing, Rosemaling exhibit, street dance and so much more.
May 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
9th Avenue New York, NY US 10019
Since 1973. From 37th Street to 57th Street, Ninth Avenue closes to cars and the festival takes over. More than a million people visit the festival each year. It’s unique and amazing, celebrating the joys of ethnicity through food, entertainment and every kind of street fair stall. Most street fairs in New York all look the same but this one stands out. The food is the big draw, but the festival is a fabulous expression of the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood teeming with ethnic food shops and fine restaurants and offering an eclectic global smorgasbord of national and regional foods. Outside venders participate as well, but the Ninth Avenue merchants and restaurants and the community organizations of Hell’s Kitchen are out in all their neighborhood glory.
May 18, 2013
Enter a virutal Chinese garden and partake in cultural traditions covering 5,000 years of Chinese history in this celebration of one of the world’s oldest cultures. The festival showcases the unique traditional art and culture of China through visual and performing arts and gift booth exhibitions including Chinese music, dance, Wushu performances, works by nationally acclaimed artists, seminars and interactive activities. Presented by the Washington Chinese Art Culture Committee.
May 18, 2013 - May 19, 2013
Asia Plaza Cleveland, OH US 44114
Since 2010. Featuring authentic Asian foods and merchandise, local and national performing artists, a children’s activities area, games, competitions, and a health pavilion that focuses on free screenings and health education. Live cultural performances, martial art demonstrations, Sumo Wrestling (inflatable), Eating Contests, Children's craft, DDR, and merchandise exhibitors! Free Trolley Tour of AsiaTown, Free Admission, Free Parking at CSU lots on E. 24th Street & Payne Avenue.
50,000 Attendees
50,000 Attendees
May 16, 2013 - May 18, 2013
Since 1988. Indian heritage is kept alive in crafts, music, dance, ceremony, and camaraderie. Native crafts and customs came alive through actual demonstrations that included flint-knapping, silversmithing, finger-weaving, gorget-making, stickball, drum-making, woodcarving, blacksmithing, basket making, pottery-making, stone pipe-making and more. This year we are proud to introduce new demonstrators and vendors including a special demonstration from Auburn University's Raptor Bird Program.
15,000 Attendees
15,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com
Photos are copyright of their respective owners.
Photos are copyright of their respective owners.
