Record no longer available!
Fun Things To Do This Weekend From Around The Country!
Don't see anything in your area? Use the form above, to search for fun things to do in your local community!
Memorial Day Weekend: The Unofficial Start to Summer
By: Maria King
Date: May 19, 2013
To all those out there that love to be “out there”, it is finally the unofficial start to the summer season. Where I live within a few miles of the Jersey shore, Memorial Day weekend has always been a super big deal. The boardwalk and the beach have their “grand re-opening” every year at this time. All the local news teams descend on the shore to report on the crowds, weather and water temperature. Typically the water is a comfortable 53 degrees. Trust me, it feels MUCH colder than it sounds. However, no one really cares.(I do but no one else seems to) The kids enjoy the beach playing in the sand, the sun worshippers get to soak up the rays without the dreadful humidity of July and those that love the water can walk in the surf and squish their toes in the wet sand. It is a glorious beginning to what always promises to be a summer of fun in the sun and surf.
How the weekend impacts the festival season is sort of a beginning of its own. Although the season has been going on for quite awhile now, everyone can sense that it kicks into high gear starting now. That's one reason that I was overwhelmed with choices for the blog. I wasn’t sure which way to go. Last year I highlighted specifically Memorial Day events; the year before I did holiday specific parades. So this year I thought I would do some events that take place over Memorial Day weekend that are just not traditional “Memorial Day” celebrations. Are you confused? Well what I mean is that they are Memorial Day events simply based on the calendar and not necessarily on what takes place at the event. Did that clear it up?
There are some art festivals, some jazz/music festivals and some food festivals. There is even a Horned Toad Festival and a Mud Bug Festival. A little something for everyone, I would say. But as always these are just a representation of some of the fabulous events taking place each week in the U.S. Depending on where you live, these may not be geographically possible for you to attend. However, no need to worry as there are always many options available right in your own backyard. Just simply use the search box above or sign up for our free weekly email to find events in your area. And remember that I love hearing from my readers and I answer every email I receive personally.
An Important Note to All: Memorial Day is a holiday for a very special reason. It is a way to remember the sacrifices of all those who have died in service to our country. It is a sobering reminded of the ultimate price some have paid for our freedom. That freedom allows us to celebrate in any manner of theme, style, location, etc., that we desire. It is what makes us who we are and defines what we hold dear. Please be sure to attend a ceremony, parade or wreath laying, before you head out to one of the more non-traditional celebrations. It will be an excellent way of demonstrating how we will never forget the real cost of our “free” events.
May 24, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1986, 150 free performances, superb arts and crafts, children's art activities and great food at one of the regions premier festivals. The Mayfair Village will be located in the grounds around Ag Hall at the Allentown Fairgounds.
50,000 Attendees
May 25, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1968, highly juried fine arts and craft festival featuring the entertainment, food and music demonstrations.
200,000 Attendees
May 24, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1992, Northeast Ohio's biggest cook-out of the summer, features rib cooking teams from across the country competing for cash prizes and title of 'The greatest ribs in America', national and local entertainment. Also there are lots of great interactive exhibits, live entertainment and family fun.
155,000 Attendees
May 24, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1974, one of the great international jazz festivals with over 135 bands performing at over 3 dozen venues. Music styles include traditional jazz, blues, zydeco, Latin jazz and salsa, swing dancing and western swing and gospel. Parade takes place Saturday at 10am.
105,000 Attendees
May 23, 2013 - May 26, 2013
Since 1984, festival featuring Cajun and Zydeco bands, Cajun cuisine, crawfish eating contests, Cajun dance contest, children's area, arts and crafts vendors and 5K run.
175,000 Attendees
May 24, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1937. Live horned toad races, carnival, fireman water fights, BBQ, softball tournament, parade on Saturday, food and entertainment. What a crazy and fun event.
30,000 Attendees
May 23, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1959, White-water adventurers compete for large prizes over a perilous 50-mile course on Southern Oregon's Rogue River. Boat race will be held on Memorial Day. The annual classic also features a Boatnik parade on Saturday, carnival, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, volleyball and more.
100,000 Attendees
May 25, 2013 - May 26, 2013
Since 1982, the nation's longest running culinary arts festival features live continuous entertainment with national recording stars on 4 stages. Plus over 40 fine restaurants serve up delicious and delectable menu items. Other attractions include a family variety stage, amusement rides and street performers.
500,000+ Attendees
May 25, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Since 1963, over 3,000 competitors take part in scouts race, generation gap race and 70-mile pro race. A flea market featuring merchandise and crafts, rides, games, live entertainment, great food and fireworks. A great way to spend a holiday weekend. Camping available.
100,000 Attendees
May 25, 2013 - May 27, 2013
Spend Memorial Day Weekend in the cultural heart of New England, at Northampton's award- winning Paradise City Arts Festival. This spring's show includes 250 extraordinary craftsmen and artists, a exciting benefit silent auction, sensational cuisine by Northampton's best chefs and live music by regional and national luminaries. Boston Magazine writes, 'There's no better place in the country to pick up original artwork than the Paradise City Arts Festival.'
15,000 Attendees
May 25, 2013 - May 27, 2013
A great Jazz festival that attracts the greatest in the Jazz field. Many venues will be home to the various acts including: Centennial Olympic Park, Underground Atlanta, Churchill Grounds, and others.
150,000 Attendees
May 23, 2013 - May 27, 2013
This family event recognizes the musical heritage of North Iowa. Mason City is the home town of Meridith Willson, on which is based the musical, "The Music Man". Each spring since 1936 the city has held this musical tribute to the young musicians of the area. Family style professional entertianment of all types, high school jazz bands, concert bands a talent show, a large car show, craft show and carnival. The highlight of the week end is a large parade featuring over 25 bands and 100's of units makes its way through the now fictional "River City". as it has been.
80,000 Attendees
May 24, 2013
Since 1999. The Downtown Denver Arts Festival is a fine arts and fine crafts festival that continues to be dedicated to supporting Colorado artists while also showcasing a select group of national artists . Downtown Denver Arts Festival holds its annual premier event each Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features some of Colorado's and the nation's best artists.
150,000 Attendees
