Top Events in Every State This Summer

Travel is back and so are summer events. After being full of blank squares last year, event calendars around the country are loaded up once again and all of the following events are well worth traveling for or are perfect for tying into your existing summer vacation plans. Click on the slideshow to see what event sits atop the heap in your home state.

After a year off, this festival will once again be bringing A-list talent to the wilderness near Cullman-located about 50 miles north of Birmingham. This year's event takes place on August 13th & 14th and includes artists such as Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Lynryd Skynrd, Nelly, Morgan Wade and many others. Elsewhere in Alabama, late August sees the always-fun Franklin Country Watermelon Festival return and September is the time to catch the Alabama Women in Jazz Festival.

The Last Frontier may be more well known for its astounding outdoors, but during summertime, the social calendar is stacked with fun happenings. Mid-July will see the marathons, markets and mouthwatering food of Cordova's annual Copper River Salmon Jam while the season will go out with a bang at the best event of the year: the Alaska State Fair. This epic party in Palmer (August 20-September 6) will feature the usual array of awesome rides and activities alongside concerts from the likes of Martina McBride, Billy Idol, Dashboard Confessional and Jon Pardi.

What better way to beat the desert heat than to explore the bewitching Desert Botanical Garden by flashlight after twilight. See the garden in the dark and discover multiple night-blooming plants and nocturnal animals on Saturday nights through September 4th.

The 45th edition of this cherished annual event (August 5-7) will be bigger and better than ever in 2021. Head to Hope to take part in a fun dog show, run in a 5K, or sing your heart out during "Watermelon Idol". Then, take in the parade and the watermelon eating contest before sinking your teeth into some of the town's famous fruit for yourself.

The Golden State is loaded with awesome things to do each summer and this year will see the return of many of its best music festivals and even the legendary Comic-Con. The good ol' Gilroy Garlic Festival still ticks all the boxes for quirky fun and garlicky goodness though and this year it's taking place on two consecutive weekends (July 23 -25 & July 30-August 1).

It may not be the biggest festival on the calendar, but it might just be the prettiest. You'll be surrounded by the splendor of colorful mountain flowers at the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival (July 9-18), which will feature guided hikes, photography classes and much more. This summer also sees several hot air balloon festivals in the state worth checking out as well.

Head to East Hartford's Great River Park on a Thursday night from now through August 5th and you'll be treated to a family-friendly, fun concert. The artists run the spectrum of musical styles but they all know how to work a stage and put a smile on your face.

The finest soiree in the First State returns this summer (July 22-31) and will be hosting its usual collection of fantastic rides, tantalizing festival food and rock-solid country concerts. This year's lineup includes Riley Green, Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Hardy, and 38 Special among others.

Celebrate the 4th of July with a bang, then spend the next week (July 7-10) looking to the skies over Pensacola Beach to see the Blue Angels performing on their home turf. In addition to the Blues, the festival features a number of performance pilots and gatherings on the sand. Other great summer events in the Sunshine State include Key West's Hemingway Days (July 22-24)-which will be back to its full slate of Papa-centric fun this year-and the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami (July 23-25).

The Dogwood Festival is usually a rite of spring in Atlanta, but this year's 85th edition will take place August 6th-8th. Head to Piedmont Park for a myriad of art displays, global music, a fun 5K and more delicious food than you can shake a fork at.

A festival that pays tribute to the legendary Duke Kahanamoku-the iconic ambassador for ocean sports and the islands of Hawaii-Duke's Oceanfest (August 21-29) features surfing exhibitions, beach volleyball, organized swims and movies on the beach.

This festival brings an eclectic collection of artists to Sandpoint-located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille-for eight straight evenings (July 29-August 8) of great music under the stars. This year's lineup includes names like Jake Owen, Gladys Knight, Keb' Mo' & Band, Reo Speedwagon and a night dedicated to music from the movies.

When the sun comes out and the weather warms up each summer, there's no better American city to be in than the Windy City. The calendar is overflowing with fun things to do this season with the return of favorites like the Grant Park Music Festival, The Windy City Smokeout, Taste of Chicago and the city's beloved Greek festivals. Nothing outshines Lollapolooza though (July 29-Aug 1), and this year's headliners include Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Tyler the Creator and Foo Fighters.

The Indy 500 got the summer off to heck of a start in the Hoosier State, but that's just the start of the fun in 2021. Carmel will throw its annual excellent Independence Day celebration while late August sees the delightful Water Lantern Festival take over White River State Park. The Indiana State Fair (July 30-August 22) will be the summer's hottest ticket though as it will feature a cornucopia of attractions in addition to free (yes, free) concerts featuring names like Blanco Brown, Babyface, Josh Turner, For King & Country, Vince Neil of Motley Crue and a host of others.

There are state fairs and there is the Iowa State Fair (August 12-22). An internationally acclaimed icon of the genre, Des Moines will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of this summer extravaganza. Take a spin on the rides, take in a tractor pull, feast on some deep-fried deliciousness before taking in a concert from the likes of Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt, Boyz II Men, The Doobie Brothers and Dan + Shay.

Featuring scores of Wild West-themed events like a rodeo, parade and multiple barbecue contests, this lively festival (July 30-August 8th) will be the state's best summer party. In addition to Dodge City Days, the much-beloved Star-Spangled Spectacular returns to Overland Park on July 4th, with scores of other smaller celebrations around the state also celebrating Independence Day in style.

Stop by Newport the weekend of July 8th-9th for the Bacon Bourbon and Brew Festival and Louisville over Labor Day weekend for one of the nation's best Beatles festivals: Abbey Road on the River. Then head to Bardstown September 16th-19th (hey, it's technically still summer) for the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

The most wonderful summer weekend in New Orleans that is the Satchmo Summer Fest is back (July 31-August 1) and it's better than ever. Among the acts that will take the stage over the two days are Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Charmaine Neville, Treme Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & The Barbecue Swingers and numerous others. Additional highlights of summer include the NOLA Zydeco Fest in early July and the Louisiana Soul Food Festival (August 27-29)

Rockland's famous Lobster Festival may have postponed to 2022, but there's still lots of fun to be had in Maine this summer. Case in point is the concert series at Darling's Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor that will take place in August and will see the likes of Luke Bryan, KISS and Thomas Rhett take the stage. Shoutout to the Blistered Fingers Bluegrass Festival too, which will do its thing once again in Litchfield in late summer (August 26-29).

The majority of Maryland's most cherished fishing tournaments-most notably Ocean City's White Marlin Open in August-are back, July 4th will be amazing-especially in Annapolis-and the "only in Maryland" National Hard Crab Derby has returned, too. The best event of the season will be the famous Maryland Renaissance Festival, arguably the nation's most enthralling escape to "days of olde". This temporary village will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of medieval times on August 28th & 29th and more than a dozen or so dates in September and October.

You haven't experienced a 4th of July until you've spent one in Boston, one of America's most patriotic and historic cities. Harborbest is the headliner of the festivities, as this gathering features a host of family-friendly events-including a boat parade-and concerts, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display. Come August 27th & 28th, don't miss Boston Jazzfest as this festival shows off all Jazz styles and serves as a grand finale for the season.

You'll have the opportunity to sample plenty of Traverse City's signature sweet fruit and take part in loads of family fun during this cherished mid-summer festival (July 3-July 10). Later in the month (July 30-August 8), head to Grand Haven for the nationally recognized U.S. Coast Gaurd Festival to honor the men and women of the Coast Gaurd, ride carnival rides and dip your toes into Lake Michigan.

While almost every state in the union has a state fair, very few can compete with the Land of 10,000 Lakes (August 26-September 6th). Gently sail over the crowds on the SkyGlider or Skyride, get spooked at the Haunted House, admire nature at the Butterfly House or take a spin on the plethora of exciting rides-all before tasting one of the dozens of tasty treats served up on a stick. This is to say nothing of the concerts that feature A-list names like Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and the Doobie Brothers.

For the 18th time, the Tri-State Blues Festival will show off some of the best musicians in the Memphis metro region, which includes swaths of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas. This year's event will take place on August 21st and will feature artists like Bobby Rush, Pokey Bear and Calvin Richardson.

After missing the entire 2020 season, the Muny outdoor theater is back with a full summer season to delight the crowds. Take in The Sound of Music,Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Chicago and others under the St. Louis stars during July and August at one of the nation's most enchanting venues for musicals.

This volunteer-led event aims to bring music-loving folks together to celebrate all that is great about rural Montana, and they will be back from July 22nd-25th. Expect the usual combo of excellent tunes, informative talks and the always-popular beard & mustache contest. Elsewhere in Big Sky Country, August sees the Crow Fair & Rodeo, one of the largest pow wows and Native American cultural events in the West.

They don't call it "Nebraska's 4th of July City" for nothing as each year the small town of Seward paints itself red, white and blue for Independence Day. Stop by over the long weekend for apple-eating contests, crafts, parade and of course, fireworks. Another great summer event in the Cornhusker state is Oregon Trail Days (July 8-11), which takes place in Landmark Country and will transport you back to the days of the pioneers.

Could you find a more scenic spot in America to take in the works of William Shakespeare? Thou think not. Sand Harbor State Park at Lake Tahoe is the setting for this annual festival (July 17-August 22) which this year will feature a performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

New England's largest outdoor blues festival will return to the beautiful White Mountains during the weekend of August 20th-22nd. The festival is bringing back the rock solid roster of performers that were scheduled to rock the stage in 2020, before being postponed. Gorham's wonderful July 4th celebrations are also a highlight of the New Hampshire summer.

Every summer day on the Jersey Shore can feel like a festival, but this country music fest is going to take things to a whole 'nother level. Some of the biggest names in the game (Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Zac Brown Band and Lee Brice for starters) will be taking the seaside stage in Wildwood from August 19th-22nd, putting an exclamation point on summer in the process. Another top event this season is the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning (July 23-25), which will fill the skies over Readington with dozens of colorful and majestic hot air balloons.

This summer's ceremonial (July 31-August 9) will be the 99th edition of this special festival which features Indian tribal dances, parades, Indian Art Village and an All-Indian rodeo. Visit to gain insight into this special culture and the history of New Mexico. Another standout in the state is the summer season at the Santa Fe Opera (July 10-August 27) which will once again feature opera under the Southwest stars.

The U.S. Open (August 30-September 12) is always the last great bash of summer in the Big Apple, but this year's tournament will take on special meaning as fans will be welcomed back to the courts. Other sensational summer events in the Empire State include Harlem Week, the New York State Fair in Syracuse and the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City.

A summer tradition like no other, once again the talented performers of the Roanoke Island Historical Association will be taking the stage (May 28-August 21) to tell the story of the Lost Colony. Greenville's 17th Annual Summertime Brews Festival (July 24) and the myriad of July 4th celebrations on the Outer Banks will also be highlights of the season.

Affectionately dubbed the "10 Best Days of Summer", this fair in West Fargo (July 9-18) has it all. Midway rides, agricultural exhibits & competitions, delectable fare and even a jigsaw puzzle contest, this fair is not to be missed. Concerts this year include Skillet, Hardy, Trace Adkins and Styx.

America's leading Irish festival is back this summer (August 4-8), albeit with a slightly different spin on things. It has been dubbed "Dublin Irish Days" for 2021 and will be spread out between downtown Dublin and Coffman Park. Other fun events on tap in the Buckeye State include the 4th of July Weekend Flea Market in Canton and the summer concert series at Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica in Cleveland.

Consistently ranked among the top Independence Day bashes in America, LibertyFest will be flying the flag of freedom once again from late June through the 4th of July. Expect a car show, rodeo, parade, concerts and a dazzling fireworks display. If you're looking for a more offbeat way to spend the holiday weekend, then head to Pauls Valley for the Watermelon Seed Spittin' World Championship. The McCloud Blackberry Festival is also a great summer event in the state, too.

The biggest blues festival west of the Mississippi River, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over Portland each Independence Day weekend (July 2-5). Expect amazing tunes with a terrific river backdrop and a display of colorful fireworks overhead at night. Another exciting summer happening in the state is the Oregon State Fair (August 27-September 6).

The USA's independence was declared in Philadelphia, so it should come as no surprise that the city throws one of the best 4th of July bashes in the entire nation (June 19-July 4th). A festival full of fun activities culminates with A-list concerts (Flo Rida and Bebe Rexha) and a dazzling fireworks display. Other fun summertime happenings in the state are the Little League World Series (August 19-29) and the Great Allentown Fair (September 1-6).

The iconic jazz festival (July 30-August 1) has been moved to Fort Adams this year, but the sounds will be as riveting as ever. A small selection of artists scheduled to perform include Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Robert Glasper, Andra Day and Kamasi Washington.

Once again, this remarkable festival (July 16-25) will take to the water and streets of Beaufort to pay respects to the city's unique land-meets-sea culture. Expect concerts, fishing tournaments, boat processions and plenty of Lowcountry cooking.

The nation's most iconic motorcycle rally, the Black Hills will once again come alive with the roar of the bikes this summer during Sturgis (August 6-15). Participate in one of the scenic rides into the surrounding hills or just stay in town and take part in the social scene that includes bar crawls, contests and concerts from the likes of Kid Rock, ZZ Top and Insane Clown Posse among others.

Bonnaroo is back (September 2-5) and it's bringing with it some of the biggest names in music. Just a small sampling of the talent performing this year includes Foo Fighters, Lizzo, Tyler the Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Tame Impala and Lana Del Ray. Before Bonnaroo, head to Graceland for Elvis Week the week of August 11th-16th.

The Lone Star State sizzles each summer and this year will be loaded with fun. While there may be bigger festivals, there isn't anything better than Viva Big Bend (July 28-August 1), which consists of 50-plus bands playing at small towns scattered throughout the Big Bend region of the state (Marfa, Fort Favis and Marathon among others).

You won't find a more alluring backdrop for music than the one at the Moab Music Festival (August 30-September 16). At this festival, you will see some of the finest musicians in the world perform chamber, jazz and global music all while being surrounded by the spectacular local red rock landscape.

Enjoy concerts outside on the grass at the always-enthralling Shelburne Museum through August 2nd. Artists set to perform this year include Jason Mraz, Old Crow Medicine Show and Guster. Then for something totally different, close down summer on September 4th at the Bennington Garlic Festival.

What started way back in 1963 as a way to bring symphony music to the hills and hollows of rural Shenandoah Valley has blossomed into the state's most venerable music festival. It's back through September 4th and is featuring such names as Phil Vassar, The Four Tops, Blac Violin and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Seattle's beloved summer festival may mostly be online this year, but that won't stop Seafair from being the most anticipated event of July & August. The 4th of July fireworks won't happen live, but the past displays the Seafair team plan to broadcast on TV are sure to be memorable. Come August, the Seafair Boeing Airshow will be live and in-person, and as usual is destined to impress. Further afield, the concert series at Gorge Amphitheatre (names like Dave Matthews Band, Sheryl Crow and Phish are all scheduled to appear) will also be a fun way to while away the Washington summer.

This beloved West Virginia tradition is back to its usual form this year and will take place from June 30th through July 4th in Logan near Charleston. Expect excellent carnival rides, delectable food and music from the likes of a Michael Jackson tribute act and country act Parmalee. Another awesome summer event in the state is the concert series at the West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve, which will take place on select Thursdays through September 16th.

The world's biggest concert festival has to be the choice for the Badger State and even though it's been pushed back to weekends in September this year (September 2-4, 9-11, 16-18), it will be as stellar as ever. Just a sampling of the names set to take the stage are Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Luke Bryan, Jonas Brothers, Chance the Rapper, Miley Cyrus, Megan Thee Stallion and 24KGoldn. If you can't wait that long for some live music, then head to Country Thunder in Twin Lakes (July 15-18) to see Kane Brown, Blake Shelton, and Eric Church among others.

America's premier celebration of Western culture and traditions, Frontier Days (July 23-August 1) is all things to all people. Whether you want to take in the rodeo, ride the rides or rock the night away under the stars listening to names like Garth Brooks, Kane Brown and Maren Morris, you'll leave Cheyenne one happy cowboy.