Worth the Trip

These are the standout events pulled from the larger calendar. Start here, then zero in on the place, the dates, and the things you love.

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Community & civic

JUL19

2 AM

Badlands National Park · National, SD

Community & civicFree

Summer Speaker Series- ASTRO FEST- Tour the Universe: You are Here with Astronomer Dean Regas

Badlands National Park

Dean Regas is a renowned public speaker, author, educator, national popularizer of astronomy and an expert in observational astronomy. He served as the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory from 2000-2023 and was the Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon in 2021. He is the author of seven books including “All About Orion,” “100 Things to See in the Night Sky” and “How to Teach Grown-U...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Community & civic

JUL20

Hill Country Galleria, Bee Cave · Austin, TX

Community & civicFree

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Celebration

Hill Country Galleria, Bee Cave

You can celebrate the Fourth at the Hill Country Galleria with family activities and an outdoor festival west of Austin.

OutdoorsHolidayBring the grandkids

Details at Visit Austin

Community & civic

JUL20

Daytime

Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu · Honolulu, HI

Community & civicFree

Prince Lot Hula Festival

Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu

You can experience Hawaii's largest non-competitive hula festival, now in its 49th year, under the shade trees.

OutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Hawaii Guide

Music & concerts

JUL24

Daytime through evening

Millennium Park, Loop · Chicago, IL

Music & concertsFree

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Millennium Park, Loop

Take in a weekend of free gospel performances downtown celebrating Chicago's rich gospel tradition.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at WTTW

Food festivals

JUL24

All day

Henry Maier Festival Park · Milwaukee, WI

Food festivals

German Fest Milwaukee

Henry Maier Festival Park

You can celebrate German heritage at the 44th annual fest on the Summerfest grounds with food, beer and a respite pavilion.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at German Fest

Food festivals

JUL24

Scioto Mile, West Bank Park and Bicentennial Park · Columbus, OH

Food festivalsFree

Jazz & Rib Fest

Scioto Mile, West Bank Park and Bicentennial Park

You can pair national jazz artists like Keiko Matsui and Jeffrey Osborne with championship barbecue along the downtown riverfront, all free to attend.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Columbus Navigator

Food festivals

JUL24

11am to 10pm

Columbus, OH

Food festivalsFree

Jazz & Rib Fest by the river

A free riverfront weekend of live jazz and barbecue at West Bank and Bicentennial Park, running 11am to 10pm each day.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Jazz & Rib Fest

Community & civic

JUL24

All day

Various locations, Southern Utah · George, UT

Community & civicFree

Pioneer Day Celebration

Various locations, Southern Utah

You can join parades, rodeos, live music and fireworks for Utah's Pioneer Day, one of the state's biggest holidays.

MusicBring the grandkids

Details at St. George Word of Mouth

Community & civic

JUL30

muncie · Muncie, IN

Community & civicFree

International Friendship Day Celebration

muncie

Join us to celebrate International Friendship Day. Celebrate friendship with a handmade post card or friendship bracelet. Light refreshments provided. Materials provided. Free Adult program.

FreeBring the grandkids

Details at muncie

Community & civic

JUL31

12 AM

Church Street Marketplace · Hagerstown, MD

Community & civicFree

Festival of Fools

Church Street Marketplace

The most joyful weekend of the year is coming to Burlington with the return of BCA‘s 18th Annual Festival of Fools! From Friday, July 31, to Saturday, August 1, Burlington, VT’s Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park will be THE spot for free, all-ages fun with a fantastic lineup of stupendous street performers, exciting entertainers, and magnificent musicians coming to fill our streets w...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Hagerstown area calendar (events.uvm.edu)

Food festivals

AUG1

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Golden Village Palms RV Resort · Hemet, CA

Food festivals

Boots & Bolos Gala

Golden Village Palms RV Resort

Dress western for a night of music, dancing, and dinner at My City Youth Center's fundraiser gala in Hemet.

Food and wineBring the grandkids

Details at Hemet365

Food festivals

AUG1

3 p.m.

Fort Myers area · Cape Coral, FL

Food festivals

Caribbean Jerk and Cultural Festival

Fort Myers area

You can sample jerk dishes and Caribbean culture at this fourth annual festival near Cape Coral.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Eventbrite

Community & civic

AUG1

9 AM

Hug High School · Reno, NV

Community & civicFree

Family Health Festival

Hug High School

The Family Health Festivals (FHF) provides an opportunity for the community to connect to a variety of local education, employment, food, health, housing, safety, and transportation resources all in an effort to make small steps to a healthier life for all. Free services offered at the FHFs typically include the Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest, assistance with applying for SNAP (food stamps) benefit...

VolunteeringFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Reno area calendar (events.unr.edu)

Community & civic

AUG1

12 AM

Church Street Marketplace · Hagerstown, MD

Community & civicFree

Festival of Fools

Church Street Marketplace

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Hagerstown area calendar (events.uvm.edu)

Food festivals

AUG1

Japantown · San Francisco, CA

Food festivalsFree

Nihonmachi Street Fair

Japantown

You can enjoy the 52nd annual Japantown fair with food, cultural performances and a car show.

Food and wineBring the grandkids

Details at Nihonmachi Street Fair

Music & concerts

AUG5

7 PM

Thalia Hall · Crete, IL

Music & concertsFree

All presented by Thalia Hall & Riot Fest with Snodgrass + Stevensons and All My Senses

Thalia Hall

Doors: 6:00PM | Show: 7:00PM | All Ages

MusicFreeBring the grandkids

Details at Ticketmaster

Music & concerts

AUG5

7 PM

Thalia Hall · New Lenox, IL

Music & concertsFree

All presented by Thalia Hall & Riot Fest with Snodgrass + Stevensons and All My Senses

Thalia Hall

Doors: 6:00PM | Show: 7:00PM | All Ages

MusicFreeBring the grandkids

Details at Ticketmaster

Food festivals

AUG7

Daily

Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN

Food festivals

Indiana State Fair

Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis

You can take in fair food, barnyard animals, rides, and the Beer, Wine and Spirits expo over nearly three weeks.

Food and wineBring the grandkids

Details at Visit Indy

Food festivals

AUG7

Detroit · Detroit, MI

Food festivals

Ribs R&B Music Festival

Detroit

You can dig into barbecue ribs and catch live R&B acts at this summer staple festival.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Ribs R&B Music Festival

Food festivals

AUG7

Daytime and evening

Five Points, East Nashville · Nashville, TN

Food festivalsFree

Tomato Art Fest

Five Points, East Nashville

You can join a free, quirky two-day celebration of all things tomato with live music, art, and vendors in East Nashville.

MusicBring the grandkids

Details at Tomato Art Fest

Music & concerts

AUG7

Afternoon and evening

Wexford Irish Pub, Savannah City Market · Savannah, GA

Music & concertsFree

Wexford Irish Music Festival

Wexford Irish Pub, Savannah City Market

You can hear three days of live Irish music in the City Market courtyard at this summer festival.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Savannah City Market

Food festivals

AUG8

Daytime

Tucson, AZ · Tucson, AZ

Food festivals

America's Best Mexican Food Festival

Tucson, AZ

You can taste your way through Mexican food, music, and art at this cultural food festival.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Art State Arizona

Food festivals

AUG8

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Julia Davis Park (700 S Capitol Blvd) · Boise, ID

Food festivals

Boise Soul Food Festival 2026

Julia Davis Park (700 S Capitol Blvd)

You can celebrate Black culture, food, and community at this one-day festival in Julia Davis Park.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Zeffy

Food festivals

AUG8

Daytime

El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Rd · Santa, NM

Food festivals

Santa Fe Beer and Food Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas

El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Rd

You can taste New Mexico craft beers paired with food and music at the historic ranch southwest of town.

Arts and craftsFood and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Community & civic

AUG8

10 AM

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site · National, OR

Community & civicFree

Smokey Bear’s 82nd Birthday Celebration

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service, Friends of Fort Vancouver, National Park Service and Red ross will be celebrating Smokey Bear’s 82nd birthday at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center at 10 am. Kids and their families are invited to this free event for fun activities, to learn about wildfire prevention, domestic house fires and, of course, wish Smokey Bear a happy birthday in p...

Hiking and natureFreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Food festivals

AUG8

Downtown Black Mountain · Asheville, NC

Food festivalsFree

Sourwood Festival, Black Mountain

Downtown Black Mountain

You can taste prized sourwood honey, hear live music, and browse craft vendors at this free small-town celebration just east of Asheville.

Arts and craftsMusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Explore Asheville

Community & civic

AUG14

11:30 AM

Children's Hospital Colorado · Phoenix, AZ

Community & civicFree

Faculty Care Innovation & Well-being Showcase

Children's Hospital Colorado

Have you ever wondered what happens after you share your voice in the faculty survey? Come see how your feedback is driving real, faculty-led change across the Department of Pediatrics! Please save the date and register for our upcoming: Faculty Care Innovation & Well-being Showcase Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Mt. Harvard and Mt. Yale, 2nd Floor Conference Center Children’s Hospital Co...

FreeBring the grandkids

Details at Phoenix area calendar (calendar.cuanschutz.edu)

Community & civic

AUG15

6 AM

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site · National, HI

Community & civicFree

54th Annual Hoʻokuʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Mālama kō aloha "Keep your love" Celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and traditions during the annual Hoʻokūʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site . This free two-day event brings together cultural practitioners, community organizations, park staff, and visitors to honor the enduring legacy of Puʻukoholā Heiau and the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. F...

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Food festivals

AUG15

Agricenter Farmers Market, Memphis · Memphis, TN

Food festivalsFree

Agricenter Pea Fest

Agricenter Farmers Market, Memphis

A summer market celebration centered on fresh-shelled peas and local growers.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Agricenter Farmers Market

Community & civic

AUG15

Downtown Decatur · Atlanta, GA

Community & civicFree

Decatur Pan African Festival

Downtown Decatur

A free, vibrant showcase of African, Caribbean and African American music, dance and art.

Dance and fitnessOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Visit Decatur GA

Food festivals

AUG15

3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

31st Street Park, Oceanfront · Virginia Beach, VA

Food festivals

Neptune's 11th Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival

31st Street Park, Oceanfront

You can taste craft beers from local breweries with live music at the oceanfront this August.

Arts and craftsMusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Eventbrite

Community & civic

AUG15

10 AM

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site · National, OR

Community & civicFree

Pearson Museum and Airfield Celebration

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

Join us on Saturday, August 15, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Pearson Air Museum! This special community event honors 101 years of aviation history at one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfields. This day-long celebration will showcase the rich history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest while offering exciting activities for all ages. Highlights include: Pearson Air Museum Exhibit...

FreeIndoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Community & civic

AUG16

9:30 AM

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site · National, HI

Community & civicFree

54th Annual Hoʻokuʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

FreeOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Community & civic

AUG19

7:45 AM

Sylvester Cancer Ctr · Boynton Beach, FL

Community & civicFree

3rd Annual Dermoscopy Fundamentals: Building a Strong Foundation for Resident Physicians The Beyer Skin Cancer Prevention & Control Initiative

Sylvester Cancer Ctr

About This Event As part of The Beyer Skin Cancer Prevention & Control Initiative, we invite you to join us for a full day of intensive, structured, and comprehensive dermoscopy training designed to strengthen and expand your diagnostic skills. This in-person course will feature expert dermatologist delivering high-yield lectures that guide participants from fundamental concepts to more advance...

FreeBring the grandkids

Details at Boynton Beach area calendar (events.miami.edu)

Food festivals

AUG20

Daytime

Civic Center Park · Fort Collins, CO

Food festivals

Fort Collins Peach Festival

Civic Center Park

You can sample peach-themed food and drinks and hear four bands at this annual downtown festival.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Fort Collins Peach Festival

Community & civic

AUG22

Clunie Cmty Ctr · Sacramento, CA

Community & civicFree

CLCC McKinley Family Resource Fair

Clunie Cmty Ctr

Join us for a fun and engaging day dedicated to Sacramento families! This free community event brings together local organizations, youth programs, and family resources to support, connect and celebrate our community. Enjoy activities for kids, helpful information for parents, and opportunities to discover services available right here in Sacramento.

FreeBring the grandkids

Details at Sacramento Parks & Recreation

Community & civic

AUG24

12 AM

The California Endowment · Los Angeles, CA

Community & civicFree

CSP's 35th Annual Educational Symposium: Save the Date

The California Endowment

Save the Date! The Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (CSP) is hosting its 35th Annual Educational Symposium that will be held on Monday, August 24th, 2026. The event will take place in person at The California Endowment in downtown Los Angeles, California and will also be streamed virtually via Zoom. We look forward to seeing you there! The program and registration information will be pro...

FreeBring the grandkids

Details at Los Angeles area calendar (calendar.usc.edu)

Music & concerts

AUG30

2 AM

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · National, NH

Music & concertsFree

Summer Concert Series: 20th Annual Rosamond Edmondson Memorial Concert

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park

Brahms piano quartets with Markus Placci, Lila Brown, Rhonda Rider, and Sally Pinkas. Summer concerts on the park grounds, an annual event since 1946, are generously sponsored by the Saint-Gaudens Memorial with additional support of donors and partners. The performances carry on a tradition by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who often held concerts in his studio for family and friends. Many of the conc...

MusicFreeOutdoorsIndoorsBring the grandkids

Details at National Park Service

Music & concerts

SEP4

Hart Plaza · Detroit, MI

Music & concertsFree

Detroit Jazz Festival 2026

Hart Plaza

You can take in the world's largest free jazz festival across Labor Day weekend at Hart Plaza.

MusicOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Detroit Jazz Festival

Food festivals

SEP4

All day

Tanger National Harbor · Savannah, GA

Food festivals

FoodeesFest Food and Culture Festival

Tanger National Harbor

You can sample food from many vendors and enjoy live entertainment at this culture festival.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Eventbrite

Community & civic

SEP4

Daily

Independence Square · Kansas City, MO

Community & civicFree

SantaCaliGon Days Festival

Independence Square

Browse hundreds of craft and food vendors and free entertainment at this Labor Day festival on the Square.

Arts and craftsOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Visit KC

Food festivals

SEP5

3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Congress Avenue Bridge · Austin, TX

Food festivals

Bat Fest

Congress Avenue Bridge

You can celebrate the bat emergence with live music, food, a costume contest, and children's activities on the Congress Avenue Bridge.

MusicBring the grandkids

Details at AustinTexas.gov

Food festivals

SEP5

Daytime to evening

Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue · Honolulu, HI

Food festivals

Okinawan Festival

Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalakaua Avenue

You can taste Okinawan food and watch taiko and dance at the 44th annual festival downtown.

Dance and fitnessOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at IslandsEvents

Food festivals

SEP5

12 p.m.

Fort Myers area · Cape Coral, FL

Food festivals

Southwest Florida Tacos and Treats Festival

Fort Myers area

You can graze on tacos and sweets from area vendors at this early-September festival.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Eventbrite

Food festivals

SEP5

Hours vary by day

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte · Charlotte, NC

Food festivals

Yiasou Greek Festival

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte

One of Charlotte's largest cultural events serves authentic Greek food and pastries with dancing, music and cathedral tours.

Food and wineOutdoorsBring the grandkids

Details at Yiasou Greek Festival