8 Exciting Summer 2019 Festivals to Experience

With summer officially in full swing now, the fun festivals throughout America have begun. For the next three months, the schedule is chock full of fun and entertaining fiestas. They are meant to fill your belly, enrich you culturally, and entertain you until the sun goes down.

If your friends and family love a good road trip or like to experience some Americana, you have come to the right place. For those seeking lifetime memories, we have compiled a list of some of the country’s most popular festival destinations.

July:

Independence Day Washington DC-July 4, 2019

Washington DC is considered quite a tourist destination, but surprisingly lots of Americans have not visited. Why not celebrate our nation’s birthday by attending the Independence Day fireworks display in DC? Sure to be an adventure in itself, the festivities have a new location this year. The event had become so popular and so well attended that they had to find a space big enough to accommodate the tourists from all over the country. Overlooking the Potomac River, the fireworks are even visible from Virginia.

The “Salute to America” hosts 2 big concerts and multiple parades situated in different parts of the city. The day starts at around 11:45 am and kicks off the festivities for the rest of the day. These festivities conclude with the huge fireworks extravaganza. You’ll want to arrive somewhat early in order to claim a nice shady spot with a good view for catching the parade.

During the afternoon you can check out local art vendors, historians, and folklife wares at the numerous festivals strategically located all around the National Mall. Make it a week long trip and add the Smithsonian and tour of the Whitehouse, and you will definitely create a road trip to remember.

Taste of Chicago-July 10-15, 2019

Looking for some great food in the Midwest? You can’t beat The Taste of Chicago. Packed with live entertainment, beer and wine tastings, and endless food booths. It’s no wonder this is voted one of the best food festivals in the world. Located at the infamous Grant Part and running along Lakeshore drive, you can easily spend 2 days or more in Chi-town.

This year there are over 82 restaurants, 24 pop-up spots, and 17 food trucks. Admission is free, and you just purchase 14 tickets for $10 to try any of the food selections. 5-star cuisine, historic food tastings from the mob days, and food truck delectables are all on the menu during Wednesday, July 10th through the 15th. For more information visit their website.

August:

Maine Lobster Festival-July 1-August 4, 2019

Speaking of food, check out the Lobster Festival in Maine. This takes place during the first weekend in August for 5 days straight. Temperatures average around 75 degrees which make for a very pleasant time. Shellfish lovers from all over the world flock to Rocklands Harbour fest to enjoy this not-for-profit event every year. This festival actually donates all of its’ profits to Maine communities for food pantries, scholarship funds, community service groups, and emergency services. What a great local cause with lobsters being placed high on the pedestal. Along with the endless lobster creations, there are also arts and crafts vendors, Steins and Vines tastings, the Great Lobster Crate Race, and of course lots of local entertainment.

Tickets will run you $8 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Don’t forget it’s for a good cause. If you wait until Family Fun Day on Sunday, admission is free for all ages. Check it out if you plan on traveling up the East Coast this summer.   There is also a Rally Bus available to the event throughout the New England States.

Tequila & Taco Festival, Santa Cruz-August 24-25, 2019

If you’re like us and can’t say no to a nice Tequila or Margarita, you are definitely gonna want to check out this Festival! And this year, The Tequila & Taco Festival out of California features throwback, Tone Loc. Enjoy Sunday Mas Margaritas booths, craft beer tastings, Gourmet Street Tacos, and hot entertainment.

This is also a non-profit event that provides scholarships for student-athletes seeking higher education. General Admission is $10 per person per day. You can also purchase a special Tequila tasting ticket for around $40.

One Love One Heart Reggae Festival, California-August 31-September 1, 2019

If lobster or tacos aren’t really your thing, catch a cool Reggae Show near Sacramento. The 2-day festival features high-quality musicians from Jamaica and all over the world. From the site:

• The Festival: In its ninth year, this two-day event is a celebration of reggae as performed by Jamaican artists and groups from all over the world. In addition to live music, it features food, brews, and even a kids’ zone.
• The Headliner: Israel Vibration, one of the world’s foremost reggae-roots bands. Marked by fluid harmonies and a deep commitment to the Rastafarian faith, they’ve produced a slew of hits including “Why Worry,” “The Same Song,” and “Cool and Calm”.
• Also Appearing: Davido, Anthony B, Mykal Rose, Randy Valentine, Jah9, Raging Fyah, Keznamdi, Misael and more

If you are a fan of Reggae, you aren’t going to want to miss this Festival.

September:

Telluride Blues And Brews Festival, Colorado September 13-15, 2019

For some adventures out West, you can check out the Blues and Brews Festival in Telluride. Mostly known for its’ awesome ski slopes, this festival happens before the slopes are open and celebrate what has put Colorado on the map. Taste a number of crisp refreshing beers made in The Centennial State.

Take in the gorgeous mountain view of one of the most breathtaking places in America. In the past, this festival has hosted numerous celebrity acts and this year is no different. Listen to live blues from Boz Scaggs and John Fogerty, just to name a few. Get in some exercise at the annual 5k run if you are up for the altitude. Try 50 breweries and over 170 styles of professionally crafted beer, all the while taking in the Rocky Mountain Way.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival-September 18-22, 2019

If you are a Bourbon lover, there is nothing more wonderful than sipping some around a nice campfire or enjoying the pretty colors of the fall leaves. If you haven’t tried Bourbon, it is basically like whiskey, but made from corn instead of malted barley. And, Bourbon can only come from the Bluegrass state using water filtered from the limestone prevalent all over Kentucky.

Much like Napa Valley, you can visit the Bourbon Trail throughout the year. However, the Bourbon Festival takes place in Bardstown which is just 45 minutes south of Louisville. This huge celebration of the handcrafted state pride hosts around 50,000 people from all over the world.

North Carolina Jerk Festival-September 21, 2019

Heading down the coast for that pretty Autumn Drive? Stop in North Carolina for a fun Caribbean style festival without having the jetlag! Enjoy authentic Jamaican Jerk Food, live entertainment, artists, and a kids zone. The festival starts at 11:30 am and ends at around 7:30 pm. If you are passing through Durham this fall, be sure to stop by the Jerk Festival for some good and spicy food.

There you have it, a list of some of the more popular festivals this summer. Check back when we will compile a list of fall festivals, including some very scary Boo Festivals.