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Popular Events and Festivals

Lindsey Wooldridge

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Americans love to celebrate, whether its a good 'ole conservative flag-waving parade, a jamming multi-day music festival, a feast of the taste buds or a risque, anything goes halloween party. Here's just a sampling of great events and festivals happening around the US during 2009.
 

 

The Bite of Seattle

What:  Seattle’s best restaurants and food companies join together for Northwest’s top food festival. Includes 5 outdoor beer gardens, entertainment and is free (not including food). Funds are given to charity.

Where:  Seattle Center

When:  July 17-19, 2009

Contact:  (425) 283-5050

Northwest Folklife Festival

What:  One of Seattle’s best festivals with four days of music, dance, and theater. Free admission ($10 suggested donation).

Where:  Seattle Center

When:  May 22-25, 2009

Contact:  (206) 684-7300

San Francisco Fringe Festival

What:  Over 260 performances by local, national and international theater companies.

Where:  Exit Theater, San Francisco

When:  September 9-20, 2009

Contact:  (415) 931-1094

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

What:  Free outdoor performance series in Yerba Buena Gardens. A mix of Bay Area musicians, poets and writers, with a focus on rising talent.

Where:  Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco

When:  May to October, 2009

Contact:  (415) 543-1718

Jazz & Heritage Festival

What:  Over 4,000 musicians, cooks, and crafts people show off their cultures and heritage.

Where:  At the Fair Grounds and other city locations

When:  April 24-26 and April 30 - May 3, 2009

Contact:  (504) 410-4100

Louisiana Swamp Festival

What:  Cajun celebration at the Audubon Zoo. Cajun and Zydeco bands jam on 3 stages and authentic Cajun cuisine is served up by the boatload.

Where:  Audubon Zoo, New Orleans

When:  Around November 1-30. Call for specific dates & times.

Contact:  (504) 581-4629

Newport Beach Film Festival

What:  The annual Newport Beach film festival features over 70 features and 100 short films from over 25 countries.

Where:  Theaters in Newport Beach (Orange County)

When:  April 23-30, 2009

Contact:  www.newportbeachfilmfest.com

Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

What:  More than a billion dollars worth of boats and yachts will be featured by marine manufacturers from around the world. Admission $18.

Where:  Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale

When:  October 29 - November 2, 2009

Contact:  (800) 940-7642

Chicago Blues Festival

What:  The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free-admission blues festival in the world, with five stages of more than 60 performances.

Where:  Grant Park in Chicago

When:  June 12-14, 2009

Contact:   http://www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents

Haunted Happenings

What:  Known as “Witch City,” Salem’s (Massachusetts) Halloween popularity has led to a 3-week long celebration. On Halloween night, take the “Fright Train” from Boston’s North Station to Salem. Go to the Common for a wild costume party.

Where:  Salem, Massachusetts

When:  Around Oct 5-31.

Contact:  www.Hauntedhappenings.org

Shakespeare in Central Park

What:  Free outdoor performances of select Shakespeare plays. You must line-up for tickets the day of the performance.

Where:  Central Park, New York City

When:  June - August

Contact:  (212) 539-8500

Village Parade

What:  The biggest celebration of Halloween in the world! 1.5 million people line the streets to see the most outlandish and unique costumes. Get there early to get a good standing spot.

Where:  6th Ave. in Greenwich Village

When:  October 31

Contact:  www.halloween-nyc.com

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