United States of America — Events
Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
Independence Day is celebrated throughout the States, but nowhere more than in New York City. Although many locals leave to spend the holiday on Long Island or in Upstate New York, thousands of others stay behind to watch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. This is probably the biggest and best firework extravaganza in the country, culminating in a massive party. More than 10,000 fireworks explode from barges along the west side of Manhattan, synchronized and choreographed to music. It starts at sunset and the best place to watch is from the banks of the East River.
Cirque du Soleil
The world famous Cirque du Soleil - a riot of costumes, colors and contortionists - brings its unique magic to Las Vegas with several immensely popular shows, including Mystère, which has been honored as ‘Las Vegas’ Best Production Show’. Other shows include the aquatic show ‘O’ at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, KÁ at the MGM Grand and the latest ‘The Beatles - Love’ at the Mirage.
Rodeo and Livestock Show
Houston’s raunchy rodeo is the largest in the world, and its accompanying livestock fair second in size only to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. This three-week spectacular not only includes the world-beater rodeo competition and about 35,000 livestock entered in different categories, but it also offers hundreds of other agricultural-related activities from pig races to pony rides, and premier concert entertainment.
Dade Heritage Days
The Dade Heritage Trust is committed to ‘preserving the best of the past for the future,’ and one way this organization has found to do this is the six-week annual line-up of events designed to stimulate awareness of and celebrate the architecture, culture, environment and people of Dade country. The program of more than 100 events draws visitors and locals alike to take part in walking and bicycling tours, browse local crafts and gift boutiques, admire historic and architectural exhibits, watch historical re-enactments and attend lectures or film shows.
The Animation Show
The creator of Beavis and Butt Head, Mike Judge, and Academy Award-nominated animator, Don Hertzfedt, present the Animation Show. Each year they tour America, generally stopping in Atlanta in February, showing a selection of the best short films from all around the world, bringing the delight of animation to the theater loving public. This is a great event for young families and animation buffs.
French Quarter Festival
Featuring the ‘world’s largest jazz brunch’ (with more than 40 booths serving specialties from well-known New Orleans restaurants), the annual French Quarter Festival is a showcase for local musicians and a gourmet chance to savour New Orleans flavor. On the music front 13 stages operate in the historic Vieux Carre district with a program ranging from brass bands to gospel and traditional jazz. As far as the food goes there are all the classic New Orleans specialties like Jambalaya, Gumbo and bread pudding, with lots more besides.
Dragon Boat Festival
Apart from an energetic and rhythmic display of dragon boat racing, the festival taking place along the banks of the Charles River features traditional Chinese arts and crafts, Dragon dancing, Asian food, martial arts demonstrations and drumming.
Greeley Stampede
The Greeley Stampede is the ‘World’s Largest 4th of July Rodeo and Western Celebration!,’ as they emphatically claim. The festivities include a fantastic fireworks display, live music and art, and of course some crazy rodeo that attracts hundreds of thousands to share in the Independence Day celebrations.
Houston International Jazz Festival
Summertime in Houston is made even hotter during the first weekend of August when a variety of international jazz performers take over at Bayou Place for the annual Houston International Jazz Festival. Whether you prefer your jazz in Latin, contemporary or smooth mode, it is catered for at the Festival. It marks the start of a month-long citywide focus on jazz during which local clubs offer promotions and lectures, and radio stations focus on the popular music genre.
Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Each year, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists journey to the American capital of motorcycling culture, Sturgis, South Dakota, to celebrate the freedom of the open road. In addition to concerts, food and camaraderie, visitors can enjoy events like the traditional ride down Main Street, a series of concerts, demo rides, races and tours.
