The Festival List

Summer is approaching which of course means road trip! I recently came across the 2010 Rand McNally Atlas Festival Edition. In case you didn't know, I heart maps, but the added bonus of state by state festival listing piqued my interest to the nth degree. The results have inspired this post, a listing of some of the coolest and even bizarre festivals across the US, many of which are in the summer, but some in other seasons as well. This is not even close to comprehensive nor will it cover many states, just the ones that sound delectable, intriguing, and worthwhile. I have not been to many of these so don't hold me accountable if you fail to adjust your attitude and have a good time.

Festival of Colors (Holi Festival), Hare Krishna Temple, Spanish Fork, UT, Late March
5000+ people cram onto the fields behind the Hare Krishna Temple in southern Utah County (yes there are impressive non-Mormon temples in UT) to celebrate the arrival of Spring by throwing mass quantities of chalk in the air, creating tie-dye clouds and getting chalk dust into places they didn't know they had. Truly a sight to behold. Don't forget to check out the llamas as well.

Rose Festival, Portland, OR May - Jun

Seafair, Seattle, WA, Jun - Aug
A variety of activities all summer including a marathon, triathlon, parade, air show, The Milk Carton Derby, Fleet Week (see below)

Grand Tetons Music Festival, Jackson Hole, WY, Jun - Aug
Classical music all summer long in Jackson and in the Tetons at the visitor centers.

Moab Music Festival, Moab, UT Sept
Classical music amongst the Red Rock, 'nuf said!

Tall Ship Sailing Festivals, Cleveland Jul, Green Bay Aug, Chicago Aug, San Diego Labor Day, Dana Point/ L.A. Sept, Victoria BC (every 3 years, next one 2011)
See Schooners, Sloops, Frigates, and other classic masted sailing ships in many locations through out the summer. There is nothing like watching a parade of boats under full sail glide through the ocean.

Fleet Week, Ft. Lauderdale Apr, NYC Memorial Day, Portland Jun, Seattle Aug, San Diego Sept, San Francisco Oct, Charleston, SC has had one over the years but no current info could be found.
The Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard come together to offer many Fleet Weeks across the US through out the summer. Tours of ships, air shows, and other military themed events are usually part of the festivities.

Strange, Obscure, Awkward, Fun etc.
World Cow Chip Throwing Contest, Beaver, OK, Apr
Picklefest, Atkins, AR, May
The self proclaimed Pickle City, USA, Atkins hosts a weekend extravaganza to all things pickle in mid-May. The festival is also home of the deep-fried pickle, first invented in the 1960's by Bernell "Fatman" Austin.
Mike the Headless Chicken, Fruita, CO, May
The Amazing true story of this famous fowl dates back to September 10, 1945 when Mike, a young Wyandotte rooster, was about to become the dinner of Fruita, Colorado, farmer Lloyd Olsen. With a sharp ax in hand, Mr. Olsen firmly held Mike, preparing to make the bird ready for his wife Clara's cooking pot. Mr. Olsen swung the implement, thereby lopping off poor Mike's head. Mike shook off the event, then continued trying to peck for food. Mike's will to live remains an inspiration. It is a great comfort to know you can live a normal life, even after you have lost your mind.
TrekFest, Riverside, IA, June
The future birthplace of Capt, James T. Kirk, Riverside has quite the annual gathering of die-hard trekkies to commemorate this "historic" event. Bring your own Star Fleet jumpsuit.
UFO Festival, Roswell, NM, July
Don't put away your Star Fleet jumpsuit just yet. Site of the infamous alien crash in the 40's, Roswell is home to the UFO Museum and the accompanying festival. Unearthly attire encouraged
Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge, Virginia Beach, VA, July
Hermit crabs from all over the US (as well as their human owners) gather together every year for this silly competition by the sea. Crabs go head to head in the Crustacean 500 race, and get all dolled up for the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean beauty pageant.
Great Texas Mosquito Festival, Clute, TX, July
This is one of the more creative ideas I've come across as they had me at the mosquito calling contest. Plenty of music, a Fajita cook-off (Yum!) with their BBQ cook-off, dodge ball tourney, requisite 5K run, and more.
Burning Man, Black Rock, NV, week before Labor Day
Once a year, tens of thousands of participants gather in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, having left no trace whatsoever.There are no acts, the gathering is entirely participant driven.
International Kite Festival, Long Beach, WA, Late Aug
International Camel Races, Virginia City, NV, Early Sept
Waterfire, Providence, RI, May - Oct

One of the best lists of fun and unique festivals can be found here.
Not what you're looking for? Try festivals.com to find events across the country.

America's Most Underrated National Parks

Want to see US National Parks without all of the crowds? Yahoo Travel produced the following list which I second as a great selection of beautiful choices with a fraction of the crowds. I drove through Capitol Reef just last month on my way to Flagstaff and enjoyed the contrast of snow against the red rock and crystal blue sky. I have not been to any of the others on Yahoo's list, though I am working on going to Great Basin and Black Canyon of the Gunnison this year. One suggestion I would make is to check out your local National Monuments and State Parks as well. These are generally smaller and less crowded as well, depending on their proximity to major metropolitan areas. But these parks will not disappoint. Click on the title of this post for the article.