A Concert a Day at Hot Springs Music Festival

The Hot Springs Music Festival brings together hundreds of international musicians each year to Hot Springs, Arkansas. During the festival June 3 to 16, around 200 international musicians will present 20 concerts and more than 250 free open rehearsals.

“We have at least one concert every day,” said festival director Todd Cranson. "There is a concert every evening for two weeks.” 

A goal of the event is to make sure classical music is and remains relevant to people today by making the music easily accessible to a wide audience range. Central to the festival is a mentorship program, which pairs world-class musicians with pre-professional apprentices. The two groups play side by side throughout the festival. 

The event brings in over 100 young musicians on the cusp of entering their professional careers. 

“We are going to be doing plenty of Bach and Mozart and Beethoven but we are also going to be doing some new things that today’s classical musicians are doing,” said Cranson. 

The festival takes place in a variety of venues around Hot Springs including art galleries, hotel ballrooms and historic buildings. 

The schedule highlights a variety of musical options. Among these are opening day festivities (June 3) that showcase a brass ensemble outside on the steps of the Arlington Hotel. The Cassatt String Quartet will be playing in the evening in the ballroom. 

A new event on Saturday June 9 features a free concert down Bathhouse Row. The concert is led by Rick Robinson, a longtime bassist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and will progress from Buckstaff Bathhouse to the Superior Bathhouse. 

There is also a concert on June 14 that stars young musicians.

Detailed concert and program information is available at www.hotmusic.org or calling 501-623-4763.

For more information about top events in Arkansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas.

Hillsboro, Texas, Casts Spell of the Seven Seas

The charismatic Texas town of Hillsboro is cooking up a great start to summer with two fun-filled events on the first weekend of June. 

The festivities kick off on June 1 and 2 with a finger-lickin’ good time at Hillsboro’s first annual Steak Cook-Off which will include competitive cooking, wine tasting, arts and crafts, live music and a carnival. Steak dinner and wine tasting tickets are on sale now for $20.

And then – ahoy ye captains, first mates, scallywags and lassies, put on ye best pirate threads for a fancy festival: the Texas Pirate Festival on June 2 and 3 at 8581 State Highway 171.

                                                                          

Jack Sparrow enthusiasts will be in for a fun-filled treat with more than 100 vendors, swordplay, singing, dancing and games – without the fear of Davy Jones’ Locker.

The festival won’t cost visitors an arm, a leg or a lot of booty. However, missing this swashbuckling festival deserves a walk off the plank. Children ages six and under are free; six to 12 are $5; adults are $12.

Visit www.middlefest.com or call Paul at 254.582.6238 for more information.

  

Hillsboro is located in North Central Texas and is the county seat of Hill County. A town just off Interstate 35, Hillsboro is the primary center for trade and commerce in Hill County and is the midway point between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Waco. Hillsboro is home to the popular Outlets at Hillsboro as well as many antique stores, museums, restaurants, and historic bed and breakfasts that unite the city’s small town atmosphere with modern convenience. Also serving as the gateway to Lake Whitney, Hillsboro offers both visitors and residents “everything within reach.”

For more information about top events in Texas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Texas.

Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore, Maryland

An international parade of ships will sail into Baltimore on June 13 for Star-Spangled Sailabration, the national launch of the three-year commemoration by the U.S. Navy and the State of Maryland of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner". 

Star-Spangled Sailabration features seven days of free entertainment including ship tours, a Blue Angels air show, patriotic fireworks, memorial ceremonies and much more.

More than two dozen ships including U.S. Navy, British and Canadian warships and tall ships from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States will flank Baltimore's famed Inner Harbor during Star-Spangled Sailabration. Both the tall ships and naval vessels will offer free, daily tours from June 14 - June 18.

Other highlights of the festival include:

• A Star-Spangled Air Show featuring the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17
• The Celebration of the American Flag event at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on Saturday, June 16, complete with fireworks and concerts
• A Star-Spangled Festival at Martin State Airport featuring U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine and U.S. Coast Guard aircraft on display along with autograph opportunities with the Blue Angels pilots on Saturday, June 16, and Sunday, June 17
• A concert featuring the premiere of a new symphonic work on Sunday, June 17 at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

 Some of the war's greatest artifacts can be found in Baltimore, with more than 10 sites boasting a direct tie to the War of 1812. The festival winds down with the official 200th anniversary of the Declaration of War on Great Britain event and a celebration of two centuries of peace on June 18 followed by the Parade of Sail departure on June 19.

Star-Spangled Sailabration is just the start of Baltimore and the State of Maryland's bicentennial experiences. For the latest updates on these events visit www.StarSpangledBaltimore.com.

For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland. 

Street Festival Celebrates Quirky Fremont, Seattle

The 41^st annual Fremont Fair on June 16 and 17 is a free community celebration that draws over 100,000 guests to experience the quirky character of Seattle’s eclectic and artistic Fremont neighborhood. 

Coinciding with Fremont Arts Council’s Solstice Parade, the Fremont Fair includes performances by local bands, arts and crafts shopping, food and drink, artistic expression and fun for young and old – all coming together to celebrate Fremont’s “delibertas quirkas” culture.

New to the Fremont Fair this year, the Main Stage Beer Garden and the Redhook Main Stage will be open on Friday. Kick off your Fremont Fair weekend at the Friday Night Pre-Party, Friday June 15 from 4-11pm. Celebrate the Solstice until the sun goes down while you quench your thirst on your favorite summer brews and listen to live music on the Redhook Main Stage.  

At noon on Saturday, June 16 celebrate the free-spirited community of Fremont in the whimsical Solstice Parade, produced by the Fremont Arts Council. A non-motorized display of mobile art, the Solstice Parade annually draws over 50,000 spectators to the heart of the Fremont neighborhood. When the tail end of the parade goes by, guests flock down to the Fair for shopping, eats, live music, and more.

Sunday, June 17, is Dads and Dogs Day at the Fremont Fair. Featuring a pup parade paralleling its human counter part, the Solstice Parade, fairgoers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to participate in this artful Dog Day Parade. 

Sunday is also the day to celebrate Father’s Day. Shop over 300 vendor booths to find the perfect gift, watch the Grilling Competition together, or for those 21+, buy dad a celebratory brew in the Fremont Fair Beer Gardens.

The Fremont Fair also features the Seattle Art Car Blowout with more than 50 funky decorate art cars on display and live music on four main stages. 

Funds raised at the Fremont Fair benefit a number of area non-profits including the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and Solid Ground, a local poverty-focused non-profit who originated and produced the Fair for nearly 40 years.

For more information, visit fremontfair.org.

For more information about top events in Washington State take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington.

Albuquerque Savors Arts, Culture and Cuisine

While New Mexico celebrates 100 years of statehood, the Savor Albuquerque festival from June 7 to 16 recognizes Albuquerque's arts, culture and cuisine. The 10-day festival, which culminates with the Centennial Summerfest, includes dance performances, food festivals, art exhibition and creative musicals and plays. 

Some of the event highlights include:

* The 25th Annual Flamenco Festival International de Albuquerque is a vibrant dance festival which will showcase over 20 workshops and seven dance performances by world renowned flamenco dancers.

* Savor Fine Food Festival is sure to cater to all foodies. Local Albuquerque restaurants will be showcasing their best culinary concoctions throughout the 10-day event.

* Route 66 Arts Crawl will have something for everyone to enjoy. Albuquerque galleries will participate in the Arts Crawl, allowing visitors to experience the creative works of local artists.

* Albuquerque Little Theater presents “Singin’ in the Rain” will provide visitors with a whimsical experience by enjoying the performances by some of Albuquerque’s best local talent.

For a detailed event listing for Savor Albuquerque, visit www.savorabq.com.

To wrap up the Savor Albuquerque festivities, the Centennial Summerfest on June 16 will feature different performances, pavilions, food vendors and art exhibitions that display the strong history and culture that Albuquerque possesses. Stroll among the five pavilions along Downtown Albuquerque’s historic Route 66.

For more information about the Albuquerque Centennial Summerfest, visit www.abqsummerfest.com.

For more information about top events in New Mexico take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Mexico. 

Family Fun at Carbondale, Illinois, Weekly Fairs

Go to the heart of Southern Illinois this summer to check out the Friday Night Fairs in Carbondale, Illinois.

Carbondale’s Friday Night Fair is the spot for family fun every Friday from 6pm to 9pm through to September 28. It features free live music, local vendors and free kids’ activities. The fair is a back-to-the-basics community event. Local businesses, growers and artists get together to sell products to the community as well as enjoy a fun, laid back atmosphere.

The no alcohol policy makes it family friendly, and there are activities for all ages. Adults and teens can lounge in the grassy area or umbrella seating and listen to free live music. They can also browse the various local vendors that offer items from jewelry to crafts to fresh produce. There are prize raffles. Kids can enjoy the tents of free kids’ activities such as face painting and carnival games. It really is a place for all ages.

There are also delicious food vendors. Take the family out and grab some dinner and enjoy the music. This year the fair has various theme nights. The band also changes weekly. There is a fair night to fit everyone.

Visit www.carbondalemainstreet.com/events for other events in Carbondale Main Street.

For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois.

Annapolis Irish Festival Benefits Charities

The Annapolis Irish Festival – on Saturday, July 14 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds – has boosted the entertainment this year with some of the best bands in the business. 

The 2011 inaugural Irish Festival was a huge success, surpassing all expectations. Over 10,000 people from Maryland and as far away as Kansas and Scotland, enjoyed a bit of the Emerald Isle in Annapolis. 

Responding to this success, the footprint for the 2012 Festival has been enlarged to make room for more vendors, a larger “Little Leprechaun Land” and a third stage for additional Traditional and Celtic Bands. Gates will open at 11am.

“Our Family Pavilion was full from the time we opened until we closed at 4pm,” said Event Director Eddie McGowan. “This year, we are pleased to announce that Little Leprechaun Land will be presented by Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. A few of the theme park’s animal ambassadors will make a special appearance and visitors will have an opportunity to win a trip for four to the Williamsburg theme park. We are thrilled to have Busch Gardens on board and the centerpiece of our Family Pavilion.” 

There will be pony rides, Kids Music Show by Ireland’s own Seamus Kennedy, Irish Step Dance Lessons and other entertainers, face painters, magicians, balloon artists, crafts and amusements – all under cover and free.

The 2012 Festival boasts an incredible music line-up. Joining a number of hometown favorites this year will be three internationally acclaimed Celtic Rock Bands: Scythian – Celtic Rock with an Edge, Albannach bringing the” Fire and Thunder of Scotland” to Annapolis, and The Rogues, voted the #1 Celtic Band Worldwide. 

The Annapolis Irish Festival benefits the good work of Hospice of the Chesapeake, The Chesapeake Bay Trust, SPCA of Anne Arundel and the Wellness House. For more information, visit the Festival on facebook or at www.annapolisirishfestival.com.

For more information about top events in Maryland take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maryland. 

Canton: Northeast Ohio’s Premier Blues Festival

You’ll be singing the blues on your way to the Canton Blues Festival, Northeast Ohio’s premier Blues Festival, for a 2012 lineup that’s sure to strike a chord with blues fans everywhere.

The free outdoor summer festival, presented by Canton Development Partnership, a department of the Canton Regional Chamber Canton Regional Chamber, is happening in downtown Canton on Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 with music all day from noon to 10:30pm.

It opens midday Friday with the Noon Blues Jam and with headliner Walter Trout at 8:30pm; Saturday kicks off with the Noon Blues in Schools and headliner Coco Montoya in the evening.

The contemporary guitar legend Walter Trout has become a fixture of the American blues-rock scene; and the gifted blues guitarist Coco Montoya is said by Billboard to be “the real McCoy in a world of blues guitar pretenders”. 

Blues Fest VIP Passes are available again this year. Buy your two-day pass online for $75 and take advantage of free food, beer and incredible views of the stage. One-day Blues Fest VIP Membership passes are also available for $45. Contact Krista Schumacher, event manager, at kristas@cantonchamber.org to reserve your VIP Passes.

Canton/Stark County, Ohio is said to be “America's Playing Field!” The area is home national attractions such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, and the National First Ladies Historical Site, along with many hidden treasures & shopping in quaint small towns. With 21 public golf courses, Canton/Stark County is also "Ohio's Golf Capital". For more information visit Canton/Stark County,Ohio

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

Albuquerque, New Mexico Center for Flamenco in US

Photo courtesy Pat Berrett

The National Institute of Flamenco in Albuquerque, New Mexico, proudly announces the 25^th anniversary celebration of Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerquefrom June 8 to 16. 

Featuring nine days of performances by Spain’s greatest living artists, Festival Flamenco is an exciting opportunity for newcomers to entice their curiosity about the art form, and for aficionados to indulge in a flamenco immersion experience.

For 25 years during the month of June, the romantic lure of flamenco has drawn artists and visitors from across the globe to Albuquerque, which is known as the center for flamenco in the United States. “I’ve realized this is one of the most important festivals in the world because of their tradition, their respect, and the love they have toward flamenco,” said José Maya, a past festival artist.

The spectacular Festival Flamenco exposes arts patrons and students to over 50 of the most highly revered flamenco artists in the world. These talented artists have traveled the world performing on stages in Sevilla, Paris, New York and Tokyo. 

During the festival, the public is invited to see impressive evening performances each night. In addition, the master artists teach more than 30 workshops covering a range of flamenco practicum-related topics for novice, professional and everyone in between. For those new to flamenco, a beginner’s workshop includes basic components of the art form; and for the more serious student, a variety of advanced and special topics courses are available for enrollment.

Festival Flamenco is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive aesthetic and educational platform, for its presentation of cutting edge performers, academic research symposia and youth programming during Flamenco Kid’s Camp.

The 2012 festival will be part of the Savor Albuquerque festival, showcasing arts, culture and cuisine. 

The mission of the National Institute of Flamenco is to preserve and promote the art of flamenco through performance and education.   

Visit www.ItsATrip.org for more information about Albuquerque

For more information about top events in New Mexico take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Mexico. 

Summer Festivals Galore in Gunnison-Crested Butte

Gunnison County, Colorado knows how to roll out the carpet for summer and fall fun with an amazing array of one-of-a-kind festivals that reflect the lifestyle, natural beauty and Western friendliness of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. 

Kicking off the summer season from May 26 to 28, Gunnison Growler Weekend features three days of biking events, trail running races, a kids’ fishing and outdoor sports derby, and outdoor sports expo for the whole family to celebrate Memorial Day weekend.  

From June 21 to 24 Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte are hosting the world’s oldest mountain bike festival, Crested Butte Bike Week previously known as Fat Tire Bike Week including the infamous Chainless World Championships on June 22 followed by the Fat Tire 40 mountain bike race on June 23 and other events.

For a unique blend of hardcore and lighthearted outdoor recreation for all ages on June 22 and 23 Gunnison River Festival .  The event kicks off with the premiere of the Gunnison River Games in Legion Park on the evening of Friday, June 22.  Compete in or watch these dry-land challenges that are sure to entertain from 6 to 9 p.m. with live music as the backdrop. On June 23, it’s all about being on the water with the festival based at Gunnison Whitewater Park. 

To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte’s calendar of events visit Gunnison-Crested Butte.

For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado .

Music Line-up at Little Rock's Riverfest

Riverfest 2012 from May 25 to 27 marks the 35th anniversary of Arkansas’s largest family festival – a celebration of visual and performing arts that is held annually over Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock.  

There is something for everyone (as the 250,000 festival-goers at the 2011 event can attest) – from an outstanding children's area where every activity is free to the participant, to an area focusing on young teens, to ArtZone where art classes are offered to the young (and young at heart), to the International Village where festival-goers can travel the world, to numerous special attractions, events and family oriented activities. 

The festival music line-up this year includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boyz II Men, Gov't. Mule, Mute Math, Chevelle, Third Eye Blind, Little Big Town and Trout Fishing in America

Riverfest, along with Bruce Cochran and Custom Beverage, will host a wine tasting event and art auction on Thursday, May 24th in the River Market Pavilions from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The annual Osborne Family Fireworks concludes the festival each year and continues to delight festival goers with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the evening sky.

The mission of Riverfest is to produce a quality, recreational, cultural, educational, family-oriented celebration of the visual and performing arts for the benefit of the community. In keeping with the mission of the festival, Riverfest, Inc. has given back over $1 million to the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock for various improvements to their riverfront park areas.

For details of the featured artists and the full music line-up and other information visit Riverfest 2012 .

For more information about top events in Arkansas take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas.

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

What began as a small, intimate, one-day gathering of wineries and chefs 20 years ago has grown into a grand celebration of wine and food attracting more than 10,000 people each year over a 5-day weekend, and giving back to the community through support of various organizations. 

The 20th Anniversary of the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, which takes place May 22 – 26 includes Wine Dinners hosted by more than 30 New Orleans area restaurants; Vinola, NOWFE's premium tasting event; the Royal Street Stroll sponsored by Rouses, NOWFE's signature event, a definitive evening event set in the heart of the French Quarter; and exciting Culinary Seminars which will fill the days and nights with all things wine and food. 

The weekend culminates with Grand Tastings on Friday and Saturday in true grand fashion with more than 175 wineries showcasing over 1000 wines and 75 chefs serving culinary delights from the New Orleans region.

In addition, NOWFE will celebrate its 20th Anniversary with an international cake competition and tasting on Friday, May 25 from 8:30 – 11pm. 

The event itself has evolved through the years and over its 20-year history NOWFE has contributed more than $1 million to local non-profit organizations. This year 100% of the proceeds will go towards two causes: fighting hunger in thes community and supporting culinary education. 

Visit New Orleans Food & Wine Experience for more information.

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana.

Celebrate Mother's Day All Month Long

Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the only AAA Four Diamond Casino Resort in the inland Northwest, is planning a month-long series of exciting events to celebrate Mom.

The luxury property’s Celebrate Mom Hotel Package starts at $189 and includes overnight accommodations in a classic guestroom, a choice of either a signature manicure or pedicure at La Rive Spa (includes a chilled glass of bubbly), a lovely bouquet of flowers and $20 matchplay at the resort’s Las Vegas-style casino.

Northern Quest is also asking their Facebook friends  to upload photos of themselves and their mom. The one photo that receives the most “likes” will win a complimentary Celebrate Mom package. Second and third prize winners will receive either a La Rive Signature Manicure & Pedicure or a La Rive Signature Pedicure.

As always, guests at Northern Quest Resort & Casino enjoy complimentary overnight valet and garage service, round-trip airport and area-wide transportation, complimentary wireless internet and access to the property’s pool and fitness center.

The property also welcomes guests to 14,000 square feet of pure relaxation at La Rive Spa, world-class gaming and entertainment and 14 distinct restaurants and lounges, including Masselow’s Restaurant – the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in Eastern Washington.

The Celebrate Mom Hotel Package is valid thru May 31, subject to availability and based on double occupancy. Reservations for the Celebrate Mom Hotel Package can be made by calling 1-877-871-6772 or on-line at www.northernquest.com 

Discover more about Northern Quest Resort & Casino at www.northernquest.com.

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians, one of the top ten private employers in the Spokane, Washington State region, operates Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the region’s premier destination resort. Find out more about the Kalispel Tribe’s rich cultural history and their progression at www.kalispeltribe.com.

For more information about top events in Washington State take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington. 

Village Maifest Celebrates German Traditions

The MainStrasse Village Association, Covington, Kentucky, will present the 33rd annual MainStrasse Village Maifest on May 18, 19, and 20.

Chosen as one of the Top Twenty Events for May 2012 by the Southeast Tourism Society and one of the Top Ten Festivals in Kentucky for the Spring of 2011 by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, Maifest is based on the German tradition of welcoming the first spring wines.  

Maifest is the first major festival of the summer for the Tri-State region. The assortment of arts and crafts and German and international foods and beverages becomes the main course to attract about 125,000 area families and regional travelers. Specialty and domestic beers can be found throughout the festival.  

Maifest fills over six city blocks along the tree-lined 6^th Street Promenade, Main Street and Philadelphia Street, and extends into Goebel Park.  The German park-like atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for the variety of appealing food, drink and works by over 75 artisans and craftsmen. 

And be sure to visit the Kinderplatz, full of adventures and rides for the small children and the Amusement Midway filled with fun for the “older” kids. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can purchase an “All You Can Ride” bracelet for just $15.  Bracelets may be purchased from opening until 9pm on Friday and will be valid until 10pm Friday only. Saturday and Sunday bracelets may be purchased from opening until 5pm and will be valid until 6pm the day of purchase only.

There is quality live entertainment by top local performers – German, Pop, Classic Rock, Blues or Country.

Visit MainStrasse Village Maifest for details

For more information about top events in Kentucky take a look at Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Kentucky

San Francisco Icon Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

On May 27, 2012, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge turns 75, marking the day in 1937 when "the bridge that couldn't be built" officially opened to worldwide acclaim. 

A multi-faceted Diamond Jubilee program is planned. This includes a grand public festival spanning the San Francisco waterfront from Fort Point (below the Golden Gate Bridge) to Pier 39, in addition to robust improvements to enhance the visitor experience at the iconic span.

Under the theme "Bridging Us All," the Golden Gate Festival is the center point of the Bridge's year-long 75th anniversary program. 

Harkening back to the spirit of the Golden Gate Fiesta when the Bridge opened on May 27, 1937, highlights of the 2012 celebration include an historic watercraft parade, multiple music and dance stages, art installations, history and educational presentations, display of cars from 1937 to the present, and Bridge-related activities on Crissy Field and the Marina Green.  

These activities will be complemented by Bridge-themed events and performances at waterfront venues including Fort Mason Center, Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39, among others.  At approximately 9:30pm, the celebration will conclude with a spectacular 75th anniversary fireworks display and grand finale.  

In addition to the Golden Gate Festival, the year-long 75th anniversary features 75 Tributes to the Bridge, a year-long series of public programs presented throughout the Bay Area; renovation of the historic Round House and construction of a new visitor Pavilion; and enhancements to the Bridge Plaza and Golden Gate National Recreation Area parklands on both sides of the span. 

For additional information and all public inquiries, please visit www.goldengatebridge75.org.

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.