West Coast’s Largest Free Jazz Festival

The West Coast’s largest free jazz festival returns this summer with a weekend of live music, gourmet food and local arts and crafts. On Saturday and Sunday, July 7 & 8, the 28^th Annual Fillmore Jazz Festival, on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy, will showcase the Bay Area’s most talented musicians across the full spectrum of jazz music accompanied by a festival infused with the local flavors and culture of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District.

This year’s festival will feature more than two dozen bands performing on three different stages, including a heartfelt tribute to Etta James performed each afternoon on the California Street Stage by Kim Nalley, one of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed jazz and blues vocalists. Other performers on the California Street Stage include Radio Jazz, Foxtails Brigade, the Mark Rapp Group, the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Venissa Santi, and the Michael Orenstein Group presented by The Jazzschool.

The Sutter Street – Beyond Stage will feature the best of Bay Area’s world music performers and the Eddy Street Stage will feature a wide variety of the Bay Area’s favorite Blues and R&B performers. 

From sunup to sundown, the Fillmore Jazz Festival is a celebration of art and soul right in the heart of San Francisco.  Each year, the Fillmore Jazz Festival attracts more than 90,000 jazz aficionados and music lovers from all over the Bay Area to celebrate and enjoy a rich musical tradition of live jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel while taking in the diverse local culture and cuisine of the storied Fillmore area.  

The Fillmore Jazz Festival offers 12 blocks of music, fine arts and crafts, gourmet food and beverages. Art and crafts include photography, painting, woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, pottery, clothing, hats, and children’s toys – over 200 artists and craftsmen. Delicious “street food” includes oysters, calamari, fish & chips, grilled chicken, BBQ pork, jambalaya, tri-tip and organic fruits and veggies accompanied by fine wine and beer.

Visit the Fillmore Jazz Festival for more information.

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.

Hot Summer Happenings in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania are heating up with fun for all ages this summer. From live music and fireworks to arts and history, Valley Forge suggests these hot happenings for a sweet sizzling summer.

Historic Skippack Village is the site of one of Montgomery County’s most anticipated Fourth of July celebrations, featuring an 11am parade down Skippack Pike with Reilly Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. Parc Bistro hosts a 3pm barbeque and fireworks will follow at dusk in Palmer Park. Look for additional fireworks displays in Ardmore, Norristown, Narberth and Souderton.

July 5 kicks off the Thursday night Summer Concert Series at Abington Art Center, in Jenkintown, with ‘60s tribute band The Large Flowerheads. It concludes with August 9’s performance by Pan-Celtic band Barleyjuice. The rain or shine concerts include children’s activities, fresh popcorn and tasty treats from the Trolley Car Diner.

Elmwood Park Zoo, in Norristown, Pa., hosts two summer Zoo Snoozes, designed to teach kids and adults about the nocturnal habits of its 150 North and South American animals as they sleep over at the zoo. Campout Gone Batty will be held on July 13 and CSI: EPZ on August 10.

Summer will be celebrated in grand Victorian style at historic Pennypacker Mills, in Schwenksville, Pa. on Saturday, August 4. In the Good Old Summertime features youth games, period activities and tours of the mansion. And British cars, courtesy of the Delaware County Classic MG Car Club will also be on display.

Also in Schwenksville and definitely Montgomery County’s hottest summer ticket, the Philadelphia Folk Festival at Old Poole Farm runs from August 17 to 19. The eagerly anticipated annual entertainment gem delivers 80 hours of music performed on six stages by dozens of iconic artists.

For more information about these and other hot happenings in Valley Forge and Montgomery County, and overnight accommodations, visit www.valleyforge.org.

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

Family July 4 is Center Stage in Dothan, Alabama

Dothan in southeast Alabama, proclaimed the "Peanut Capital of the World" and known for its friendly atmosphere of Southern Hospitality, also has a string of historic, musical and arts events planned over the next few months.

Among the many events and festivals is The Kiwanis Club of Dothan's Family 4th Celebration at Center Stage Alabama on July 4. Gates open at 2pm, with fireworks shortly after 9. Nationally acclaimed country music sensation Shenandoah will perform on the amphitheater stage at 7:30pm. There are free activities for children, as well as shopping with vendors and plenty of food available. Advance tickets $5, at the gate it's $10. Children 10 and under are free.

Football Fest will take place at the Dothan Civic Center from 5-9pm on August 11. There will be samples of tailgating foods, and collegiate football merchandise for sale. There will be trivia contests and prizes, and the highlight of the evening is a keynote address from former Alabama coach Gene Stallings at 7pm. General admission seating for the speech is just $10. VIP reserved seating that also includes a steak dinner and a meet and greet with Coach Stallings is available for $100 to the first 250 people who sign up. 

PorktoberQue (a combination of a Bar-B-Que competition and Oktoberfest) will take place at Center Stage Alabama on October 5 and 6. This is a free festival that spectators can come out and attend with no admission cost. There will be musical entertainment, as well as street performers and other entertainment, barbecue for sale, a sample tent, beer tents, arts and crafts vendors and a whole lot more. 

The 7^th annual Downtown Christmas will take place on North Foster Street in Dothan on Saturday December 1 from 9am-3pm. There will be snow activities (take mittens – it’s cold!) and traditional Christmas elements such as caroling, visits with Santa and cookie decorating. There is no cost to come out to the event and have fun. Vendors will provide many ideas for Christmas shopping. Call The Downtown Group at (334) 793-3097 for more in formation.

Visit The City of Dothan web site at www.dothan.org and Dothan Chamber of Commerce at www.dothan.com

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

Seward, Nebraska Celebrates Fourth of July

Seward, Nebraska is located just 20 miles west of Lincoln, Nebraska and is Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City and honored by the US Congress as “America’s Fourth of July City-Small Town USA!”  

The small community of 6,000 swells to almost 50,000 every year on the Fourth of July, celebrating America’s birthday in a grand celebration from morning to night.  The day has events for every age group and most are free and open to the public.  The celebration has been awarded Nebraska’s Festival of the Year seven times since they began the award.

The celebration began in 1868 and has been held every year since then, growing and changing with the needs and wishes of the community.

Events include a historic anvil firing at 7:30 am, prayer service, exhibits, concerts, entertainment, three free stages of activities, lectures, a food alley, crafts fair/market, miscellaneous market, grand parade, Governor’s reception, bar-b-que, water fight, pole vault contest, three-on-three basketball tourney, strong man contest, gun fight, trolley rides, band concerts and a free fireworks display.

Parking is free and there is a trolley service.

The theme this year is “Say It with Music” and each year the grand marshall is awarded the annual Nebraskan’s Friend Award.  A local resident is honored with the Seward County Community Service Award.  The royalty are essay winners from Grade Four-Miss Independence and Mr. Firecracker.

Seward County is located in the Blue River valley, a 20-minute drive west of Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital.

The festival is a community wide volunteer event, with the committee leadership from the local high school youth. Visit www.julyfourthseward.com for more information, visit the Seward Chamber of Commerce or call 402-643-4189.

For more information about top events in Nebraska take a look at 

the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Nebraska 

Summer’s most transformative yoga-meets-music retreat

Wanderlust Festival, the one of a kind yoga and music festival set within nature’s most inspiring scenery, is ready to kick off the 2012 experience at breathtaking mountain ranges across the US and Canada.  

Now in its 4^th season, Wanderlust kicks off June 21-24 in Vermont at Stratton Mountain, will continue on to Wanderlust Colorado at Copper Mountain July 5-8, will return to its original Wanderlust California at Squaw Valley July 26-29 and will round out the summer at the first ever Wanderlust Whistler at Whistler Resort August 23-26.

“Wanderlust works to create an inspiring enclave for mindful community,” said festival co-founder, Jeff Krasno.  “The variety of music, yoga and art create a modern-day renaissance that keeps people connected and excited about what they'll encounter each year."

Days spent at Wanderlust are filled with transformative yoga classes, political activism, meditative hikes, organic dining, inspiring lectures and a sense of community that lasts far beyond the long weekend.  Attendees can create a truly unique choose-your-own adventure.  

For the first time ever, Wanderlust will debut the Uncommons, a collection of imaginative talents like acroyoga, slacklining, and hula-hooping.  Seeing the art in the everyday, the festival is also currently accepting submissions for the INSIDE OUT Project, an art installation created by French artist JR, emerging from his 2011 TEDPrize award.  2012 also introduces the Healing Sanctuary, with healing services lead by the world's top healers.  

Visit www.wanderlustfestival.com for details.

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

Spokane, Washington, Hosts World’s Biggest HoopFest

The annual Spokane HoopFest in Spokane, Washington, is not your everyday 3-on-3 basketball on-the-corner game .... it is in fact the biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in the world

Beyond basketball, the Spokane Hoopfest is an outdoor festival chock-full of concerts, shopping, food and interactive events spanning 42 downtown Spokane city blocks. 

Spokane Hoopfest Association is a Washington nonprofit corporation corporation committed to supporting local charities.

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, 3-on-3 basketball tournaments hardly existed outside of the Midwest United States. The idea of Spokane Hoopfest was born from two separate groups: one group with members from the Midwest who wanted to see the continuance of the 3-on-3 ball they had back home and the other with members trying to raise money for Special Olympics. Eventually the two groups merged under co-founders Rick Betts and Jerry Schmidt and Spokane Hoopfest Association was created. 

The first tournament in 1990 hosted 2,009 players on 512 teams. The event was such a success in its first year, the City was happy to have it back again the next summer. Thus began the tradition of Spokane shutting down its downtown core during the last weekend in June to let people play on the streets.

In the many years since inception, Hoopfest has developed into much more than a basketball tournament. Activities have been added to enhance the event experience such as a youth and adult center courts, games and contests for every age, music playing throughout downtown, merchandise tents, and more.

Today the Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament and family festival of its kind in the world, drawing over 7,000 teams to 458 courts, nearly 28,000 players and some 225,000 fans, and 3,000 volunteers.  And the actual games? Some 14,000 of those. Spokane Hoopfest was awarded the Guinness World Record in 2009 for the largest streetball tournament.

Visit www.spokanehoopfest.net for more information.

For news of other events in Spokane go to Visit Spokane.

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. 

West Virginia Celebrates State’s Birth

Out of the tumultuous American Civil War came the creation of a new state, and the only state to form as the result of secession from the Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation admitting that new state to the Union on June 20, 1863, and West Virginia was born.

On June 20, the Mountain State will turn 149 years old. In honor of West Virginia Day, a variety of celebratory events and activities have been scheduled across the state.

West Virginia Day is the perfect time of year for a picnic. Did you know that the world’s leading manufacturer of Kingsford barbecue briquettes is based in Parsons, W.Va.? Pack your cooler with Mister Bee potato chips and Budget $aver popsicles, two other products that are made in West Virginia.

While you’re on the road, stop for a visit at one of the interstate Welcome Centers and have a bite of birthday cake, or join Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for celebrations at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.

Many of West Virginia’s state parks are offering special rates or activities for West Virginia Day. Featured activities include nature walks or historic presentations. At Cass Scenic Railroad, Shay #5, the official steam locomotive of West Virginia, will be on display at the depot for visitors to explore. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park will have free birthday cake for guests. For more information, visit 

If you’re passing through Lewisburg or Shepherdstown, take time to learn about two trees on the West Virginia Big Tree Register that have Civil War connections. 

For details about the war that resulted in the state’s creation, visit the West Virginia Division of Tourism’s Civil War website, www.wvtourism.com/minisites/civilwar.aspx. Visitors will find information on Civil War-related events, sites and history. 

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

Hemingway Days Celebrated in Key West

Whether composing novels in his Whitehead Street writing studio or fishing for big game in local waters, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway left a powerful legacy in Key West. 

His zest for life, literary accomplishments and enduring affection for the island he called home throughout the 1930s are to be commemorated Tuesday through Sunday, July 17 to 22 during the annual Hemingway Days celebration.

Scheduled events include a look-alike contest for stocky white-bearded men resembling Hemingway, readings and book signings, an awards ceremony for the renowned literary competition directed by author and Hemingway granddaughter Lorian Hemingway, a commemoration of the 113th anniversary of Ernest's July 21 birth, a one-man play exploring the literary legend's life and motivations, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a zany "Running of the Bulls" and a three-day marlin tournament recalling Hemingway's devotion to the deep-sea sport.

During his Key West residence, Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his most enduring works and spent his leisure hours fishing and socializing with local and literary cohorts. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days.

The literary schedule honors the 75th anniversary of the publication of Hemingway’s “To Have and Have Not,” a novel set largely in Key West. 

The winners of the internationally recognized literary contest are to be announced at 8pm Friday, July 20, at Casa Antigua, 314 Simonton St. Renowned as Ernest Hemingway’s first Key West residence, the property is now a showplace with a soaring central atrium garden. 

Key West visitor information is at www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY 

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

Milwaukee Music Festival™ World's Largest

SummerFest, the "World's Largest Music Festival" and Milwaukee's cornerstone summer event, will celebrate its 45^th Anniversary this year from June 27 - July 1 (closed July 2) and again from July 3 - 8.  

An annual 11-day music festival that takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park on 75 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Summerfest attracts over 700 bands to 11 stages.

It includes the music industry's hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites and hosts a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops.

Among the major performers slated for Summerfest 2012 is  rock and pop icon Neil Diamond who will headline the Marcus Amphitheater on Sunday, July 8 at 7:30pm. Other performers include The Beach Boys, Foo Fighters, Aerosmith, Rascal Flatts, Big Time Rush, Zac Brown Band, Iron Maiden with special guest Alice Cooper, Tisto, Lady Antebellum, and Train and Kelly Clarkson.

Kids of all ages can enjoy family focused entertainment and activities at Summerfest 2012. The Northwestern Mutual Children's Theater and Playzone features not only jungle gyms and slides, but a children's theater and interactive activities for the whole family! This area is open daily, all 11 days of the festival, from Noon – 8:00 pm. Also, be sure to stop by the Target Kid's Activity Tent any day between Noon and 5pm to engage in many FREE family activities.

Families can also enjoy the many sights and sounds of the lakefront during Summerfest. Spend the day along the Lake Walk or take a ride on the Summerfest Skyglider, which provides scenic views of the Summerfest grounds, Lake Michigan and the entertainment below.

For more details visit Summerfest.com.

For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at 

the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin. 

Summer Sizzles in Utah With Medley of Festivals

This summer Utah is inviting visitors of all ages to take advantage of special events and offerings throughout the state.  Whether indulging in the best of Utah's culinary delights, attending spectacular theatrical and musical performances, or relaxing amidst the breathtaking landscapes at various lodges throughout the state, Utah is delivering excitement and value on every level. 

Utah kicks off on June 21 with two major events: The Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City to June 24, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City through to October 20.

The Utah Arts Festival, entering its 36th year, is the largest outdoor multi-disciplinary arts event in Utah, drawing over 80,000 patrons to Library and Washington Square to enjoy performances from hundreds of visual artists, performing arts groups and culinary artisans. 

Travelers will enjoy four days of award-winning fine arts in the Artist Marketplace, live entertainment on five stages, local and international street theater, a short film festival, Artists at Work showcase and local culinary treats. Perfect for families, the Festival offers a hands-on Art Yard for children and an Urban Arts venue for teenagers to explore their creative sides.  

Theater lovers all over the world will travel to southern Utah's Cedar City this year for the 51st annual Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival with performances scheduled from June 21 to October 20.  

The Festival is one of the oldest and largest in North America and features plays from the around the world, but the works of William Shakespeare remain its cornerstone.  The plays are enhanced by interactive experiences which entertain, enrich, and educate festival attendees. This season promises to be one to remember as the Festival has added Les Miserables to the line-up.  

A comprehensive list of statewide summer offerings can be found at www.visitutah.com.

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

Harbor Fest, Wisconsin, Benefits Safe Harbor

SYC Harbor Fest, a free waterfront celebration hosted by The Sheboygan Yacht Club on June 15 and 16, is a family-oriented, active-lifestyle public event.

It features lakefront sailing and cruises, kayaking and addle sports demonstrations, carnival rides and games, dog agility demonstrations, lumberjack shows, wood carvers, Fat Man/Little Boat races, pony rides and petting zoo and mascot races, and a visit from the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club’s Famous Racing Sausages™ & Bernie Brewer™.

Musical entertainment includes appearances by Spare Time, Joel Kuether, the Love Monkeys and Chasin’ Mason.  Additional family activities are being provided by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Home Depot and the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. 

The largest addition to the event this year is the Harbor Fest Fireworks Show presented by HSA Bank.

Just like last year’s event, Harbor Fest will feature equipment demonstrations by members of Sheboygan’s Police and Fire Departments as well as equipment and rescue demonstration and open house at Sheboygan’s U.S. Coast Guard Station. 

“SYC Harbor Fest to benefit Safe Harbor” was envisioned and organized by Sheboygan Yacht Club apprentices last year and is again being presented in association with the U.S. Coast Guard, Sheboygan’s Harbor Centre Marina, Sheboygan Youth Sailing Club and the U.S. Sailing Center. Organizers have worked closely with Sheboygan Tourism to create an event that promotes visitors to Sheboygan and its businesses as well as the waterfront. All proceeds of Harbor Fest benefit Safe Harbor of Sheboygan County Inc/.

Visit sheboyganharborfest.com for more information about SYC Harbor Fest.

For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at 

the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin.

Blues Artists in Upper Red River Valley

Blues on the Red is back bigger, badder, and better than ever. Taking place the fourth Saturday of June, July and August, this is Blues on the Red fifth season as the premier outdoor music festival in the Upper Red River Valley. 

There is a great line up of new and returning Blues artists plus a new feature for the August concert. Besides the fabulous Blues music, there’ll be plenty of food and drink to make each concert extra special.

The season (co-sponsored by the City of Grand Forks and the Greater Grand Forks CVB) opens June 23 when the Shuffle Cats who got started in Fargo return to the Red River Valley. Corey Stevens headlines the evening with his “Blues meets Classic Rock” music that brought down the house at the Empire Theater several years back. 

Opening on July 28 is the SkyBlues Band direct from Detroit Lakes. Wrapping up will be another Empire alum, the far from religious Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys who will get you going with blues, jump, and some soul. 

August 25 will be a night of firsts: the Blues on the Red first theme concert; the first time with three acts; and the first returning Blues on the Red act. The “Ladies Sing the Blues” night features three acts fronted by dynamic Blues women. The Dee Miller Band, a fan favorite from the 2009 season, kicks it off with a mix of Chicago, Delta and Upper Mississippi Blues. The Sena Ehrhardt Band keeps the mix churnin’ with spirited and sultry Blues. Bringin’ it on home will be Kelly Ritchie. 

Visit Upcoming Events in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks for more information.

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

DC Celebrates Two Decades of Food, Music and Fun

2012 marks the 20th year of Safeway bringing great food, music and fun to the streets of the Nation’s Capital. Signaling the beginning of summer, the Safeway Barbecue Battle on June 23 and 24 is one of Washington’s largest and most unique food and music festivals offering the greater DC-area community and visitors a chance to enjoy some of America’s favorite pastimes in the shadow of the Capitol Building. 

The two-day festival includes delicious barbecue and tasty treats of all kinds from top vendors, a variety of free food samples and two days of non-stop live entertainment, all surrounding one of the nation’s top barbecue cooking competitions. While entertaining so many food, music and fun-lovers, the Safeway Barbecue Battle has also raised over $1.2 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and donated goods and funds to other area charities over the years.  

Pennsylvania Avenue will be smoking with mouth-watering barbecue provided by vendors from across the country and top barbecue chefs and teams battling to win over $40,000 in cash and prizes in the Safeway National Barbecue Championship, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). 

The ever-popular Safeway Sampling Pavilion showcases a line-up of tempting free food samples while celebrity chefs and cookbook authors entertain with cooking demonstrations on the Safeway Demonstration Stage. 

Musical entertainment features nationally-known performers. There’s something for all kinds of music-lovers with 30 bands and family entertainment on multiple stages along with interactive exhibits providing hands-on and virtual fun for all. 

Along with all the great food, music, cooking entertainment and competition, there are activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. 

For more information about this unique annual Washington celebration please visit: www.bbqdc.com or call (202) 828-3099. 

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