Summer of Music in Jackson, Mississippi

The Summer of 2013 will be known as the Summer of Music in Jackson, Mississippi.

With the overwhelming popularity of Six-time Grammy Award Winner and the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors recipient Buddy Guy, this premiere artist will headline the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Pre-Festival Concert at the Mississippi Coliseum on Friday, July 19. 

Joining Buddy Guy will be blues legend Bobby “Blue” Bland performing a number of his greatest hits. Kicking off the evening will be Canadian International artist Shakura S’Aida and Grammy nominated and Blues Music Award Winner Ruthie Foster.

Tickets for the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Pre-Festival Concert are $45 and $60 and are available through Ticketmaster and the Mississippi Coliseum Box Office.

To accommodate the change in headliners, the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival will premiere on the grounds of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on August 16^th and 17^th, 2013. The event will be headlined by Six-time Grammy Award Winner Dr. John and the Nite Trippers. This two-day festival will feature over 30 of the best rhythm and blues artists assembled in the Southeast. 

A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Mississippi Blues Commission Blues Musicians Benevolent Fund. 

For more information on the event visit www.JacksonRhythmandBluesFestival.com, facebook.com/JxnBluesFest and @JxnBluesFest on Twitter. 

Discover more about Jackson, Mississippi at www.visitjackson.com or call 601-960-1891.

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

Panama City Beach Debuts Gulf Coast Jam

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day celebration of sun, fun and country music, will debut its festival on the Gulf Coast shores of Panama City Beach, Florida from Thursday, September 26 to Saturday, September 28, 2013. 

The first artists to join the concert lineup at this year’s festival include 2013 Academy of Country Music Award nominees Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert and the Eli Young Band. Also appearing onstage will be leading country artists Trace Adkins, Kip Moore, The Charlie Daniels Band, Pepsi’s X Factor Winner Tate Stevens, Darryl Worley, Blackberry Smoke and Pepsi’s Southern Original Winner.

Comprised of six stages, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will provide the best of today’s country music for an audience of more than 15,000 people on the coast. During the day, three beachfront stages will be hosted by Edgewater Golf & Beach Resort, The Boardwalk Beach Resort and Seahaven Beach Resorts. 

Festival-goers will watch their favorite performers as they stand on the white “sugar sand” beach and dip their toes in the water. As the sun begins to set, patrons will ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. Once Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert, and Trace Adkins close out their respective nights, the fun will continue at various venues across the destination. Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a production of PCB Entertainment, LLC. 

For more information about Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam’s lineup, VIP & General Admission Tickets, lodging partners, directions, partnership opportunities, parking, and vendors, please visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. Click on visitpanamacitybeach or follow Panama City Beach on Twitter @PCBeach for up to the minute news and details on special offers and deals.

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.

Meeker, Colorado Hosts Sheepdog Trials

For 5 days every September the mountain community of Meeker, Colorado in the White River Valley opens its doors to the world to showcase true western hospitality, pay tribute to their western heritage and culture and welcome contestants, spectators and enthusiasts from all over the world.

The occasion is the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials, one of the top events in Colorado and the United States. This event celebrates its 27^th year from September 4 to 8, resting its laurels on the volunteers who make this event so special.

The event features a world-class sheepdog competition of 125 of the world’s best border collies and their handlers competing against each other and the tough “Meeker Sheep” for a $20,000 purse. 

Other activities include an international art contest, show and sale, craft & fiber festival, food vendors, educational exhibits, demonstrations and venues, free outdoor concert, barbeques and pancake breakfasts, and free shuttles to/from historic downtown Meeker.

While in Meeker, visitors can explore a sheep wagon, watch a spinner, attend a seminar, meet the sheep and border collies and partake of western hospitality.  For five days, Meeker residents welcome visitors into their world, share their lifestyles and values and they become part of the community.  

The Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials hosts dogs from all over the United States, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and more. Judged by international judges, this has become one of the world’s most respected sheepherding competitions. The venue’s natural pastureland consists of steep hillsides, rolling hills and deep ravines.  Handlers must skillfully chose the most energy-saving course for their dogs in order to prevent early tiring – a grim task when amazingly quick sheep change direction and challenge the dogs. 

Sitting in the White River Valley of Western Colorado, Meeker is a community of 2,500 and home to abundant wildlife and agriculture, wide open public lands, beautiful snowcapped mountains and breathtaking vistas. Located in Eastern Rio Blanco County, Meeker is also known as the Gateway to the Flat Tops Wilderness and is located just 40 minutes from Interstate 70 in Rifle, CO and 45 minutes from Craig, Co, 225 miles from Denver or 104 miles from Grand Junction.

Click on Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials for more information.

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

Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival Ahoy

After 58 years of celebrations, you’d think it would be difficult to inject new surprises into the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival traditions – but not so. There will be many new features at this year’s Festival, which begins on Thursday, May 30 and extends through Saturday, June 1 at The Landing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

The pirate festivities begin with the kids’ Pirate Walk (4 to 6 pm), costumed trick or treating hosted by the downtown merchants at their stores along Miracle Strip Parkway.   At The Landing, the Festival will actually begin at 6 pm, with food and craft vendors creating a Pirate’s Village at the waterfront park.  The Bowlegs Pub Crawl will also begin at 6, and pedestrians will enjoy the fact that a portion of Brooks Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 to 10pm. 

The Torchlight Parade will wend its way up Eglin Parkway at 7 pm, with dozens of floats representing area businesses and clubs, visiting krewes, and Fort Walton Beach’s very own Krewe of Bowlegs. 

Following the Parade, activity will move back to the Landing, where the theme for Thursday is “Pirate Zombie Night”.  There’ll be costume contests and pirate zombie fun, with prizes from AMC’s “Walking Dead,” provided by Cox. Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers will perform at 8 pm.

On Friday, the Festival will open at 3, and the popular Pirate Skirmish will begin at 7, followed by a “Talk Like a Pirate” contest and music by Cabo Rock.  There will be a 20-minute fireworks show at 9:30, after which the festival grounds will close.

There’ll be pirate shenanigans all day on Saturday, from 10 am to 9 pm, and Capt. Billy Bowlegs and his Krewe are expected to return for their ultimate standoff with Mayor Anderson and his militia at 4 pm on Saturday. Following the outcome of that legendary battle, there’ll be music from the Bottoms Up Band and the Journey tribute band Don’t Stop Believin’. 

All day on Friday and Saturday, there’ll be new surprises ... for news of those go to www.FWBChamber.com. 

  

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.

FreeMusic Fest in Freeland, Michigan

The 6^th annual FreeMusic Fest (FMF) will be held at Tittabawassee Township Park in Freeland, Michigan on Saturday, June 8, with music from noon until dusk. 

A celebration of music and art, FMF features the finest original blues, rock, country and jam bands in the area, as well as interactive art activities. FreeMusic Fest is a family event attended by over 3,000 music-loving people, and presents an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the kickoff of summer. 

This year’s charitable benefactor is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. There will be 50/50 raffles, games, giveaways and other opportunities to help raise money, including a guitar raffle sponsored by Mid-Michigan Music.

The 10am tee-off for the 4^th annual FMF Disc Golf Tournament starts the festivities. Consisting of two rounds of 18 holes, the tournament is open to players of all skill levels. Players will receive a FreeMusic Fest T-shirt and lunch. Entry fee is only $25, and registration is still open with 100% of the proceeds to support BBBS.

Interactive art activities will be provided by local artists. Paint a group mural, weave a communal rug, watch artists create live in the park, or check out the blast booth where artists will be drenched in paint and create a canvas of color with the spatters behind them.

The Michigan craft beer tasting tent will feature delicious brews from four of the area’s top breweries; Bell’s, Tri-City Brewing Company, Frankenmuth Brewing and Mt. Pleasant Brewing Company. Five sample tickets will only cost $10 and proceeds from this portion of the event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Take a bag of non-perishable food items with you to FreeMusic Fest and drop them off at the Hidden Harvest food truck.  Hidden Harvest is well known for providing food to over 100 different agencies throughout the local community. Last year, Hidden Harvest distributed over two million pounds of food.

To stay up to date on everything FreeMusic including the performance schedule, visit www.FreeMusicFest.com.

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

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

Culinary Travelers Head for Hawaii

Culinary travelers seeking an inspiring adventure that offers a distinct sense of place, unforgettable food and wine experiences, and features more than 70 of the world’s best-known chefs all using the freshest island ingredients will find the Hawaiian Islands their destination of choice this fall.

The 3rd annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (HFWF) from September 1 to 9 is the premier epicurean gathering in the Pacific and this year’s festival is bigger and better than ever.

With five signature evening events and educational daytime culinary experiences on both Oahu and Maui, the festival comes to life with a “who’s who” of internationally acclaimed master chefs, four master sommeliers, five mixologists, and more than ten top-tier winemakers from Hawaii, the mainland U.S., Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, and Australia.

Founded in 2011 and co-chaired by Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, two of Hawaii’s own James Beard award-winning chefs, the festival has grown immensely and achieved sold-out attendance at each event. Building on this success, HFWF has added a signature event on Maui that will enhance the festival’s overall experience.

Each participant will showcase their culinary talents using the Aloha State’s enviable bounty of locally sourced produce, seafood, beef and poultry, and offer innovative dishes inspired by the diverse culinary and cultural traditions of Hawaii.

This year’s festival will also feature an impressive lineup of wine seminars featuring some of the top producers from California, including Harlan Estate, Rivers-Marie, Aston, Brewer-Clifton, and Au Bon Climat. In addition to wine tastings, there will be daytime and evening events that include cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities.

As a result of the festival’s success over the past two years, the HFWF has been able to fulfill its equally important mission of providing its beneficiaries nearly $500,000 in funding to support their food sustainability, cultural, and educational efforts.

Check the HFWF website hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com for a complete listing of daytime and evening events. Follow the festival on Twitter/Instagram (@HIFoodWineFest) and Facebook (facebook.com/hawaiifoodandwinefestival) for updates.

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

Cape Fear Shakespeare Free for 20 years

Have you ever wondered where oft-quoted lines originated, such as: "Something wicked this way comes...” and “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall…”? Look no further than William Shakespeare’s masterpieces “Macbeth” and “Measure for Measure,” respectively.

Both plays are slated for the 2013 season of Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green. From Memorial Day weekend throughout the month of June, this year’s festival celebrates 20 years of free outdoor Shakespearean theatre at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Shakespeare’s powerful themes and timeless dialogue still evoke passion and controversy. Wilmington’s annual free-to-the-public Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green festival, in association with the City of Wilmington, will present “Measure for Measure,” a dark comedy about what can happen when we confuse lust and love, goodness and self-righteousness, and when power monger impulses go unchecked.

This year the Shakespeare Youth Company will perform “Shadows of Shakespeare,” a collection of Shakespeare’s characters that exhibit the myriad tones of the human spirit, culminating in ACT II featuring “Macbeth,” the classic tale of power and madness performed in full shadow, a powerful single-act edit not for the faint of heart.

Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green is among Wilmington’s most anticipated summer traditions. Visitors and residents enjoy free productions of the Bard's works in a family atmosphere at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake's edge, the stage is surrounded by stately moss-draped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. All theatrical performances are free to the public and donations are always welcome and appreciated. Gates open at 6:30pm; all shows begin at 8p.m.

For more details, visit the website www.capefearshakespeare.org or call 910-399-2878 or email shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.

For a free Official Visitors Guide for Wilmington, NC’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach, please call 1-866-266-9690, or email visit@wilmingtonandbeaches.com. For seasonal specials, experiences and events, visit www.GoWilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

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

Arkansas’ Largest Festival Set for Memorial Day Weekend

Riverfest 2013 will be held May 24 to 26 along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock. Arkansas’ largest family festival will feature top headline musical acts and many exciting extras at no additional cost.

“For the 36th year, Riverfest 2013 has filled a three-day weekend with outstanding musical acts, fun activities for the whole family, and lots of popular festival food options — all while giving back to the community,” said DeAnna Korte, Riverfest executive director.

Attracting some 250,000 visitors, Riverfest takes place over 15 city blocks and includes the Clinton Presidential Center, both Riverfront Parks in Little Rock & North Little Rock, as well as Heifer International grounds and Heifer Village.

Riverfest features activities for all ages, a childrens area, teen area, arts and crafts, food, interactive activities, rides, 6 stages featuring headline entertainers to children’s entertainment acts. 

Previously announced headline acts include Daughtry, Sugar Ray, Black Stone Cherry, Bush, Cody Belew, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Jana Kramer, Darius Rucker, Lupe Fiasco, Kelly Rowland, Drive-By Truckers and Peter Frampton.

The Stickyz Music Stage acts will feature headline acts Lil Ed & the Blues Imperials, Ana Sia & Richie Spice, along with local and regional musical acts. Musical acts throughout the festival will include classic rock, hip-hop, country, modern rock, soul, reggae and more.

During the three-day event, Riverfest will again partner with Walmart to collect non-perishable food items as part of the Food Drive at Riverfest. All food collected will benefit the Arkansas Foodbank and be distributed throughout the state of Arkansas. Festivalgoers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to a festival gateway and receive a coupon for a Coca-Cola product on-site and/or also bring food items to either shuttle stop and receive $1 off their shuttle ride.

For more information on the festival, entertainment acts and activities and a complete lineup of musical acts (including times and locations), visit www.riverfestarkansas.com.

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.

BBQ & Bluegrass in Sevierville, Tennessee

Sevierville’s ninth annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass will take place May 17 to 18, 2013. This family-friendly event will again bring barbeque cook teams from all over the United States to Sevierville to compete for $17,500 in cash and prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off. 

Rounding out the event is toe-tapping bluegrass music, incredible arts and crafts, kids’ games and the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton.

Take a little time to visit with the barbeque cook teams you’ve seen on cable channels like the Food Network as you stroll through the “Que Zone.” Then make sure you bring a lawn chair for the free bluegrass concerts with rising stars and legends of the bluegrass genre (past headliners have included Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, Tony Rice, Sam Bush and more). 

Make sure you’re at the festival on Saturday May 18 for an epic performance from the legendary Bluegrass Album Band. This iconic bluegrass super group has not performed live in nearly 30 years – and with all the original members playing, this may be the only opportunity many fans will have to see them live in concert.

On Saturday, the competition starts early. Watch as championship cook teams turn in their competition meats. 

An expanded Kids’ Zone and the Bluegrass Music Tent, sponsored in part by The Music Outlet, add fun and enrichment for the kids and families who attend Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass. 

A highlight of Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is the 9th Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals held on May 18. Finalists from around the nation will sing their hearts out for a chance to win prize money, a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee and a guitar autographed by Dolly Parton. 

Admission and concerts are free thanks to great sponsors, including the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce which encourages you to stay in Sevierville while visiting Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass. 

For great lodging deals and more information about Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass, call (888) 889-7415 or visit online at www.bloominbbq.com

Visit Memphis in May for details of this month-long festival of music and culture.

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

Summer Events in Anchorage, Alaska

Browse for crafts, sample the summer flavors of Alaska and enjoy free entertainment every Saturday and Sunday all summer long at the Anchorage Market and Festival in Anchorage through to September 8. Local farmers and artisans sell their goods in a festival atmosphere. This open-air market is a great place to get a bite to eat, soak up the sun and mingle with the locals.

"Fish on!" is a phrase anglers hope to hear during the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby from June 7 to 16. Running through downtown Anchorage, Ship Creek is an urban fishing spot home to runs of king and silver salmon. Locals and visitors alike drop a line into the creek hoping to hook a king salmon and win cash and prizes. The event is a benefit for the Downtown Soup Kitchen.

Alaskans enjoy the longest day of the year from sunup to sundown at the Summer Solstice Celebration on June 22, a tall order on a day with 22 hours of functional daylight. From running in the Mayor's Marathon & Half Marathon and dancing to live music in Town Square to cheering on police, firefighters and members of the military in the Hero Games and climbing a local peak to snap some stunning views there is plenty to see and do in Anchorage.

Lace up your running shoes and hit the trails for a weekend of fun as the summer winds down. The Big Wild Life Runs  on August 17 and 18 has races for everyone. The kids 2K is great for toddlers and tweens. People of all abilities are encouraged to take part in the 5K, half marathon, marathon and marathon relay.

Big is a word that only partly describes Alaska and the state fair where you can see monster veggies, view the spectacular Chugach Mountains, experience a thrilling ride and devour dozens of Alaska delicacies like reindeer hot dogs. Just an hour north of Anchorage in the Matanuska Valley the Alaska State Fair from August 22 to September 2 is a great way to wrap up a busy summer.

For more information on Anchorage's wild adventures and urban delights, visit www.Anchorage.net. 

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

BBQ Festival Kicks Off Summer in Nation’s Capital

Safeway’s Barbecue Battle has been bringing great food, music and fun to the streets of the Nation’s Capital for more than two decades. 

Signaling the beginning of summer, June 22^nd and 23^rd, the Safeway Barbecue Battle 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 taste treats of all kinds, two days of non-stop musical and family entertainment, and one of the nation’s most exciting barbecue cooking competitions. While entertaining tens of thousands of food, music and fun-lovers, the Safeway Barbecue Battle has also raised over $1.3 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 great barbecue served up by vendors from across the country while top barbecue chefs and teams battle 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 deliciously tempting free food samples while celebrity chefs and cookbook authors entertain on the Safeway Demonstration Stage. The BBQ Legends area at the Battle features stars of BBQ from TV’s popular “Pitmasters” show with tastings, book signings and demos. This year’s event will also kick-off an exciting new contest pitting top military chefs against each other in friendly combat to benefit The Wounded Warrior Project.  

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.  Besides all the great food, music, cooking and competition, there’s plenty for kids of all ages to enjoy. Kids rides and sports attractions, including NBA basketball stars and on-site court action, help make the Safeway Barbecue Battle the perfect way to kick off summer in Washington. 

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

Connect with the Safeway Barbecue Battle on Twitter @bbqdc and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/National.Capital.Barbecue.Battle. 

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 Washington DC.

Northern Indiana Christian Music Festival

Some 22 major recording artists will be featured at the famil-friendly WFRN Friend Fest, a multi-stage Christian Music Festival at Amish Acres, Nappanee, Northern Indiana on Friday and Saturday June 21 and 22.

Among the performers are TobyMac, Matthew West, Building 429, Peter Furler, Kari Jobe, Jamie-Grace, Big Daddy Weave, Chris August, For King & Country, Rhett Walker Band, Moriah Peters, Finding Favour, Hyland, OBB and Mosteller – plus a secondary stage featuring One Girl Nation, Jason Dunn (former lead singer of Hawk Nelson), An Epic No Less, Josh Reardon, Ryan Corn, Marie Miller, Seth Moorman and Loftland, espresso drinks and free WiFi access. 

There is free parking, you are free to bring in your own food and drinks, a free Kid Zone with Bouncy Houses and Children's Stage, and free Artist Breakout Sessions: Tom Coverly (Speaking to Youth thru Illusions); Phil Joel (Living an Authentic Christian Life); Big Daddy Weave (Q&A Time with Big Daddy); Kari Jobe (Leading Worship); Peter Furler (Worship as a Lifestyle) with the purchase of a festival pass. 

WFRN Friend Fest is located in Northern Indiana on the scenic and historic land of Amish Acres in Nappanee (1600 West Market Street). The event is surrounded by the farm's sights and sounds. From the Belgian draft horses in the pasture to the Mallard ducks on the pond and the quilters in the gross dawdi house, you'll enjoy the fresh country air.

Visit WFRNFriendFest.com for festival passes and more information.

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

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

Oregon Summer Music festivals

Whether you march to the beat of a marching band or an electronic one, prefer classical to classic or take your blues without the grass, Oregon has a music festival for you. Summer concerts across the state will help you get your groove on (writes Eileen Garvin).

With more than 90 musicians performing opera, symphonic and chamber music, the Astoria Music Festival (June 14-30) this year celebrates the bicentennials of classical greats Verdi and Wagner. Anyone who appreciates Astoria’s small town elegance can imagine listening to first-rate classical musicians in the art deco grandeur of the historic Liberty Theater.

Southern Oregon likes to throw its outdoor music party all summer long at the Britt Festivals (June 15-September 14) in Jacksonville. This year, the natural amphitheater on the estate of 19th century photographer Peter Britt will host superstars like Cyndi Lauper, Michael Franti, Chris Isaak and the Doobie Brothers.

For a down-home outdoor music party, there’s 4 Peaks Music Festival (June 21-23) at the Rocking A Ranch near Bend. Headliners include troubadours Greensky Bluegrass, Portland’s beloved MarchFourth Marching Band and northern California’s Poor Man’s Whiskey, offering what they call “high-octane hootenanny.” Fewer than 500 tickets are available for this intimate, family-friendly event.

NBC News wonders if the relatively new What the Festival (July 26-28) is the Woodstock of the Millennial Generation. Last year 3,000 people showed up for the inaugural electronic dance party in a meadow under starry skies. Expect hoola hoops, belly dancers, feathered headdresses, light shows, a pool party, interactive art (but please leave your fire-spinning tools at home, organizers ask). For 18-and-older only. (Venue: White River Canyon, some 100 miles east of Portland.)

The mountain town of Joseph will get the blues for the 17th year in a row with the return of the Bronze Blues & Brews Festival (Aug. 9-10). All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event held at the base of the stunning Wallowa Mountains. Sugaray Rayford, Albert Castiglia and Zac Harmon are among those rocking the stage, and Oregon craft brewers will do their part.

The little town of Brownsville will host some big names in country music for the Willamette Country Music Festival (Aug. 16-18). Powerhouse Carrie Underwood will grace the stage over the weekend along with singer songwriter Brad Paisley, named Academy of Country Music Male Vocalist five years running, and hit-maker Darius Rucker.

Multiple venues across the city of Portland get indie-rockin’ with the 13th annual MusicfestNW (Sept. 3-8), which Time Magazine included in its list of “50 Authentic American Experiences.” Past years have seen the likes of The Decemberists, Smashing Pumpkins and Iron and Wine. Experience the thriving indie-music scene in this city-wide festival.

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

Maritime Festival Sails into Burlington, Vermont

Continuing a seven-year tradition of exciting events at Burlington’s Waterfront, the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival will be back at Burlington’s Waterfront Park from August 15 to 18. 

The Festival is a three-day celebration of Lake Champlain, showcasing hundreds of exhibits throughout sites on the Burlington Waterfront (Burlington Boathouse, Perkins Pier, Spirit of Ethan Allen, Lake Champlain Ferries, Northern Lights Lake Champlain Cruises, US Coast Guard, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, ECHO Leahy Center, Burlington’s Waterfront Park and more). 

Other Festival activities include: Lake Champlain Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday; ALS Silent Auction; Non-Profit Palooza; Pirate 5k Run/Walk; Mission Possible; Dog Zone; free, daily music on multiple stages; four evening ticketed concerts, presented by Higher Ground; Kid Zone with free kids’ activities; international food court and crafts; beer tent; maritime exhibits and more!

The Black Crowes bring their psychedelic infused rock and roll to Burlington's Waterfront Park on the evening of August 17. The Black Crowes have sold more than 20 million albums and are known as one of rock's best live acts.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival has been named a Top 100 North American Event by the American Bus Association and a Top Ten Vermont Summer Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Daily admission is free to most events with select events requiring admission.

A new event is Stand Up for the Lake – a community-based festival that promotes wellness, fitness, and lake stewardship through a chic and trendy sport: stand up paddle boarding. 

Throughout the day there will be live music and food courtesy of The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival. There will also be stand up paddle boarding demos, clinics, recreational races, hot gear vendors and plenty of good times.

“What really makes The Lake Champlain Maritime Festival special is that it offers something for everyone; it is a dynamic celebration for children, families and adults of all ages,” says Tara Perkins, Festival Spokesperson.

Stay tuned to www.lcmfestival.com for 2013 Festival details. 

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

Portsmouth, New Hampshire Hits the Decks!

Portsmouth, New Hampshire loves to Hit the Decks – the official opening of outdoor dining in Portsmouth and the Seacoast as restaurants, shops, attractions and hotels celebrate with special deals on and off the decks.

While some outdoor dining has already begun, there is one date by which all decks are open – this year’s Hit the Decks is launched on Friday May 10. 

If you’re visiting Portsmouth for that weekend, there are many other items to add to your itinerary, including three on Saturday May 11 – the 2nd annual New Hampshire Komen Race for the Cure, the Portsmouth Cherry Tree Festival event at the Wentworth by the Sea hotel (to celebrate Japan’s gift of cherry trees), and from America’s Got Talent, comic Tom Cotter at The Music Hall. On Sunday, many restaurants are featuring specials for Mother’s Day.

On May 25 the Wentworth-Coolidge Lilac Festival is a celebration of the oldest lilacs in the country. This Seacoast event features lilac lectures and sales, historic house tours, and an art show and plein-air event. Kids’ activities include art projects throughout the day, treasure and scavenger hunts, alpacas for petting, and more. 

On June 8 Portsmouth celebrates Market Square Day. The event kicks off with a 10k road race, but for those who prefer a more leisurely pace, simply stroll the beautiful downtown while enjoying entertainment, unique products, and fine food offerings. It features more than 100 artisans, merchants, crafters, and musicians. 

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth is a vibrant, coastal New England city that honors its colorful maritime and mercantile past and is passionately engaged in shaping its future. This walkable regional capital provides residents and visitors with a unique urban experience: a working seaport, unique locally owned shops and restaurants, and world-class arts and culture.  

The May 10 Hit the Decks celebration is an initiative of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. For a complete list of participating businesses, see Portsmouth Dining for details on specials.

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