10 Small Towns in the U.S. With Year Round Celebrations
Year-round celebrations make small towns the perfect destination for any time of the year. These towns host festivals and events that attract people from all walks of life. Whether you enjoy live music or local arts, there is always something to see and do. Embrace the local culture and dive into the fun. Keep reading to find out which towns will make your next trip unforgettable.
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Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, and it showcases this creativity through various year-round celebrations. The town hosts the popular Asheville Wine & Food Festival each summer, bringing together local chefs and artisans. The town also celebrates the annual Asheville Mardi Gras, complete with parades and live music, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. These events keep the town buzzing with energy and attract crowds from all over.
Beyond the food and drink festivals, Asheville is also known for its music scene. The town offers regular performances by local bands and artists, making it a great destination for music lovers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy seasonal celebrations like the Holiday Lights display in winter, adding to the charm of this creative community.
Galena, Illinois
Galena is a picturesque small town with a rich history and year-round festivals that celebrate its charm. One of the highlights is the annual Galena Wine Lovers Weekend, where visitors can enjoy tastings and explore local wineries. The town also hosts the Great Galena Balloon Race in the fall, offering a stunning view of colorful balloons over the rolling hills of this historic area. Galena’s historic district offers a scenic backdrop for these lively events, making it a perfect spot for year-round celebration.
Throughout the year, Galena also celebrates local history with events such as the annual Christmas Walk. This event transforms the town into a winter wonderland, complete with festive lights and holiday cheer. Visitors can take in the beauty of the town while enjoying holiday shopping, making it a memorable seasonal experience.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike, offering plenty of events throughout the year. The Sedona Arts Festival, held each fall, attracts artists from all over the country, showcasing their work in this stunning red-rock landscape. The town is also home to the Sedona Film Festival, an event that celebrates independent films and draws a crowd of movie buffs. These artistic celebrations highlight the creativity that thrives in this beautiful desert town.
Additionally, Sedona is known for its wellness-focused festivals, such as the Sedona Yoga Festival. This event gathers yoga practitioners from across the world to experience Sedona’s calming atmosphere and rejuvenating energy. Whether you are interested in art, film, or wellness, Sedona offers something for everyone year-round.
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Known as the inspiration for the town of Mayberry in “The Andy Griffith Show,” Mount Airy celebrates its nostalgic ties with year-round events. The Mayberry Days Festival, held annually, brings fans of the show together to celebrate its legacy with parades, music, and reenactments. The event showcases the town’s close-knit community spirit and its ties to pop culture. Visitors can relive scenes from the show while exploring Mount Airy’s charming main street.
Mount Airy also hosts seasonal events like the Autumn Leaves Festival, which features local arts and crafts, music, and food. This event is an excellent way to experience the town’s unique blend of Southern charm and nostalgia. Year-round, Mount Airy’s laid-back vibe and festive celebrations make it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a slice of Americana.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
New Hope is a historic town that attracts visitors year-round with its mix of arts, culture, and lively festivals. The town hosts the annual Shad Festival, celebrating the local fish and the area’s rich history. The festival includes arts and crafts, food vendors, and live entertainment, drawing both locals and tourists to the banks of the Delaware River. It’s a great event for families and individuals alike, bringing a touch of local flavor to the region.
Throughout the year, New Hope also celebrates its vibrant arts scene with events like the New Hope Film Festival. This event showcases independent films and provides a platform for filmmakers from all over the world. The town’s art galleries and shops add to its charm, making it a great destination for those seeking culture and creativity in a picturesque small town setting.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, a Bavarian-inspired village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offers year-round festivities that draw visitors from all over. The town is especially famous for its Christmas Lighting Festival, which transforms the village into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights. This charming festival runs every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas, offering a magical atmosphere with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and traditional German treats.
In addition to the holiday festivities, Leavenworth hosts Oktoberfest every fall, where visitors can enjoy German beer, music, and food in the heart of the village. The annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest also brings in nature lovers who want to witness the migration of birds through the beautiful Pacific Northwest. With its rich cultural celebrations and stunning scenery, Leavenworth is a small town that knows how to keep the fun alive all year.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a charming Victorian town that celebrates its unique history and culture with various year-round events. The town is particularly known for the Eureka Springs Blues Weekend, which brings top blues musicians to perform in the town’s historic district. This event has become a staple for music lovers, with outdoor performances and jam sessions filling the air with soulful tunes.
Another major event is the Eureka Springs Music Festival, which offers a diverse range of genres, from classical to jazz. Visitors can explore the town’s picturesque streets, which are lined with art galleries, shops, and historic sites, making it a great destination for year-round cultural experiences. Eureka Springs’ celebration of music and arts, combined with its beautiful Victorian charm, makes it a must-see town for anyone seeking a lively small-town getaway.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., is a town that knows how to celebrate its rich history and vibrant culture. The St. Augustine Celtic Festival brings a bit of Irish charm to this historic town, offering music, dancing, and cultural performances. The town’s ancient streets are perfect for strolling between the different festivities that happen throughout the year, making it a popular spot for visitors.
In addition to the Celtic Festival, St. Augustine hosts a variety of events like the annual Nights of Lights celebration. This winter event transforms the town with millions of lights, adding to the festive atmosphere. With its combination of history, culture, and seasonal events, St. Augustine is an ideal year-round destination.
Key West, Florida
Key West is known for its laid-back atmosphere and lively year-round celebrations. One of the most iconic events is Fantasy Fest, a ten-day celebration in the fall that features parades, masquerade balls, and elaborate costumes. This quirky festival draws visitors from all over the world to experience the island’s fun-loving spirit and colorful atmosphere.
Key West also celebrates the Hemingway Days Festival, honoring the town’s most famous resident, author Ernest Hemingway. The festival includes readings, a look-alike contest, and guided tours of Hemingway’s home. The island’s festive spirit, combined with its tropical beauty, ensures that there is always something to celebrate in Key West.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg offers a variety of year-round events that highlight its historical significance. Colonial Williamsburg hosts immersive experiences such as the Grand Illumination, where visitors can experience 18th-century holiday traditions, complete with candlelit streets and fireworks. The town’s rich history is showcased through reenactments, historic homes, and museums that allow visitors to step back in time.
Throughout the year, Williamsburg also hosts the Virginia Arts Festival, which brings performances in music, theater, and dance to the town. Visitors can enjoy an eclectic range of cultural events that are set against the backdrop of this historic district. Williamsburg is a place where history and celebration go hand in hand, making it a great year-round destination for culture and fun.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.