2027: A year of festivals in the U.S.
Explore America’s best festivals throughout the year and where to find the ideal vacation rental for every trip.
America keeps the festival energy going all year. From winter music in ski-country snow to colorful balloon-filled skies over the desert each fall, there is always a reason to plan a trip.
Use this guide to discover the country’s most iconic 2027 festivals, plus insider travel advice and nearby Vacasa stays for an effortless event escape.
*All dates listed are for 2027 and may change—check official festival sites for updates.
Six days, 50-plus bands, and five mountains turn Steamboat Springs into a snowy mix of concerts, songwriter sets, and après-ski parties. Ski, soak in natural hot springs, or join a post-slope jam between shows.
Hot Tip: Reserve early and choose a ski-in/ski-out Vacasa condo, so getting from the slopes to the dance floor takes just minutes.
Experience the legendary film festival in its brand-new home for the first time, as Sundance debuts in Boulder, Colorado—bringing cinemaphiles and critics from around the world.
Hot Tip: Stay close to downtown in a Vacasa Boulder home. Easy access means you won't miss those last-minute screenings everyone's talking about.
NASCAR’s marquee race brings more than 150,000 fans for a full week of roaring engines and high-speed excitement. Beyond the speedway, explore beaches, the boardwalk, and casual seafood spots.
Hot Tip: Choose an oceanfront vacation rental for easy morning beach walks before making your way to the track.
Experience the world-famous Mardi Gras, featuring dozens of parades and marching krewes across two weeks of Crescent City festivities.
Hot Tip: Book early and stay near a parade route—you’ll thank yourself when you can watch from your balcony.
Step into an electric collision of technology, film, and music, where innovators, filmmakers, and major artists take over bars, parks, and unexpected street stages.
Hot Tip: Leave the car behind. A downtown vacation rental makes walking and rideshares far easier than battling traffic.
Ultra Music Festival brings top electronic artists and DJs to Miami’s Bayfront Park, turning the downtown waterfront into a high-energy weekend of live sets, lights, and late-night dancing.
Hot Tip: Stay within walking distance of Bayfront Park if you can, since traffic can build quickly after the final set and a short walk back makes the night easier.
The world’s most legendary music festival welcomes 125,000 fans each day across two iconic weekends of A-list artists, desert sunsets, and global festival energy.
Hot Tip: Beat the desert heat with a vacation rental that has a pool—your crew will thank you.
The biggest country celebration in the U.S. pairs major headliners and emerging Nashville talent with craft beer, barbecue masters, and plenty of desert Western flair.
Hot Tip: Choose a vacation home with a patio or yard. You’ll appreciate a relaxed place for post-show late-night jams.
America's premier horse race draws 150,000+ fans to Churchill Downs, featuring twin spires, mint juleps, elaborate hats, and "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
Hot Tip: Stay in Highlands or Old Louisville for easy access to Derby Eve parties and a quicker trip back after the race than fighting downtown traffic.
World-class performers meet Napa wine country for a three-day celebration of exceptional food, great wine, and one of the West Coast’s strongest music lineups.
Hot Tip: A vacation home overlooking vineyards lets the magic of the weekend linger well beyond the last set.
Across cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, colorful parades, parties, live music, and top-tier entertainment celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and draw massive June crowds.
Hot Tip: Reserve a Vacasa stay early near parade routes so you can step right into the action.
Set against Rocky Mountain views, this culinary festival serves up celebrity-chef demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses, gourmet tastes, and expertly mixed craft cocktails.
Hot Tip: Start with the morning events—the crowds are smaller, leaving more opportunities to sample.
Chicago's iconic music fest packs Grant Park with 100,000+ fans daily, featuring eight stages, chart-topping headliners, and skyline views along Lake Michigan.
Hot Tip: Stay in the South Loop or Near North Side for a quick walk or short ride to Grant Park without the Michigan Avenue festival crowds.
Cosplayers and superfans gather for blockbuster previews, celebrity and creator appearances, collectible treasures, and can’t-miss panels at pop culture’s largest convention.
Hot Tip: Arrive early to score exclusive merch and claim a good spot before high-demand panel sessions fill up.
Every August, the scenic Black Hills welcome hundreds of thousands of riders for thrilling routes, live music, high-energy entertainment, and serious motorcycle culture.
Hot Tip: You do not need a bike to enjoy the region. Drives to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park are unforgettable.
San Francisco's beloved music fest fills Golden Gate Park with 200,000+ fans over three days, featuring top headliners, wine tastings, and foggy park charm.
Hot Tip: Skip the mainstage food lines and explore the Wine Lands or Beer Lands sections—shorter waits and local Bay Area flavors.
The prestigious mountain film fest draws cinephiles to a historic Colorado mining town, featuring surprise premieres, director Q&As, and box office buzz ahead of awards season.
Hot Tip: Use the free gondola between town and Mountain Village—it connects several venues and beats hiking between screenings.
Bavarian towns like Leavenworth, Washington; Helen, Georgia; and Fredericksburg, Texas throw epic Oktoberfest celebrations with flowing German ales, sizzling bratwurst, energetic polka, and festive dancing. Other famed Oktoberfests include New Braunfels, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Hot Tip: Arrive early to snag a spot at the communal tables and join in traditional singing and dancing—prost!
The world’s largest balloon festival fills Albuquerque’s skies with 500 brilliantly colored hot air balloons, easily reached with transportation from nearby Santa Fe.
Hot Tip: Visit during Mass Ascension for the most breathtaking views—and your best chance at iconic photos.
Austin turns up the volume over two weekends with 100-plus electrifying rock, indie, hip-hop, and country sets, excellent food trucks, and legendary local energy.
Hot Tip: Get in early to see rising artists—some of the weekend’s most memorable sets happen before the headliners.
Across the islands, Asia-Pacific films take the spotlight through special premieres, engaging filmmaker conversations, and vibrant cultural programming in a tropical setting.
Hot Tip: Save time for a beachside outdoor screening—watching a film under the stars is an unforgettable island experience.
This energetic three-day gathering celebrates Austin’s food scene with local chefs, organic fine dining, slow-roasted barbecue, savory tacos, and wine-country pours.
Hot Tip: Show up early for high-demand tastings and do not skip the chef demos, packed with expert tips and samples.
The world's leading modern art fair features galleries from 30+ countries, immersive installations, and star-studded satellite events across the city.
Hot Tip: Explore Wynwood Walls and the Design District for free public art—some of the best pieces during Basel week don't require a ticket.
Thousands of sparkling lights transform this Bavarian-style village into a festive winter escape, complete with holiday markets, cheerful shops, and seasonal treats.
Hot Tip: Warm up with mulled wine and a fresh-baked pretzel from a local bakery while exploring performances and festive storefronts.
The U.S. city with the most festivals is New Orleans, with more than 130 annual events.
The U.S. state with the best festivals, according to popularity and size of events, is California, which hosts world-famous happenings like Coachella, Burning Man, and San Diego Comic-Con.
The most famous festivals in the U.S. are Coachella, SXSW, Burning Man, Mardi Gras, Ultra Music Festival and Lollapalooza.
Festival season typically runs from late spring through early fall, though festivals and events can happen all throughout the year.
The largest street festivals in the U.S. include:
