By Maria King, founder/president of Eventcrazy.com and grandmother extraordinare
If you have been following these blogs for the past 3 years, you will already know that fall is my favorite time of year. I am a lover of all 4 seasons because I relish the changing of the seasons. Fall however, with the leaves changing colors and the cooler temperatures, really makes me smile. It is the start of a cozy time, with fireplaces going and leaves rustling when you walk outside. I thought that the very best thing I could present to you this week was an opportunity to get outside and enjoy fall. I have suggested the very same entertainment for my family this week as well. So while I am lying on the sofa watching football and drinking tea, they will be outside enjoying the beauty of the season. (Hey football is an event we cover so technically I will be working, lol)
The showcased events this week encompass a wide variety of themes. One thing in common however is that they are all outdoors. It’s the perfect selection of choices to kick off the falling leaves and cooler days. There is a balloon festival over the Adirondack Mountains and the trees might just be starting to turn. Also a Johnny Appleseed festival and we all know that apples are one of the fruits associated with fall. Of course we have a couple of Octoberfests and a harvest fest because what sampling of fall events would be complete without those? In addition we feature a car show of gigantic proportions, a music event, a covered bridge festival, a motorcycle BBQ fest and even a scallop festival. By far, the largest category of events is street festivals. I was even able to include one from Hawaii which is one of the more overlooked states throughout the year. I suppose that street festivals might be so popular now because it is more comfortable to be on the streets in the fall then in the summer when the asphalt is sizzling. That is just a guess on my part based of my many hours spent standing at events on hot asphalt. (It’s not really a guess since I have been forced to discard several pairs of tar laden shoes over the years from working those exact events).
It will be fall all over the U.S. this week. It is something that all of you get to enjoy no matter where you live. Granted the temperatures and leaves might not all be changing at the same time but it is the sign of what will be even if it isn’t just yet. So the usual disclaimer about using the search box above to find events in your area should be right on the button with delivering fall events. We have 1,000’s. I can assure you that one will be right in your backyard this week. Oh and by the way, I will be drinking hot chocolate while I am watching football in case you want to rat me out to my family. I don’t know why I said tea.
Just a Note: Please always be sure to double check the event is taking place before venturing great distances. With the recent devastating weather event in Colorado and the tragic fire at the Jersey shore, many events may be postponed, relocated or canceled all together. Always make sure to verify as things may change.
Stater Brothers Route 66 Rendezvous
Sep 19, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Downtown San Bernardino, CA92410
Since 1990. The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous is the Hottest Cruisin’ Classic Car show which takes place the third week in September in the 35 blocks of downtown San Bernardino, along the famous Route 66. Thousands gather to watch the 1,700 pre-1975 classics, customs, hot rods, and any year Corvettes cruise during this four day extravaganza. It is a blast to the past with celebrities and legendary guests, entertainment and live music, rides for the kids, pin-striping, great food and so much more. And check out the contests: Neon Light presented by The Sun, the San Manuel Poker Run, Open Header and Model Car. The sights, sounds, music and festive atmosphere will get you rockin’ and rollin! Pre- registration is available until August 1, 2012 for $70 per vehicle which entitles registrants to 4-day reserved parking with assigned space; dash plaque and commemorative license plate. On-site registration upon availability at $80 per vehicle. Go to our website for registration forms and hotel accommodations. There is also limited RV parking available. Call 909-891-1151 with additional questions.
100,000 Attendees
Johnny Appleseed Festival
Sep 21, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Johnny Appleseed Park Fort Wayne, IN46805
Since 1976, vendors, musicians and demonstrators wear period dress. On Living History Hill, visit a reenactment of a period military encampment. In PioneerVillage skilled craftsmen demonstrate a variety of crafts that played a critical role in sustaining pioneer communities. Other special attractions include antiques and collectibles, stage and strolling entertainment, juried arts and crafts show, farmers market, children’s area and food.
300,000 Attendees
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
Sep 20, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Downtown Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH45202
Since 1978, one of the nation’s largest authentic Oktoberfest. Starts with a colorful parade of German- American representatives dressed in traditional vestments. Oktoberfest features 50 food vendors, seven stages of live entertainment and a children’s area. Takes place on six blocks of Fifth Street, from Race Street to Broadway in Downtown Cincinnati.
500,000+ Attendees
Covered Bridge Festival
Sep 21, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life Avella, PA15312
Since 1971, A scenic tour of Washington and GreeneCounties with varioous activities taking place throughout. Showcasing several covered bridge sites throughout Washington and GreeneCounties and features distinct crafters, homestyle foods, demonstrations, activities and unique entertainment. Includes the Henry Bridge, Ebenezer Bridge, Bailey Bridge, Hughes Bridge, Sprowls Bridge, Wyit Sprowls Bridge, McClurg Bridge, Pine Bank Bridge, CarmichaelsBridge and the WhiteBridge.
110,000 Attendees
Fremont Oktoberfest
Sep 20, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Below the Aurora Bridge Seattle, WA98199
Since 1989, featuring over 30 Northwest microbreweries and brewpubs pouring award winning handcrafted beers in the beer garden. Also features over 100 craft and import vendors selling their wares, children’s activities and the mainstage keeps people dancing with bands ranging from German folk playing polka music to Latin funk, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
50,000 Attendees
Waikiki Ho’olaule’a
Sep 21, 2013
Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI96815
Since 1953, the largest single day block party on Oahu featuring food booths, lei and craft vendors, entertainment and performances by local and Japanese hula dance troups. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalakaua Avenue. Free admission. the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalakaua Avenue.
250,000+ Attendees
Lark Festival
Sep 21, 2013
Downtown Albany, NY12210
Since 1982.LarkFEST is Upstate New York’s largest one- day street festival celebrating the Heart of Albany. The event hosts hundreds of vendors, 2 stages of music with both local and national headlining music acts. LarkFEST was voted in the top 3 “Best Arts Event” in both 2009 and 2010. LarkFEST with fantastic music, more than a hundred unique vendors, great food, and more!
80,000 Attendees
Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival
Sep 18, 2013 – Sep 21, 2013
Downtown Fayetteville, AR72701
Since 2000. A festival for the motorcycle enthusiast featuring a poker run, bike show, contests, blues bands and BBQ. Don’t get the sauce on you! Bikes Blues and BBQ will be hosting a H.O.G. Pin Stop. Just go to Harley-DavidsonVillage (H-D Factory Demos and Product, Pig Trail H-D, and Cycle Connection) at the Baum Stadium Venue. And while you’re in that area, be sure to check out the H-D “Dare to Compare” program. You can trade your bike in (temporarily, of course) and ride a new H-D demo for the day, not just the normal 30 minute demo ride. Just roll in and park yours, and they’ll take care of it during the day. The Motor Company is pretty sure you’ll like what you ride for the day. Every day features another headlining act on Main Street or at the stadium.
100,000 Attendees
Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Festival
Sep 20, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Bristol Downtown Center Bristol, VA24203
Bristol’s premier musical festival celebrating Bristol’s musical heritage. 100’s of artists and musicians, 5K Road Race and Fitness Walk, acoustic tents, outdoor stages and indoor venues, Children’s Day games and events. Bristol has been designated as the “Birthplace of Country Music” by the US Congress.
50,000 Attendees
Adirondack Balloon Festival
Sep 19, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport Queensbury, NY12804
Since 1972. The four-day event is the oldest and largest balloon event on the East Coast set against the backdrop of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Balloon Festival with 100’s of balloons, including special shapes. Events also take place in CrandallPark and downtown GlenFalls.
75,000 Attendees
Bourne Scallop Festival
Sep 20, 2013 – Sep 22, 2013
Buzzards Bay Park Bourne, MA02532
Since 1969.Over 125 Booths of juried American made arts, crafts and specialty foods. Award winning scallops, seafood and chicken dinners plus midway rides and games and terrific headline entertainment complete this picture perfect New England event.
55,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter
or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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Editor’s Note: For more articles on ways to enjoy outdoor events click here.
