Calaveras County—Jumping Frog Jubilee: In 1865, a young San Francisco newspaper reporter visited the Gold Rush town of Angels Camp and ended up writing his first short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County—a rollicking tale about a frog named Dan’l Webster that could jump further than any other frog. The story was published—and Mark Twain’s career was born. In 1928, hoping to raise money, Angels Camp instituted a frog jumping contest based on the famous Twain story—and the rest is history. Today, more than 2000 frogs and their human jockeys compete each year at the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee to be the world’s champion jumper. The event offers an excuse to explore the region’s many well-preserved towns Gold Rush towns. The Jubilee is held each May. Aside from the jumping frog contest, you'll enjoy rodeos, concerts, midway rides, crafts and art exhibits, great food, and a whole lot more.

St. Augustine—British Night Watch/Grand Illumination: Since 1966, the nation’s oldest city has celebrated its British heritage in early December with the lavish British Night Watch and Grande Illumination. This entertaining and educational event blends pageantry and authentic historical presentations (featuring costumed re-enactors) to given an idea of life in St. Augustine circa 1763-1784, when it was part of the British Empire. The event's itinerary changes a bit from year to year, but you can usually count on a Revolutionary Era-style afternoon tea, cannons firing, Fife & Drum music, bagpipes, Trooping of the Colors, 18th century dances, musket volleys, a rip-roaring candle-lit parade through the ancient town, and even some Holiday caroling. All events are open to the public—and admission is free.

 

Aloha Festivals: Begun in 1946 as a way to keep Hawaii's cultural and historical traditions alive, today the statewide Aloha Festivals encompass 100+ events on the six most populated Hawaiian islands.  The celebration, which lasts most of September and well into October, is attended by more than 1 million people from around the world. History, music, dance, cuisine, and art play a big role, and the unique customs of individual islands are highlighted. Each island chooses a Royal Court whose members are of Hawaiian descent; the official investitures—with colorful costumes, feathered headwear, attendants blowing on conch shells, standard bearers, and so on—are always wildly-popular events. Expect hula performances, storytelling contests, poke competitions, block parties, outrigger races, pageants, a giant parade (on O'ahu), Paniolo cowboy concerts...just a rollicking good time.  »»More about the Hawaiian Islands

 

Albuquerque—Gathering of Nations: Each year since 1983, Native American dancers, singers, drummers, and others have traveled to Albuquerque to attend the Gathering of Nations. The first event was modest, but these days GN is North American's largest Pow-Wow, with over 3000 people—representatives of more than 500 tribes—traveling from around the US and Canada for the three-day event. One of the highlights is the vast Indian Traders Market, with nearly a thousand artisans and traders exhibiting and selling wares. Equally anticipated is the yearly crowning of Miss Indian World. The drumming, singing, and dancing never stop, and native foods abound. The Pow-Wow is not only a sacred tradition, but serves to keep many traditions and skills alive. For example, the Women's Jingle Dance almost died out at one point, but is now performed at most competitions.

Philadelphia—Lights of Liberty: Using cutting-edge technology, this rousing sound & light spectacular lets you experience the American Revolution where and when it happened. You'll journey through Philadelphia's Independence National Historic Park while the story unfolds with images projected 50 feet high onto the exact buildings where the events portrayed took place centuries ago. It's all accompanied with dazzling special effects by Skywalker Sound and a patriotic musical score and performed by musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra. »» More about Philadelphia • Download a PDF brochure about the show

The Fourth of July: Being in the Nation's Capitol on the 4th of July is fun, exciting, and often dazzling. Non-stop festivities all day long end in a spectacular fireworks celebration. It all  kicks off at 11 a.m. with the National Cathedral’s free concert of patriotic music. At noon, hundreds of thousands turn out for the big Fourth of July Parade on Constitution Avenue. Activities take place all afternoon around the city, but particularly in the National Mall area. At the National Archives you can hear a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, with special appearances by Ben Franklin and Martha Washington. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival swings with music, performances, crafts, and cuisine. Military band concerts take place on the Washington Monument’s grounds. Finally, the night’s extravaganza begins at 8:00, with a concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The fabulous fireworks kick off at 9:00, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra.  »»More about Washington, D. C.