Every State's Best July Events

Fireworks explode over Birmingham's famous Vulcan statue (Photo via Rachel Callahan / Vulcan Park & Museum) (Photo Credit: Rachel Callahan)

by Scott Hartbeck
Last updated: 8:45 PM ET, Fri June 30, 2023

Alabama

1/50

Thunder Mountain—the biggest Fourth of July celebration in the state—will return to Vulcan Park in Birmingham on the night of July 4. Expect a spectacular fireworks show set to the tunes of Neil Diamond, Katy Perry and James Brown and a few surprises, too. Elsewhere in the Yellowhammer State, Rock the South music festival returns to Cullman on July 20-22 (Chris Stapleton, Riley Green and Zach Bryan among others) while up in The Shoals, The W.C. Handy Jazz Festival will return on July 21-30, showcasing music at an eclectic group of venues around northwest Alabama.

Alaska

2/50

Seward is the spot to celebrate Independence Day as the city's Fourth of July Festival (July 2-4) will feature parades (both boat & traditional), games (think everything from arm wrestling & cornhole to an egg toss), food stalls and even a midnight fireworks display. Artists, entertainers and purveyors of delicious food from all over the great state of Alaska will gather in Girdwood on July 7-9 for the annual Forest Fair and the quirky Copper River Salmon Jam returns to Cordova on July 14-15. Last but not least, Golden Days in Fairbanks will run July 8-15 this year and feature the biggest parade in the state, a street fair and the beloved rubber duck race.

Arizona

3/50

Start your month off up north enjoying some cool breezes, tasty beer & bites alongside fine art at Flagstaff's Art in the Park event (July 1-3). You have until July 4 to catch Frontier Days and the World's Oldest Rodeo in Prescott and over in Phoenix, Flashlight Nights at the Desert Botanical Garden is in full swing all month long (Saturdays through September except July 1), offering guests the chance to enjoy the garden in the cooler evening temperatures. Finish your month admiring hummingbirds and red rocks at the Sedona Hummingbird Festival on July 28-30.

Arkansas

4/50

You won't find a more fun way to kick off July than by heading to Heber Springs for the annual World Championship Cardboard Boat Races. This year's race has a space theme and will no doubt feature some epic sinkings and boats that float for much longer than expected. In Little Rock, Pops on the River will once again celebrate Independence Day with music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a great fireworks show. Later in the month, Black Pride returns to Little Rock (July 21-24).

California

5/50

Willow Creek will once again salute Sasquatch (oh, and its rich logging heritage) during Bigfoot Daze (July 8) while some other great events at the start of the month are the San Jose Obon Festival (July 8-9) and Jazz in the Pines (July 3-15) in the mountain town of Idyllwild. Elsewhere, the California Wine Festival will be pouring in Santa Barbara on July 14-15, California State Fair will let loose in Sacramento (July 14-30) and San Diego will play host to Pride on July 8-16 and the world-famous Comic-Con International on July 20-23.

Colorado

6/50

The seventh month of the year around these parts is all about the Greeley Stampede, a fiesta dedicated to rodeos, concerts (Flo Rida and Sam Hunt are among this year’s performers) and scores of other special events like a barn dance and demolition derby (runs through July 4). Head for the hills around Crested Butte to be surrounded by floral splendor at the annual Wildflower Festival (July 7-16), make your way down to Durango for the Fiesta Days festival on July 26-30 and last but not least, pay a visit to Vail for the remarkable Vail Dance Festival, which will kick off on July 28 and run well into August.

Connecticut

7/50

The fun will save the day once again this year at Robin Hood's Medieval Faire (runs through July 2) in Harwinton, an event that offers up jousting knights, a range of performances and great food (yep, there'll be plenty of turkey legs). The next weekend, Enfield hosts its annual Fourth of July celebration (July 7-9) and Sailfest (July 8-9) takes place in New London, featuring ships in the harbor, vendors, amusement rides and fireworks. Elsewhere, Old Lyme will be the spot for Midsummer Festival on July 28-29 (expect an array of art, music & food) and the 28th Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival will take place on July 28-30.

Delaware

8/50

Kick off your month with some crustaceans at the 18th Annual Crab Races in Millsboro (July 1), a family-friendly event featuring the chance to place your bets on which crab will cross the finish line first. Independence Day will be celebrated with gusto on the coast, with Lewes (July 4), Rehoboth Beach (July 2) and Dewey Beach (July 4) all hosting fireworks displays and assorted patriotic revelry. Later in the month, the Delaware State Fair (July 20-29) makes its return to Harrington with its signature array of carnival rides, agricultural displays and fair food delights in addition to concerts from the likes of Nelly, Lainey Wilson and Riley Green.

Florida

9/50

Start your month off by bringing the whole family to the Mermaid Festival in Key West (July 1-4) for an entertaining event that will also benefit reef preservation efforts. Pensacola is always a good idea, but the coastal town on the Panhandle might just be at its best in July. There will be three local fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, which will be quickly followed by the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show (July 5-8) featuring the locally-based Blue Angels. Head back to Key West to pay your respects to “Papa'' and spot a few of his look-alikes at Hemingway Days on July 18-23, bounce to Lil Durk, Ski Mask the Slump God, Ice Spice and many more at Rolling Loud in Miami (July 21-23) and dance the night away at the Miami Salsa Congress on July 19-24.

Georgia

10/50

Head to the idyllic mountain town of Dahlonega on July 4 for a patriotic bash featuring food trucks, a car show, live music and fireworks. Near Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park will host its Fantastic Fourth celebration on July 1-5, featuring family fun, tantalizing food, a laser show and fireworks. Also in Atlanta, the African Dance & Drum Festival takes place on July 21-23 and the Mountain Music & Moonshine Festival returns to Blairsville on July 28-30.

Hawai'i

11/50

The beloved Maui Film Festival will once again be featuring great movies under the stars this summer, with the festival running through July 2 in Kahului. They’ve been throwing a Fourth of July party on the sands of Kailua Beach on O’ahu for well over six decades, and this year will feature another edition of the party, complete with fireworks over the sea. Also on O'ahu, July Waikiki Steel Guitar Week will take place on July 10-15 and the Prince Lot Hula Festival—the state’s largest non-competitive hula celebration—will take place on July 15 in Honolulu.

Idaho

12/50

Over 18,000 colorful shells will streak across the sky at the largest Fourth of July fireworks display west of the Mississippi in Idaho Falls on the evening of July 4. The show will be the main event of the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and once again, the fireworks will be expertly choreographed to a dramatic combination of music and lights. Elsewhere in the Gem State, the 108th Annual Snake River Stampede rodeo will be roping from July 18-22 while Festival at Sandpoint kicks off on July 27 with an opening night concert from Brit Floyd (other acts in July include Train, Gary Clark Jr. and String Cheese Incident).

Illinois

13/50

The Windy City will once again be bubbling over with music festivals this summer, with the Grant Park Music Festival and Millennium Park Summer Music Series taking place on selected dates all month long and events like the African Caribbean International Festival of Love (July 1-4), Windy City Smokeout (July 13-16) and Pitchfork Festival (July 21-23) happening, too. This is to say nothing of the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park which will host Santana, Ne-Yo and the Rebirth Brass Brand among many others in July. In Effingham, the EffingHAM-JAM (a mix of music & smoked meats) happens on July 21 and Fiesta Days will take place July 13-23 in McHenry.

Indiana

14/50

Make your way to West Lafayette on July 8 to celebrate the longest free-flowing river in the Eastern United States at Wabash Riverfest, where you’ll be able to enjoy float trips, food trucks, rock climbing, canoe races and more. Head to Indianapolis for the Black Expo's Summer Celebration (July 6-16), which will shine a spotlight on Black Culture in the Hoosier State through art, music, dance, food, film and more. Find your way to Fort Wayne for the 54th Annual Three Rivers Festival (July 7-15), where an enormous list of all-American diversions await.

Iowa

15/50

There will be amusement rides, live music in the bandshell, vendors, food stalls and fireworks over the lake at the town of Clear Lake’s Fourth of July celebration (June 29-July 5), one of the best summer bashes in the state. Iowa City will play host to the Iowa City Jazz Festival (runs through July 2), Lake Red Rock’s Balloon Festival will soar near Pella on July 7-9 and the Central Iowa Fair (think livestock displays, car shows, rodeo and concerts) will take place in Marshalltown on July 12-15.

Kansas

16/50

Overland Park—located just outside Kansas City—will host its Star-Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park again this year on July 4, an event that will feature food trucks, concerts and an impressive fireworks show. Also on the Fourth of July, the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival will take place at Lake Shawnee in Topeka. Elsewhere, the 123rd Annual Kansas Wheat Festival will take place in Wellington on July 11-15 (think parades, Western culture, food trucks and much more) and in Dodge City, Dodge City Days kicks off on July 27, once again bringing rodeo, rockstars and a real good time to town.

Kentucky

17/50

Make for Madisonville for one of the finest Fourth of July festivals in the state. The event will run through July 4 and include live music (Vanilla Ice & C+C Music Factory will perform) and come to a crescendo with a brilliant fireworks display. Later in the month, the Master Musicians Festival will take the stage in Somerset on July 13-15 (Wynonna Judd, Nappy Roots & The Louisville Orchestra among others will perform), Camaro Fest—the ultimate festival for Kentucky car lovers—will pull into Bowling Green (July 20-23) and Louisville’s Schnitzelburg neighborhood will celebrate the unique German street game of dainty during the 53rd Annual Dainty World Championship and festival (July 29–July 31).

Louisiana

18/50

Kick-off July in New Orleans at one of the USA's most revered African American cultural festivals: Essence. The fest will once again feature stellar music (Missy Elliott, Jill Scott, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Cube, Salt-N-Pepa, and Lil Jon are just a few of the big names performing) alongside beauty, health and food offerings. Later in July, The Big Easy will welcome back Tales of the Cocktail (July 23-28), a must-attend for cocktail enthusiasts. Elsewhere, the Cajun Music and Food Festival will land in Lake Charles on July 15-16 while that same weekend will see the 2nd Annual Island Strong Beach Fest (July 13-15) take place in Grand Isle, once again raising funds towards the Hurricane Ida recovery effort.

Maine

19/50

Kick-off July in style at Boothbay's much-loved Windjammer Days festival, which will run through July 1 and feature an array of fun-filled events connected to coastal culture. Fort Fairfield will hold its 76th Annual Potato Blossom Festival on July 8-16, once again celebrating the seasonal bloom with a calendar full of family-friendly fun. The Yarmouth Clam Festival is back in 2023 (July 21-23), filling the summer days with arts & crafts, live music, family fun and more mouthwatering seafood than you can shake a lemon wedge at.

Maryland

20/50

Baltimore's Inner Harbor will once again be the spot to be over the Fourth of July with a series of concerts and special events leading up to a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and a stellar fireworks display. The city will also play host to the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival on July 4, which will feature a host of cultural offerings and live music from names like Mykal Rose and Monie Love. Elsewhere in the state, art lovers will want to head to Easton during Plein Air Easton (July 14-23), which is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious juried outdoor painting competition in the USA.

Massachusetts

21/50

Honor the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party at Harborfest, Beantown's iconic Independence Day festival that will pay respect to the city's maritime & Revolutionary history with a full roster of activities and concerts every day through July 4. The party comes to a climax on July 4 with the famous Boston Pops fireworks show at the Hatch Memorial Shell. Elsewhere in Mass', the Levitate Music & Arts Festival will take place in Marshfield on July 7-9 featuring sets from Goose, Stick Figure, Brandi Carlile, Rebelution and Trey Anastasio Band. Last but not least, the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival returns July 7-16 offering tours of stunning private gardens, horticulture lessons and plenty of other petal-related fun.

Michigan

22/50

July in Michigan means the return of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Running July 1-8, the fest will feature several parades, carnival rides, concerts (Flo Rida, 3 Doors Down and Chicago among others) and numerous family-friendly activities. And yes, there will be plenty of cherry-stuffed treats to enjoy. Elsewhere, Field of Flight—the nation's largest combined balloon and air show festival—will run through July 4, Rockin' the River will return to Bay City on selected dates this month (July 7-8 & 21-22) while Harbor Creek is the place to be for the Maritime Festival (July 5-9).

Minnesota

23/50

The Upper Midwest's largest fireworks display will once again light up the night sky over Duluth during Fourth Fest on July 4, an event that will also feature great live tunes. Elsewhere, the Twin Cities Summer Fest takes over Target Field in Minneapolis on July 14-15 featuring sets from The Killers, Imagine Dragons, The Flaming Lips, AJR and many more. Also in Minneapolis, Aquatennial (July 19-22) will feature water ski shows, parades and fireworks. Finish off July in style at the Loring Park Art Festival (July 29-30) which will feature live music, tasty food and over 100 visual artists selling their wares.

MIssissippi

24/50

The Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest in Canton (runs through July 2) is a great way to start the month as it will feature night glows, live music, balloon races and a brilliant fireworks display. Afterward, head down to Gulfport for the Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (July 1-4), an annual party that's been going strong since 1947. For the foodies, Corinth will throw its annual soiree dedicated to the unique local take on the burger at the Slugburger Festival on July 7-8 (don't worry, it's not what it sounds like).

Missouri

25/50

Celebrate Independence Day in the capital of the Show-Me State at Jefferson City's Salute to America festival, which will feature live music, carnival rides, a car show and an impressive fireworks display. St. Louis will see a slimmed-down Fair St. Louis return on July 4 for a night of fireworks under the Gateway Arch. Chillicothe will once again host its one-of-a-kind Sliced Bread Day party (a party dedicated to the town's vital role in the creation of the greatest thing since, well, you know). Last but not least, the Fringe Festival returns to Kansas City on July 14-30, an event that is considered the city's largest arts & culture event.

Montana

26/50

The Montana Folk Festival—one of the biggest concert events of the year in the state—returns to Butte on July 14-16, featuring performances across a spectrum of styles from the Blue Ridge Girls, Red Baraat, Catherine Russell and many more. Also in July, The Big Sky PBR returns to the town of Big Sky with a community rodeo, pro rodeo, bingo, live music and a ton more Western fun (July 14-22) while Music on Main will once again take place in Bozeman on Thursday nights all month long, showing off the city's cool downtown vibes.

Nebraska

27/50

Seward, which is affectionately known as the state's "Official Fourth of July City" will once again hold its acclaimed annual Independence Day party. The gathering will include concerts, craft shows, a parade and an excellent fireworks display. The other big events this month in the Cornhusker State are Nebraska's Big Rodeo—going strong since 1921— on July 26-29 and the Maha Festival in Omaha on July 28-29, which will feature a diverse range of musical acts like Peach Pit, Big Thief, Turnstile and more.

Nevada

28/50

Explore fascinating Basque culture at the National Basque Festival in Elko on July 1-2, where visitors will be able to experience Basque food, wine, traditional sports, music & dance. Elsewhere, July marks the start of the 51st season of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, which this year will add Little Shop of Horrors to a roster of performances under the stars that also includes Young Shakespeare: As You Like It and multiple concerts. Down in Vegas, this month will see shows from the likes of Usher, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Garth Brooks and more all in addition to the city's famed summer pool parties.

New Hampshire

29/50

You'll be able to experience the sounds of everything from soloists to orchestras during the New Hampshire Music Festival, which will feature performances on selected dates throughout the month at various venues around the state. Head to The Biergarten in Merrimack on July 21-23 for the return of the Great American Ribfest & Food Truck Festival, where you'll be able to celebrate beer, barbecue and bands and then make for the Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton on July 29 for the 2nd Annual New England Hot Sauce Festival.

New Jersey

30/50

First and foremost, you have until July 9 to experience the thrills of State Fair Meadowlands, a cherished annual event in the state. Other highlights of July in the Garden State include Oceanfest—the largest seasonal event on the Shore—on July 4, the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival on July 7 and the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning on July 28-30. In addition to balloon launches & rides, the latter will feature great food, family events and live music from the likes of Fitz & The Tantrums, Everclear and KC & The Sunshine Band.

New Mexico

31/50

In Roswell, The UFO Festival (runs through July 2) will be commemorating the 76th anniversary of the world's most well-known (alleged) alien aircraft crash with out-of-this-world events and concerts from the likes of Runaway June and Siggno. In Santa Fe, the famed Santa Fe Opera will hold marvelous outdoor shows all month long, with Tosca, The Flying Dutchman and Orfeo being three of the shows being performed and the International Folk Art Market will return to the city on July 6-9.

New York

32/50

The skies over the Big Apple will once again come alive during Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, a spectacular patriotic display accompanied by a grand orchestral backdrop. If you can't make it to Gotham, make for Goshem and Red, White & BOOM! at Legoland, where every night through July 4 fireworks will turn into LEGO bricks and other sensational sights. Elsewhere, you'll love the small-town charm on display at Peppermint Days in Lyons on July 14-15 and the 148th Annual Broome County Fair will bring barrels of fun to the Southern Tier (July 25-30).

North Carolina

33/50

The town of Southport will once again host the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival (runs through July 4), an event featuring live entertainment, car & truck shows, arts & crafts and an impressive display of fireworks. Elsewhere in the Tar Heel State, the 45th Annual Wright Kite Festival will take to the skies over Kitty Hawk on July 14-15 and the Hillbilly Jam will fill Maggie Valley Fairgrounds with a wide range of fine music on July 21-22.

North Dakota

34/50

Get yourself to Grand Forks to celebrate Independence Day right at the Sertoma Fabulous Fourth & Fireworks, which will also feature a parade, live music and fun games. Country music fans will want to head to New Salem on July 5-8 for the ND Country Music Fest, which will feature sets from names like Kip Moore, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Clare Dunn and more. Last but certainly not least, the North Dakota State Fair makes its return on July 21-29, featuring demolition derby, rodeo, tasty fair food, agricultural events and concerts from the likes of Brad Paisley, Ludacris, T-Pain, and Jelly Roll.

Ohio

35/50

Downtown Columbus will come alive during Red, White, and Boom! on July 3, an event that features a full day full of family-friendly events and spectacular fireworks. Up north in Sandusky, Cedar Point will host Light Up The Point on July 4, an event that features one of the largest displays of fireworks on the Great Lakes and Columbus will once again be the place to be for the Ohio State Fair, which will take place July 26-August 6. The fair will feature the usual array of decadent deep-fried food, agricultural contests & displays, carnival rides and A-list entertainment (Yung Gravy, Ludacris, Tyler Hubbard and Clint Black are among the acts playing).

Oklahoma

36/50

Liberty Fest in Edmonds has been throwing an Independence Day party for over 50 years now and the good times will roll through July 4, the day of the patriotic parade and fireworks. In Okemah, the Woody Guthrie Festival (July 12-16) will pay homage to local legend & American music icon Woody Guthrie and in OKC, The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Prix de West Art Exhibition & Sale will be displaying its exquisite collection of works from contemporary Western artist throughout the entire month of July.

Oregon

37/50

Once again, the Portland Craft Beer Festival (runs through July 2) will be showcasing suds brewed exclusively within the city limits and a range of both cider and Oregon wine. Another great option for early July entertainment in Rose City is the Waterfront Blues Festival, which will take over Tom McCall Waterfront Park and feature sets from artists such as Buddy Guy, Los Lonely Boys, Shemekia Copeland and more. Later on in the month, Chief Joseph Days (July 25-30) will bring Western fun to Joseph with events like the Bucking Horse Stampede down Main Street, rodeos and parades.

Pennsylvania

38/50

There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than the city where independence was declared, and once again the Wawa Welcome America Festival (runs through July 4) will fill the days with art, fitness and family-oriented events. This year's grand finale will be performances from Vanessa Williams, Ludacris and Demi Lovato in addition to a spectacular display of fireworks. Science fiction fans will want to beam themselves to Phoenixville for Blobfest (July 14-16), an event that features a street festival and several classic sci-fi movie showings. Later in the month, the York State Fair (July 21-30) makes its return and will feature the usual array of concerts, deep-fried delights, Midway rides, livestock exhibits and more.

Rhode Island

39/50

Step back in time at Bristol's old-fashioned Fourth of July Parade—America's oldest continuous Independence Day celebration—where you'll be treated to a remarkable patriotic procession and other fun. Later in the month, Narragansett will hold the 51st Annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival—an event full of fun and coastal character—on July 27-29 and the Newport Folk Festival will entertain the crowds on July 28-30.

South Carolina

40/50

The 35th Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray will take place on July 1, featuring a patriotic parade on the water and a top-notch fireworks show at night. Beaufort will once again hold its much-adored Water Festival (July 14-23), with fun events on both dry land and in the water in addition to tasty food & drink and a series of stellar concerts by tribute bands. Last but not least, the South Carolina Peach Festival (July 12-22) will return with its array of live music (Lainey Wilson and Randy Houser among others), dirt track races and peach-tastic treats.

South Dakota

41/50

Experience one of America's oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos at the Black Hills Roundup, which annually features cattle drives, rodeos, parades and brilliant displays of fireworks (runs through July 4). In Rapid City, the Hills Alive festival (July 15-16) will bring the sounds of For King + Country, Zach Williams, Blessing Offor and many more to town.

Tennessee

42/50

Start your month off at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville for the Watermelon Festival (activities include pony rides, nature trail walks, splash pads, and plenty of tasty watermelon). There's no better place in the Volunteer State to celebrate the Fourth of July than Music City as Nashville will once again host the Let Freedom Sing! event. This year's edition will feature live music from Brad Paisley, Ben Rector, Tiera Kennedy and others in addition to one of the biggest fireworks shows in the nation. In Knoxville, the Kuumba Festival will showcase African culture and music in the largest festival of its kind in East Tennessee.

Texas

43/50

There's no party like a Willie Nelson party and his annual Fourth of July Picnic returns to Austin to celebrate its 50th anniversary on July 4 with performances from Willie Nelson & Family, Shakey Graves, Tyler Childers, Asleep at the Wheel and Particle Kid. In Laredo, the Sister Cities Festival (July 14-16) will be home to a range of artisans from Mexico selling a variety of wares from their hometowns. Elsewhere, the Viva Big Bend Festival (July 26-30) will bring great live music to towns all over the Big Bend region and the 26th Annual Mimir Chamber Music Festival will take place in Fort Worth on July 3-14.

Utah

44/50

Provo will celebrate the Fourth of July with flair during the Freedom Festival (runs through July 4), which will feature a fine art show, grand parade, run and balloon fest in addition to a concert performance by Journey. Head for the hills of Wallsburg for TedFest (July 14-16), a three-day gathering dedicated to roots music. Toast Utah's statehood at Ogden Pioneer Days (July 7-24), an all-American event complete with art strolls, rodeos, fireworks, concerts and the Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Vermont

45/50

Cute small town Stowe will once again celebrate Independence Day the traditional way during its Old-Fashioned Fourth of July party which will boast tasty bites, lively entertainment and the wacky "World's Shortest Marathon" event. In Waterbury, July 14-15 are the dates for this year's Waterbury Arts Festival where you'll be able to admire the work of over 100 artists and soak up the live entertainment. If you love beer, make a beeline for Burlington and the 30th Annual Vermont Brewers Festival (July 21-22), which will feature great brews from across the state.

Virginia

46/50

You have until July 2 to enjoy the sweet aromas of the 15th Annual Lavender Festival at Beliveau Farm Winery in Blacksburg while Colonial Williamsburg will be the place to be on the Fourth of July as there will be public readings of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic festivities, concerts, and a excellent fireworks display at night. Elsewhere in the Old Dominion, the legendary Shenandoah Valley Music Festival will kick off its 2023 season with concerts from Three Dog Night (July 21), Don McClean (July 22) and The Doo-Wop Project (July 28).

Washington

47/50

Start your month off in Seattle at Seafair Summer Fourth on July 4 which will feature a dazzling fireworks display over the natural amphitheater of Lake Union, a setting that helps create an especially thrilling show. In Olympia, Lake Fair Week kicks off on July 12, an event that will bring craft vendors, great food, a parade, a car show and a carnival to town in addition to live entertainment. Back in Seattle, the Japan Fair (July 8-9) will bring the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun to the Emerald City while the Bluegrass from the Forest Festival returns to the Olympic Peninsula region on July 7-9.

West Virginia

48/50

The Mountain State's oldest Independence Day celebration takes place in the small town of Ripley (runs through July 4), and this year's festivities will include scores of fun events, live music, carnival rides and local food vendors. In Wheeling, Ohio Valley Pride Festival will take place on July 8 and in Ronceverte, the Skyline Bluegrass Music Festival on the River happens on July 14-15. Last but not least, Huntington will host the annual Hot Dog Festival on July 29 (think dog costume contests, wiener dog races and plenty of tasty grilled meats).

Wisconsin

49/50

The Badger State knows how to do summer music festivals right and this year will see many stellar fests take center stage. The biggest and best of the bunch is Summerfest, which takes place on two weekends (June 29-July 1 & July 6-8) and features shows from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, AJR, City Girls at the amphitheatre and dozens more A-list concerts on the festival stages. Elsewhere, Rock Fest (the country’s largest rock & camping event) takes place on July 13-15 and features Pantera, Papa Roach, Godsmack and Ice Cube among dozens of others. Country fans aren’t left out of the fun as Country Thunder returns to Genoa City on July 20-23 with Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and scores more.

Wyoming

50/50

Summer in the Cowboy State is synonymous with one event and one event alone: Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 21-30). The legendary "Daddy of 'em all" will take place from July 21 to 30 and feature the usual array of A-list music (Tim McGraw, Jon Pardi and Eric Church among others), world-class rodeo, carnival rides, scores of cultural events and even a Chuckwagon Cook-off. In Lander, rock climbers from all over the globe will arrive in town on July 13-16 for the International Climbers' Festival and in Riverton, the Rendezvous Balloon Rally will soar over the Wyoming skies on the weekend of July 14-16.

It doesn't get any more peak summer than July, and like every year, America's collective social calendar looks set to come alive once again this year as thousands of great July events and festivals are scheduled for July 2023. As you would expect, the following list of the best July events is stacked with Fourth of July fiestas, often featuring brilliant fireworks and more festive food & drink than you can imagine. But there are also plenty of state fairs, foodie gatherings, cultural events, outdoor theater and many more events going on this July, so it's safe to say that no matter your interests, one of the following July events will provide you with a great summer day. Click on the list to make some plans for peak summer and don't forget to pack your red, white and blue.

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