From music to food to film, readers say these are the best festivals in the nation
Millions of people attend at least one festival in the U.S. per year — and those numbers are on the rise. With so many events to choose from (and ticket prices in the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for some festivals), it can be difficult to decide where to spend your time and money.
That's why USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with a panel of festival experts to nominate the top events across seven categories. Then, we asked readers to vote for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best Art Festival: Artisphere in Greenville, South Carolina
Since its inception, Artisphere in Greenville, South Carolina, has earned regional as well as national esteem as one of the top art events in the nation. The three-day event hosts international-caliber artists in an outdoor showcase where patrons can meet artists face-to-face while shopping for one-of-a-kind pieces. Food, live performances, demos, and hands-on activities for the little ones complement the visual art on display.
Full list of winners: Best Art Festival »
Best City Food Festival: Queens Night Market in Queens, New York
New Yorkers know that the borough of Queens is culinary catnip, a smorgasbord of global goodies that makes a ride on the number 7 subway line an ambrosial proposal. The weekly, seasonal Queens Night Market is modeled after the popular open-air night markets of Asia, offering street food that showcases the ethnic and cultural diversity of the borough — all at wallet-friendly prices.
Full list of winners: Best City Food Festival »
Best Cultural Festival: Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii
The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in Hilo on the Big Island, is dedicated to the memory of King David Kalakaua, who was known as the Merrie Monarch, thanks to his fun-loving ways and personal panache. King David was a dedicated patron of the arts, and this festival applauds the arts of Hawaii, particularly hula, with a hula competition and hula shows taking center stage.
Full list of winners: Best Cultural Festival »
Best Film Festival: Salute Your Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, California
Salute Your Shorts was started by filmmakers for filmmakers and is now considered one of the top short film festivals in the country, noted for offering top-notch programming and a weekend of inspiring and thought-provoking cinema. Judges are directors, have won Oscars, have served at Sundance, and curated for Vimeo, meaning you're in good hands at this annual happening.
Full list of winners: Best Film Festival »
Best Flower Festival: Zoo Blooms at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio
One of just two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden becomes a floral feast for the senses during Zoo Blooms. It offers one of the largest tulip displays in the Midwest (more than 100,000), and visitors can stroll among more than 1 million yellow and white daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs, and various spring bulbs peeking from their winter slumber.
Full list of winners: Best Flower Festival »
Best Music Festival: Joshua Tree Music Festival in Joshua Tree, California
Founded in 2003, Joshua Tree Music Festival takes place near the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park in the Mojave Desert. This family-friendly global music experience not only offers live music spanning multiple genres, but also features mind-blowing art, workshops, and tons of activities for little ones amid the gorgeous scenery.
Full list of winners: Best Music Festival »
Best Specialty Food Festival: Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, Mississippi
Greenville, Mississippi, has an actual U.S. Patent and Trademark certificate for being the hot tamale capital of the world, with historians claiming that the Delta hot tamale dates back hundreds of years or more. At this festive ode to the tamale, you can take part in tamale eating contests, cooking contests, art and T-shirt design contests, and even a Miss Hot Tamale pageant.
The weekend starts with a welcome dinner and dance party, and the following day sees panel discussions, food trucks, and live entertainment on the main stage, making for one big party.
Full list of winners: Best Specialty Food Festival »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in our other Readers' Choice Awards contests.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: Best festivals of 2024, according to USA TODAY 10Best readers
