Rebooting Raven

Einstein said, “the only source of knowledge is experience.” Traveling to experience a place and it’s people is an incredibly enriching experience.  Festivals are a great way to experience a new place.  The location, the atmosphere, the people, the food, the local vendors.. all in one place!  Here are the most unique and/or unusual festivals in the U.S. Enjoy! I did.

Krewe du Vieux ~ New Orleans, LA ~ February

Krewe du Vieux is a traditional New Orleans parade that takes place in the French Quarter on the 3rd Sat in February, before Fat Tuesday.  Brass bands, satirical and political themed floats pulled by mules fill the streets in the “old style” remnant of the Mardi Gras parades of yore.

Electric Daisy Carnival ~ Las Vegas, NV ~ May

The Electric Daisy Carnival is about art, visual and auditory, while nurturing connections.  The goal is to provide you with a 3 day EXPERIENCE.  Engaging multiple senses and pushing the creative envelop to awe and inspire.  Prepare to have your mind blown, think psychedelic amusement park.

Frozen Dead Guy Days ~ Nederland, CO ~ March

Ok, this one might be the best excuse for a party I’ve ever seen.  The tale, includes “cryonics, deportation, psychics, celebrations, a dedicated Ice Man and a cryonics rescue mission.” The whole story is on the website and is an interesting way to spend 2 minutes.  Today’s celebrations include coffin races (yes, coffin races), costumes, a discounted bar crawl, and music.  Frozen Dead Guy Days, what a name and a way to spend a March weekend in Colorado!

Corn Palace Festival ~ Mitchell, SD ~ April

The Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell, South Dakota has everything a a state fair would have.  Produce competitions, carnival rides, and concerts.  The real unique jewel on display is the Corn Palace itself.  Each year the palace is artistically covered in corn based on the year’s theme. Join the town in paying homage to the building that has played a major role in town events for over a decade, including today’s state basketball tournaments, proms, and both high school and college graduations.

301 Endless Yard Sale ~ Hwy 301, NC ~ June

Wish yard sales were bigger, and everywhere?  If so, I recommend the 301 Endless Yard Sale that takes place every June in North Carolina along Highway, you guessed it, 301. Each year on the 3rd Friday and Saturday of June vendors, nonprofits, restaurants and more in Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Nash, and Wilson, NC participate in the giant community yard sale at separate locations along the highway stretching over 100 miles.  A brain child of the 5 Destination Marketing Organizations who handle the tourism industry along the highway to promote economic growth in the area, has grown leaps and bounds, attracting attention from around the country and Canada.  

San Fermin Festival  ~ New Orleans, LA ~ July

San Fermin Festival in New Orleans each July is the U.S. version of Running of the Bulls in Spain.  I’m bias, but the U.S. one is tops!  No bulls, imagine being chased down the street by red and black garbed roller derbies in horned helmets, swinging waffle ball bats, terrifyingly hilarious!

Rougarou Fest ~ Houma, LA ~ October

Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana gives me Big Bad Wolf vibes.  They have everything from carnival rides, parades, pumpkin lighting, a folk life village, craft vendors and more to benefit the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival ~ Shakopee, MN ~ August ~ September

Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the renaissance fest that will ruin you for all other fests.  Luckily you have time to see it since the schedule runs August to September, although weekends only.  Think more renaissance themed amusement park than temporary festival.   Each weekend has its own theme: Once Upon A Time, Oktoberfest, and the like.

Mayberry Days ~ Mount Airy, NC ~ September

Ready to step back in time?  Join me in Mayberry aka Mount Airy, North Carolina.  Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will probably recognize quite a few local hangouts from the show.  The town throws a celebration every September in honor of their favorite son, Mayberry Days.  Music, special guests, and tons of photo ops make for a memorable weekend, trust me.  *Disclaimer, my grandma was born in Mount Airy, so there may be a little bias there.  🙂

The Land of Oz ~ Beech Mountain, NC ~ September

Last but NOT the least by any means is The Land of Oz on Beech Mountain, North Carolina.  Each September for a few weekends each year the mountain is transformed into the Land of Oz for the special few that manage to get tickets.  It’s absolutely worth the trip, if you don’t believe me here’s my article I wrote previously after visiting.

National Storytelling Festival ~ Jonesbourgh, TN ~ October

Where else would you put a National Storytelling Festival than in the “Storytelling Capital of the World,”?  And where else can you enjoy a festival and also earn a college credit?!  5 circus tents (yes, circus tents) are set up in downtown Jonesbourgh, each with it’s own rotating storytellers.  Experience the rich history of storytelling in the Appalachian Mountains first hand.

North Carolina Whirligig Festival ~ Wilson, NC ~ November

Ever wished your town had a fair or festival of some kind?  Welp, so did the people of Wilson,  so they came up with one, North Carolina Whirligig Festival.  Downtown is turned into a family friendly playground with games, food trucks, and vendors to create this burst of fun each November. All this created with the goal of bringing community together and celebrating the town, seems like a great way to celebrate to me!

No mater the time of year there’s always fun to be had. I hope you’re now planning a few weekend getaways in the near future.  Get out there and see the world!  Safe travels my friends!