Embracing European Festivities: Celebrate in Style Across America

From Oktoberfest to Carnival, Europe is renowned for its vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to partake in the fun! Join us as we explore European-inspired events happening across the United States.

1. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Cincinnati, OH (September 16-18): Experience the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States right in the heart of Cincinnati. Join over half a million revelers as you enjoy bratwurst, pretzels, and plenty of German beer, all set against the backdrop of live music and colorful parades.
2. Carnaval San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (May 28-30): Dive into the vibrant culture of Latin America and the Caribbean with Carnaval San Francisco. While not strictly European, many of the festival’s traditions have roots in European Carnival celebrations. Enjoy extravagant parades, dazzling costumes, and live music reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
3. New Orleans Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA (February 25, 2025): While not strictly European, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration draws inspiration from European Carnival traditions. Don your brightest costume and join the festivities as you catch beads, enjoy live jazz music, and indulge in delicious Creole cuisine.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Boston, MA (March 17): Join the Irish community of Boston for a lively St. Patrick’s Day parade, complete with marching bands, bagpipers, and plenty of green attire. After the parade, head to one of the city’s many Irish pubs to raise a pint of Guinness in celebration.
5. Greek Festival, Tarpon Springs, FL (April 12-14): Experience the rich culture and traditions of Greece at the annual Greek Festival in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, traditional music and dance performances, and shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
6. Swedish Midsummer Festival, New York City, NY (June 20): Join the Swedish community in New York City’s Battery Park for a traditional Midsummer celebration. Dance around the maypole, enjoy Swedish folk music, and feast on herring, potatoes, and strawberries, all while soaking in the beauty of the summer solstice.
7. Italian Feast of San Gennaro, New York City, NY (September 15-25): Experience the flavors and traditions of Italy at the Feast of San Gennaro in New York City’s Little Italy. Sample Italian delicacies, enjoy live music and entertainment, and participate in religious processions honoring the patron saint of Naples.
8. Taste of Chicago, Chicago, IL (July 6-10): While not strictly European, Taste of Chicago features a diverse range of cuisines, including many European-inspired dishes. Sample delicacies from various European cultures while enjoying live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities in Chicago’s Grant Park.
9. Irish Fair of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN (August 12-14): Immerse yourself in Irish culture at the Irish Fair of Minnesota, one of the largest Irish festivals in the United States. Enjoy traditional Irish music and dance performances, indulge in Irish cuisine and beverages, and browse vendors selling Celtic merchandise and crafts.
10. Tulip Time Festival, Holland, MI (May 7-14): Experience a touch of Dutch culture at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. Admire millions of tulips in bloom, participate in Dutch dance performances and parades, and explore Dutch heritage attractions such as Windmill Island Gardens and the Dutch Village.
11. Scandinavian Festival, Junction City, OR (August 12-14): Celebrate the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden at the Scandinavian Festival in Junction City, Oregon. Enjoy traditional Scandinavian cuisine, music, dancing, and crafts, and learn about the rich heritage of the Nordic countries.
12. Bastille Day Fête, New Orleans, LA (July 14): Join the French community of New Orleans in celebrating Bastille Day, France’s national holiday, with a festive street party in the French Quarter. Enjoy French-inspired food and drinks, live music, and cultural activities honoring France’s revolutionary history.
13. Polish Fest, Milwaukee, WI (June 10-12): Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Poland at Polish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Enjoy Polish music and dance performances, sample traditional Polish cuisine such as pierogi and kielbasa, and explore Polish cultural exhibits and vendors.
14. Swiss Days, Midway, UT (September 2-5): Transport yourself to Switzerland at Swiss Days in Midway, Utah, a celebration of the town’s Swiss heritage. Enjoy Swiss music, dance, and folklore performances, indulge in Swiss cuisine and pastries, and participate in activities such as yodeling contests and alpine horn demonstrations.
15. Scottish Highland Games, Various Locations (Throughout the Year): Experience the thrill of Scottish culture and athleticism at Highland Games held in various locations across the United States. Watch as competitors participate in traditional Scottish sports such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, and the tug-of-war, all while enjoying bagpipe music and Scottish dance performances.
16. Portuguese Holy Ghost Festival, Various Locations (Throughout the Year): Join Portuguese communities across the United States in celebrating the Holy Ghost Festival, a tradition dating back to medieval times. Experience colorful processions, religious ceremonies, and feasts featuring Portuguese dishes such as sopas (soup) and sweet bread, while honoring the cultural heritage of Portugal.
17. German Christmas Markets, Various Locations (November-December): Get into the holiday spirit at German Christmas markets held in cities across the United States. Browse stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional German foods such as bratwurst, glühwein (mulled wine), and stollen (fruitcake). Experience the magic of a European-style Christmas market right in your own backyard.
18. Russian Festival, San Francisco, CA (October 8-9): Immerse yourself in Russian culture at the Russian Festival in San Francisco, California. Enjoy live music and dance performances, sample Russian cuisine including borscht, blini (pancakes), and caviar, and browse vendors selling Russian crafts and artwork.
19. Dutch WinterFest, Pella, IA (December 1-3): Step into a winter wonderland at Dutch WinterFest in Pella, Iowa, a celebration of the town’s Dutch heritage. Experience a traditional Dutch St. Nicholas Day celebration, complete with parades, wooden shoe dancing, and visits from Sinterklaas (Santa Claus). Enjoy Dutch treats such as oliebollen (doughnuts) and speculaas (spiced cookies) as you stroll through the festive streets.
20. Fête de la Musique (Make Music Day), Various Locations (June 21): Join in the worldwide celebration of music with Fête de la Musique, also known as Make Music Day. Originating in France, this event has spread to cities across the globe, including many in the United States. Enjoy free concerts and musical performances in public spaces, parks, and streets, showcasing a diverse range of musical genres and cultures.

We invite you to share your own favorite European-inspired events and traditions in the comments below. Let’s celebrate together and keep the spirit of European culture alive, wherever we may be. Cheers to a world of cultural exchange and joyful festivities!