This article has been created in partnership with Allianz Travel Insurance.
Summer is fast approaching and that means that all your favorite summer festivals will be back for another season! Whether music is your jam, film your favorite or you’d rather taste your way through the festival grounds, here are 10 music, food and film festivals you won’t want to miss this summer:
1. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
Where: Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans
This year, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is entering its 32nd year of celebrating New Orleans’ chefs and wines from around the world. Attendees will enjoy a broad array of wines from all over the world and dishes that highlight the culinary diversity and richness of New Orleans. But the event isn’t just about wine and food; it’s also a celebration of the local culture, including music, art, and the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans. Best of all, NOWFE aims to support its community and over the past three decades, has raised upwards of $1.5 million for local non-profit organizations. Get your tickets here.
2. Governors Ball Music Festival
When: Friday, June 7, 2024 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Governors Ball Music Festival, often just called Gov Ball, is a music festival in New York City that features a diverse musical lineup from rock and hip-hop to electronic pop. This year, attendees can expect to see big music stars like Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, The Killers and Renee Rapp, along with many other emerging artists. Besides music, the festival offers various attractions such as art installations, food vendors featuring local NYC cuisine, and other interactive activities. There are also sponsored areas with games and branded experiences. The festival is from 11:45am – 10pm each festival day. Get your tickets here.
3. Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
When: Friday, June 14, 2024 – Sunday, June 16, 2024
Where: Wagner Park, Aspen
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Rocky Mountains, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is a prestigious and renowned culinary event that attracts food and wine enthusiasts, chefs, and industry professionals from around the world. The event aims to showcase culinary excellence, introduce new trends and innovations in food and wine, and provide an immersive experience for attendees. Key events include cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars from industry leaders, large-scale tastings and exclusive dinners, parties and receptions. But remember: Aspen is at a high altitude so don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and pace yourself with alcohol consumption as it may affect you differently if you’re not accustomed to the elevation. Get your tickets here.
4. Palm Springs International ShortFest
When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 – Monday, June 24, 2024
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Palm Springs International ShortFest is an annual film festival that showcases short films from around the world. Attendees can expect to view the work of both new and established filmmakers in a wide variety of genres from dramas and documentaries to comedy and animation films. Throughout the festival, in addition to film screenings, which are at the heart of the festival, there are also educational panels and workshops to learn more about filmmaking, networking opportunities and awards, both audience awards and jury prizes. Winning films have often gone on to become eligible for Academy Award consideration. Get your tickets here.
5. Summerfest 2024
When: June 20-22, June 27-29, and July 4-6
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Summerfest boasts a huge lineup of artists, with performances on multiple stages scattered across the festival grounds. The festival typically includes major headliners as well as emerging and local artists, covering genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop, country, and EDM. This year, the musical lineup includes big names in music like Sza, Maroon 5, Motley Crue, Keith Urban and Goo Goo Dolls. Aside from the musical acts, Summerfest also features a variety of activities, including shopping at vendor booths, amusement rides, and interactive exhibits. Get your tickets here.
6. Newport Folk Festival
When: Friday, July 26, 2024 – Sunday, July 28, 2024
Where: Fort Adams State Park, Newport
Established in 1959, The Newport Folk Festival spans a wide range of folk and contemporary music genres. It has played host to music greats like Bob Dylan (it’s the site of his famous electric performance in 1965), Joan Baez, Lenoard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Peter, Paul and Mary. Like most music festivals, the Newport Folk Festival features a diverse lineup of artists including established folk legends, indie musicians and emerging talents but unlike many other festivals, has been able to maintain its intimate and community-focused atmosphere. Held at Fort Adams State Park, it offers festival goers the benefit of a scenic location with stunning views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Get your tickets here.
7. Maine Lobster Festival
When: Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Sunday, August 4, 2024
Where: Harbor Park, Rockland
Pull up a chair and pull out your bib! The Maine Lobster Festival, now in its 77th year, is a lobster-lover’s paradise, an annual event that celebrates the region’s lobster fishing heritage. Unsurprisingly, the highlight of the festival is the sheer abundance of fresh Maine lobster and other seafood. But that’s not all. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of live music performances, comedy shows, parades and family-friendly activities like carnival rides, arts and crafts and children’s events. Admission to the Maine Lobster Festival is free but tickets for the annual Steins & Vines tasting event can be purchased in advance. Get your tickets here.
8. Lollapalooza
When: Thursday, August 1, 2024 – Sunday, August 4, 2024
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
Lollapalooza boasts an impressive lineup of artists spanning various genres, including rock, hip-hop, electronic, pop, and more. Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park this year, a large urban park in downtown Chicago. The festival grounds are divided into several stages and areas, with easy access to nearby amenities, restaurants, and attractions. Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in late July and early August. Be prepared for hot and humid conditions during the day and cooler temperatures at night. In addition to music, Lollapalooza offers various art installations, interactive experiences, and food and beverage options throughout the festival grounds. Get your tickets here.
9. The Telluride Film Festival
When: Thursday, August 29, 2024 – Monday, September 2, 2024
Where: Telluride, Colorado
The Telluride Film Festival is a prestigious annual event held in Telluride, Colorado. Telluride Film Festival is known for its intimate and relaxed atmosphere, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles from around the world. Unlike some larger film festivals, Telluride focuses on showcasing a curated selection of high-quality films rather than hosting glitzy premieres and red carpet events. Get your tickets here.
10. Taste of Chicago
When: Friday, September 6, 2024 – Sunday, September 8, 2024
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
Taste of Chicago is one of the largest food festivals in the world, held annually in Chicago. Taste of Chicago showcases the diverse culinary scene of Chicago, featuring dishes from a wide range of restaurants, food trucks, and vendors across the city. Attendees can sample small portions of signature dishes, allowing them to taste a variety of cuisines in one place. Taste of Chicago attracts large crowds, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Be prepared for long lines at popular food booths and plan your visit accordingly to avoid waiting times. In addition to food, Taste of Chicago features live music performances, cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, culinary competitions, and other entertainment options. Admission is free.
