It is a full prong attack this week as far as event locations are concerned. There are events up in the air, along the water and in the center of town. All are big, fun and family experiences and can make a day together, even better.
First up, we have events held in downtown locations; Land. Some terrific examples of these are the Saint Petersburg Mainsail Arts Festival, Pickens Azalea Festival, Pikeville Hillbilly Days, Atlanta Dogwood Festival and the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival. All of these are wonderful festivals that transform their respective downtown areas. They feature artists, vendors, live entertainment and beautiful “Main Street” type settings. These are all excellent examples of community events.
Second type of event we are featuring this week is Sea. Well, not really Sea so much as waterfront. I suppose you could venture into the sea, but it really would only be an individual excursion since none of these actually take place “in” the sea. Panama City Beach hosts the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Pompano Beach sets up a wonderful array of food on it’s waterfront for the annual Seafood Festival and there is also the sand sculpting festival in Port Aransas known as Sandfest. Also featured is the Punta Gorda Block Party (which takes place downtown along the waterfront and really could go either way). As we start to get into the full swing of warm weather activities more and more weekends will be spent at the beach. Personally I like chasing the ice cream vendors along the beach as my activity however you may decide to spend your beach time in a more health conscious way.
Third up is Air. There are some really great air events this week. The Maryland International Kite Fest is one (actually this could be both an Air and Sea event) and the Defenders of Liberty Air Show Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. Taking place this week is also Thunder Over Louisville. It is officially the Kick-Off event to the Kentucky Derby Festival but it really is a monster event all unto itself. It is one of the largest and most well attended events all year in the U. S. featuring a daytime air show and a spectacular fireworks show at night. This event is a sure fire winner if you get the chance to participate.
Well there you have a few suggestions of events that I like this week. Honestly I would need at least 100 events to cover all of the events I would like to recommend each week but they only let me talk so long, lol. Anyway, if there aren’t any events on this list in your area, check the search box for events in your backyard. There is always something to do just around the corner!
Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival
Apr 19, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Downtown Fort Worth, TX US 76199
Since 1987, 9 blocks of Fort Worth’s historic brick-paved Main Street become a marketplace of food, arts, crafts, and live entertainment during this popular annual festival. One of the largest event of its kind in the Southwest.
400,000+ Attendees
Mainsail Arts Festival
Apr 21, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Waterfront Vinoy Park Saint Petersburg, FL US 33701
Since 1975. St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront hosts this premier visual art festival with 222 of the nations’ best artists exhibiting, performing arts stage, student art, children’s art activity tent, and culinary art (food court).
100,000+ Attendees
Defenders of Liberty Air Show
Apr 21, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Air Force Base Barksdale AFB, LA US 71110
Military and aerobatic planes, displays and exhibits on the ground. The Barksdale Air Force Base Airshow will be presenting a show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Opened with free admission and free parking, come and have fun with family and friends.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Apr 20, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Piedmont Park Atlanta, GA US 30306
Since 1937, We have a fabulous artist market, an exciting kid zone, 4 stages of music, an award winning and nationally recognized Atlanta High School Art Exhibition, an International cultural program full of color and pageantry. In addition we have the best green component in any festival in the Southeast as determined by the Southeast Festival and Event Association, the Southeast Regional Disc Dog Competition, classic festival foods, a special comedy show, a Saturday night VIP Bar, the La Fete International Food and Wine event featuring a reggae band and a performance by Miss Georgia, the Friends of Dogwood Pavilion with superb food from Atlanta’s best restaurants and fine wine pairings. As a special feature of our 75th anniversary there will be a 9 story classic Seattle Ferris Wheel built in 1963 to give visitors a whole new perspective of Piedmont Park and Midtown, and a fully restored, 1965 vintage carousel for the entire family to enjoy.
230,000+ Attendees
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival
Apr 20, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Oceanfront Pompano Beach, FL US 33060
Since 1985, one of the best events all year in South Florida. Delicacies from the local waters are prepared with mouthwatering results by restaurant chefs. Guests can enjoy music and arts and crafts along the beautiful beachfront as part of the festivities.
125,000 Attendees
Hillbilly Days
Apr 19, 2012 – Apr 21, 2012
Central Downtown Business District Pikeville, KY US 41501
Since 1977, celebrate the history and culture of Appalachia with a outdoor festival featuring a gazebo bandstand and dance floor, superior artists and craftspeople demonstrate their talents and sell their handiwork amidst mountain music, clogging, and square dancing. Clusters of men, women, and even youngsters pick and grin and try to outdo each other in their hillbilly outfits. Held in various locations throughout Pike County.
80,000+ Attendees
Maryland International Kite Festival
Apr 22, 2012
Beach Ocean City, MD US 21843
Since 1990, spectacular kite flying with enthusiasts from all over the world showcasing their aerial displays of art and skill, children’s kite making workshop and more.
30,000 Attendees
Punta Gorda Block Party
Apr 21, 2012
Downtown Punta Gorda Punta Gorda, FL US 33983
Since 1987, Come celebrate with us. Multiple stages will be set up: at Marion and U.S. 41 north, Marion and U.S. 41 south, Taylor and Herald Court, at the north end of Taylor near Retta Esplanade and a smaller one in the children’s area on Sullivan Street. Formal welcoming ceremonies will begin at 2:30 pm on the W Marion stage. The entertainment will start at 1pm on the W Marion stage and at 2pm on the East Marion and Courthouse stages. All stages except for the children’s stage will run continuously until 10pm. Admission $5 12 and over. No pets, no coolers, no bikes please.
40,000+ Attendees
Thunder Over Louisville
Apr 21, 2012
Waterfront Park Louisville, KY US 40299
The day-long event kicks off the two exciting weeks of events that are part of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival. The Thunder Air Show dazzles the crowd with more than 100 planes, aerobatics teams, daring sky diving teams and breathtaking stunts. When it gets dark, the Thunder rolls. The fireworks will feature the latest in pyrotechnic power from Zambelli Internationale, America’s “first family of fireworks”. Six barges that are 100-foot open top each assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites.
500,000 Attendees
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
Apr 19, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Pier Park Panama City Beach, FL US 32413
The ultimate weekend of smooth jazz comes to Florida’s Emerald Coast! The Seabreeze Jazz Festival features the top names in smooth jazz.
14,000 Attendees
SandFest
Apr 20, 2012 – Apr 22, 2012
Port Aransas Beach Markers 9 and 10 Port Aransas, TX US 78373
The Texas Sand Sculpture Festival, called “SandFest”, is an incredible three-day event held on the beach in Port Aransas, Texas on Mustang Island. Master sculptors fly in from all over the world to compete by creating huge life-size sand sculptures. See our web site for photos! In addition to the “Masters” contest we have sand contests for Youth, Amateurs, and Pro-Ams. SandFest has several tents with free activities such as and Entertainment Tent with live music and a Youth Tent with free games and crafts for the kids. “Lesson Mountain” has free sand sculpting lessons for ages 4 through 104. Our centerpiece is 250 tons of sand carved by over 20 master sculptors. SandFest is very family-oriented with things to do for everyone in the family. SandFest is amazing. People love the experience and return every year.
100,000 Attendees
Pickens Azalea Festival
Apr 20, 2012 – Apr 21, 2012
Downtown Pickens Pickens, SC US 29671
Since 1985, A family fun “weekend” event including live music. Friday night enjoy the “Swingin Medellions” Classic Car Cruise-in, amusement rides and games. Saturday arts/crafts southeast, family fun bicycle ride, a self guided historical tour of the area, amusement rides and games continue. Over 40 civic nonprofit groups with foods and homemade baked goods, live entertainment on two stages, see full size replica of the H.L. Hunley submarine. View “Pickens” in the spring from the air, take a 3-5 minute helicopter ride, (weather permitting) fee required.
20,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
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