10 Best Small-Town Festivals in America

We all dream of escaping the city and living a little slower from time to time. While it can be hard to abandon the amenities and convenience of the city, that doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a taste of small-town charm every now and then. Plan your next vacation around one of these small-town festivals, and slow things down a little. Connect with the communities, enjoy the local traditions, savor the homegrown flavors, and let the heartfelt hospitality of small-town America refresh and rejuvenate you.

1. Danish Days — Solvang, California

Come “live like a Viking” and celebrate Solvang’s Danish heritage in a three-day event full of authentic food, music, dancing, parades, and family activities in September! Running since 1936, this celebration in “Little Denmark” has become a staple of the community, and is a great opportunity for visitors to experience and appreciate the town’s roots.

Where to Stay: Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, just over 3 miles from the event is the ideal base camp for your Danish adventure, complete with a huge selection of RV sites, as well as cabins, bungalows, and tent camping options.

2. Olathe Sweet Corn Festival — Olathe, Colorado 

Taking place in the small Colorado town of Olathe on the first Saturday of August, this festival features completely free, all-you-can-eat sweet corn, all day long! You can also enjoy constant activities like live music, a parade, a car show, a karaoke competition, a demolition derby, a sweet corn-eating contest, and so much more.

Where to Stay: Just 15 minutes from Olathe, Cedar Creek RV Park is an upscale camping resort with multiple accommodation options and a host of amenities.

3. Trail’s End Festival — Millinocket, Maine 

With the iconic Appalachian Trail ending at Mt. Katahdin, and so many hikers finishing in Millinocket in September, the charming New England town decided to start celebrating these brave souls and the outdoor spirit of the region! Every September, Millinocket opens its doors for the Trail’s End Festival complete with three days full of live music, food, and fun.

Where to Stay: Big Moose Inn Cabins and Campground takes you into the Maine wilderness, giving you the peace and quiet you expect from the Katahdin region, while just 9 miles from the Trail’s end festival.

4. Colorado Mountain Winefest — Palisade, Colorado

Named Best Wine Festival by USA Today, and the largest in the state of Colorado, this September festival has cemented itself as a certified classic over the last 33 years. Featuring unlimited tasting from dozens of local wineries, live music, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, and a grape stomp, this annual event is a must-see!

Where to Stay: Less than a mile and a half down the road, Palisade Basecamp RV Resort will become your well-stocked home away from home for your festival stay.

5. Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival — Port Angeles, Washington 

Port Angeles on its own might be one of the most charming small towns in America, but add one of the biggest events of the year and you won’t want to be anywhere else. Every October, the town comes together for this legendary annual festival celebrating Port Angeles’ seafood heritage, and the region’s world-famous Dungeness Crab. While you’re here, sample crab and other seafood delicacies prepared in every way imaginable from classic restaurants and food vendors and enjoy live performances and a classic chowder cook-off.

Where to Stay: A short 10-minute drive from the festival, Elwha Dam RV Park, an inviting and amenity-rich RV park on the edge of town, welcomes you with open arms. And it just so happens to sit right on the edge of Olympic National Park for a bit of added adventure!

6. St. George Art Festival — St. George, Utah 

Beginning in 1980, this iconic art fest in St. George has evolved into a world-renowned event featuring over 110 artists carefully selected from around the nation. Attendees enjoy thousands of original artworks from these distinguished artists, live entertainment, a lively children’s area, and a wide array of food options, all held in the historic and beautiful Town Square on Main Street in March.

Where to Stay: 20 minutes outside of town, Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon awaits, offering temperatures often 12-15 degrees cooler than St. George, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax after long festival days.

Pro tip: St. George is only about an hour from Zion National Park. Pencil in a day trip to this iconic park. You won’t regret it!

7. North Carolina Seafood Festival — Morehead City, North Carolina

Held annually in October at the charming coastal town of Morehead City, this classic event celebrates the importance of the seafood industry in Eastern North Carolina. With a wide variety of delicacies prepared by local chefs, live music performed throughout the day, and an abundance of local arts and crafts vendors selling everything from jewelry to pottery and paintings, this is the perfect small-town festival to plan your next road trip around.

Where to Stay: 10 miles from the festival, Beaufort Waterway RV Park offers the right mix of accommodation options, and it’s situated right on the coast, so you can let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep.

8. Texas Renaissance Festival — Todd Mission, Texas

Hosted by the small town of Todd Mission, this extravaganza is anything but small. One of the largest Renaissance fairs in the world, this iconic event lasts two whole months throughout October and November, and draws over 400,000 visitors annually. Visitors enjoy complete immersion into the Renaissance world with over 100 shops selling everything from Renaissance clothing and jewelry to battle armor and weapons. You’ll also find 20 food vendors and 20 entertainment stages featuring a variety of acts including jousting tournaments, juggling shows, and musical performances.

Where to Stay: 20 miles outside town, Jetstream RV Resort at Waller gives you the perfect place to escape and unwind between festival days. And it's chock full of amenities — it even has a beer garden!

9. Witch/Pirate/Paella — Fair Haven, New York

This one’s a three-fer! We couldn’t help ourselves; this small New York town has so many fun events going on we couldn’t pick just one. Every Halloween season, the town hosts a “Fantasy Fashion Witches” parade in which attendees are encouraged to dress up and act like witches while enjoying all of the Halloween festivities.

If you like dressing up, but you already have Halloween plans, don’t worry! Fair Haven hosts Pirate’s Fest every August. Dress like a pirate, act like a pirate, and talk like a pirate for an entire day at this festival, and live out all of your high-seas dreams.

If dressing up isn’t your style, Fair Haven still has you covered with BayFest: Paella on the Bay-a. Enjoy a variety of Spanish paella at an upscale local winery on the waterfront!

Where to Stay: 8 minutes from the center of town, and situated right on the shores of Lake Ontario, Shady Shores RV Resort and Campground is the ultimate basecamp, jam-packed with top-tier amenities.

10. Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival — Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

As colorful leaves sweep over cobblestone streets and groups gather together in cozy cafes, the Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival takes center stage. Taking place every weekend in October, Downtown Jim Thorpe comes to life with picturesque train rides, delicious food, ghost tours, live music, local arts and crafts vendors, and seasonal specials from local businesses. Locals and visitors alike descend on Jim Thorpe to enjoy the festivities.

Where to Stay: At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped into the picturesque Pocono forest, yet you’ll still only be 10 minutes from the middle of town!

Ready to start planning your small-town adventure? Let Spot2Nite make the process a breeze with our user-friendly, interactive booking platform. Explore the available RV parks and campgrounds near your destination, and find the perfect basecamp with a few easy clicks!