10 U.S. Festivals and Fairs to Explore This Summer

Every summer, cities from coast to coast spring to life with cultural events, music festivals, and more. These events offer not only fun-filled days, but also a chance to explore America's diverse cultural landscape.

With the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, summer fairs and festivals cater perfectly to the RV lifestyle. This year, we've handpicked 10 of the most iconic and unique events happening across the U.S., each offering something special for the RV adventurer. To make your planning easier, we've also included nearby campgrounds to park your RV, making sure you're right at the heart of the action. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey across America's summer festival scene!

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival - Manchester, TN

This multiday event celebrates the joy and freedom of music and creativity, drawing an eclectic crowd from around the world.

Bonnaroo is famous for its diverse live music lineups with genres ranging from rock to indie pop and electronic to jazz. Whatever your music preference, you’ll be sure to find an artist you enjoy at this festival.

This event is also an artist’s dream featuring live art exhibitions, art installations, and craft fair booths throughout the fairgrounds. You can also join in on the artistic expression through workshops, yoga classes, dance parties and more.

And craft beer lovers will appreciate the beer festival that takes place on the festival grounds all weekend long!

With its vibrant energy and boundless opportunities for fun, Bonnaroo is a celebration of music, art, and community that delivers an unforgettable festival experience.

As you’re planning your Bonnaroo weekend, check out Rural Hill Farm, a family friendly 180-acre property with full hookup RV sites overlooking the park’s gorgeous grounds. For more information about camping and activities for this event, check out our guide to RV Camping Near Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO

Despite its name, this music fest isn’t limited to bluegrass tunes. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival features a diverse music scene with genres including country, folk, Americana, and more. Every year, world-class musicians alongside up and coming artists grace the stages at the annual event in the stunning natural scenery of Telluride, Colorado.

And at night, festival-goers are treated to the NightGrass experience with small late-night concerts held at intimate indoor venues throughout Telluride, allowing you a unique and personal experience with the musicians.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast with an affinity for good music, good food, and unique mountain town experiences, the Telluride Festival is the perfect way to spend a weekend. The location is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more in the mighty Rocky Mountains in between music sets.

As you start planning your Telluride Bluegrass Festival experience, consider parking your RV at the nearby Ouray Riverside Resort. This RV resort is nestled in the San Juan Mountains along the Uncompahgre River with stunning scenery and all the comforts of an upscale RV resort including high speed wifi, a cafe and steakhouse, and fuel stations.

Sturgis Motorcycle Festival - Sturgis, SD

The Sturgis Rally is a major gathering point for motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide. Many visitors ride their bikes all the way to this small South Dakota town every year to showcase their bikes, check out the latest trends, and share in their passion for motorcycles.

Music plays a significant role in the rally with performances from big names and local bands spanning a wide range of genres.

The festival also features the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, educating visitors through the history of bikes and the Sturgis Rally, which dates back to 1938.

Sturgis bikers also enjoy races and competitions that draw competitors from all over the world and many join up to ride the scenic routes around iconic landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Community and camaraderie are at the heart of this celebration of motorcycle culture and the freedom of the open road. So if you’re an RVer who travels with a motorcycle in tow, this may be the summer festival for you!

Days End Campground & RV Park and Big Rig RV Park Campground are two of the best places to park your RV and join in on the incredible event that is the Sturgis Motorcycle Festival.

Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta - Pittsburgh, PA

This annual event is held at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s iconic three rivers - the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio. The festival is famous for its powerboat races, but attendees can also enjoy jet ski shows, dragon boat races, and canoe and kayak races on the rivers.

The festival also features a variety of land-based attractions including live music performances, food trucks offering diverse cuisine, and family fun on the river banks like sand sculpture contests, acrobatic performances, and carnival rides.

A staple of the Regatta is the over the top firework display above the city’s skyline that marks the end of the festival, a spectacular sight that draws crowds every year.

The Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta is more than a festival. It’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant community and its connection to the iconic rivers that define the region. Head over to the Hotel RV Beaver for a nearby basecamp.

Summerfest Music Festival - Milwaukee, WI

With its vast lineup, lakeside location, and inspiring community spirit, Summerfest in Milwaukee offers a unique, inclusive festival experience that draws music lovers from all over the country. Summerfest holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Music Festival, featuring over 800 acts on 11 stages during this 11-day event - a must see for RVers traveling through the Midwest this summer.

Summerfest is also a foodie paradise offering everything from classic Wisconsin cheese curds to international dishes, craft beers, and local brews. And you’ll find pop-up shopping vendors, farmers markets, interactive exhibits, and kid-friendly zones with games and activities. It’s fun for the whole family!

This festival is deeply involved in the local community, offering promotions and initiatives like discounted and free admission days to give back.

Whistle Stop Campground is the perfect spot to set up camp for a fun weekend at Summerfest! But the RV park is also a destination in itself, offering locomotive rides to the neighboring Little Amerricka Amusement Park and a campground lagoon with water toys, a jumping pillow, space ball, and more!

Lollapalooza - Chicago, IL

Celebrate one of America’s most iconic block parties in the heart of the windy city where culture, music, food, art, and social responsibility blend together in a memorable stop on any RV journey.

Impressive lineups featuring a vast landscape of musical genres often attract some of the biggest names in music. During the day, the festival actively caters to families with children, offering family friendly music and activities designed for younger fans. And as the sun sets against the scenic Chicago skyline, party-goers gather for a night filled with music, fun, and food galore.

Speaking of food, Lollapalooza’s “Chow Town” is a whole food festival in and of itself, offering a diverse range of food curated by Chicago’s own celebrity chef, Graham Elliot. You can sample everything from classic festival food to gourmet dishes.

And be sure to explore the event’s expansive art fair featuring handcrafted goods, unique artwork, and clothes from local artists and designers. If you’re looking for a way to get your hands on some of your favorite artists’ merch, festival-goers can actually earn shirts and other merchandise by picking up recyclable materials as part of the “Rock & Recycle” initiative.

As if this isn’t enough excitement, the fairgrounds also feature unique experiences like a roller-skating rink and a mini festival of craft beers.

Join in on the fun with a stay at Northwoods RV Resort located on the banks of the river in Garden Prairie, Illinois. This peaceful resort offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city as you prepare for a night of fun ahead!

Aspen Food & Wine Classic - Aspen, CO

The Aspen Food and Wine Classic takes place in the heart of the Colorado Rockies which provide the perfect backdrop for this one of a kind gourmet experience.

Celebrity chefs offer cooking demonstrations while master sommeliers and wine experts from some of the world’s top wineries offer insights into the world of wine pairing techniques. While here, you’ll enjoy exclusive parties where you can mingle with chefs, winemakers, and fellow food and wine enthusiasts as well as take part in interactive experiences like wine blending classes.

The Aspen Food and Wine classic is more than just a wine festival. It’s a celebration of the finer things in life - excellent food, outstanding wine, beautiful natural surroundings, and great company.

For RVers looking for a reason to stop in Colorado this summer, this is it! Set up camp at the nearby Glenwood Canyon Resort and get ready to tantalize your tastebuds with some of the region's most delicious food and wine.

Utah Shakespeare Festival - Cedar City, UT 

This community festival takes place from June to October in Cedar City, Utah as Shakespeare lovers from far and wide gather to celebrate his timeless works.

The festival is renowned for its professional and high-quality performances that garner national attention and acclaim. The main venue, the Englestad Shakespeare Theater, is a recreation of Shakespeare’s own Global Theater that offers an immersive experience that transports audience members back to the Elizabethan era.

The festival also offers educational opportunities including seminars, discussions with actors and directors, and behind the scenes tours.

Looking for a folk festival? Well, you’re in luck! The Shakespeare Festival also offers a performance called The GreenShow, a free outdoor entertainment that includes Elizabethan song and dance, folk music, and comedic routines.

Plus, its location close to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park makes this the perfect stopover for RVers exploring the beauty of the Southwestern states.

Cedar Canyon Retreat is located just 5 miles up the canyon from Cedar City making this an excellent choice for an RV stay for Utah Shakespeare Festival.

Leavenworth Oktoberfest - Leavenworth, WA

This fall festival is famous for the authentic Bavarian experience featuring traditional Bavarian music, delicious German food, and of course, a variety of beers imported from Germany.

Snack on bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut, and more as you listen to polka music fill the mountain air. Or try your hand at traditional activities like log sawing and maypole dancing at this family friendly event in the stunning mountains of central Washington.

With its blend of traditional Bavarian culture, scenic beauty, and community spirit, Leavenworth Oktoberfest offers an immersive and fun experience for the whole family, making it a great stop on any autumn RV trip!

A stay at Whispering Pines RV Campground in the neighboring town of Cle Elum will put you right in the middle of all the fun.

National Cherry Festival - Traverse City, MI

As the cherry capital of the U.S., Traverse City celebrates their rich harvest every year with a family fun festival full of live entertainment, parades, and more!

This community festival is best known for its various cherry-related events including cherry pie eating competitions, cherry pit spitting competitions, and opportunities to sample countless cherry products.

You’ll also enjoy live music performances, magic shows, an air show highlighting the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and carnival rides fit for the whole family.

As part of the event, you can also take a tour of a local cherry farm to learn more about the harvesting process. Or take part in one of the health and wellness events including the Cherry Festival of Races which features a 5k, 10, 15k, and a half marathon!

The National Cherry Festival is a week-long celebration of local heritage, cherries, and community. It provides a unique blend of fun, entertainment, and educational activities, making it an excellent addition to a summer RV roadtrip!

Indigo Bluffs RV Resort is a great location to spend your time in between all the cherry-fueled fun.

Bonus Festival: Sundance Film Festival - Park City, UT

Most fairs and festivals take place in the summer months, but the Sundance film festival offers enthusiasts the chance to enjoy festival fun in the middle of snowy January. This event is the largest independent film festival in the states, showcasing diverse film selections from emerging artists and reputable filmmakers alike.

You’ll also have the opportunity to attend panels and discussions featuring filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals offering insights into the filmmaking process and current issues in the film industry.

And set amidst the snow-capped peaks of Park City, festival goers have the chance to explore the fun shops, restaurants, and fine arts that can be found on main street in this upscale mountain town.

The Sundance Film Festival is a celebration of independent filmmaking creativity, and the convergence of art and technology. If you’re interested in the magic of storytelling, this is the perfect opportunity for you to explore the beautiful town of Park City.

Check out the nearby Echo Island RV Resort as the perfect winter wonderland destination for the Sundance extravaganza.

As summer blooms, the country comes alive with these unique and vibrant festivals and fairs, each with its own charm and appeal. Whether you’re on the hunt for the quintessential county fair, local summer jazz festival, or an all day 4th of July fiesta, there’s an event out there for you.

And the beauty of traveling in the RV is that your home is always just a short trek from the festivities. So as you map out your summer adventures, consider adding some of these fun summer events to your itinerary. Start planning today and let your summer of fun begin!