Rose Parade
Pasadena, Kalifornien · January 1, New Year
The famous flower parade on New Year's Day with elaborately decorated floats, followed by the Rose Bowl.
Special events
Unique festivals, natural spectacles and experiences worth planning a USA trip around. Sorted through the year, with links to the official sites.
January
February
Mardi Gras
New Orleans, Louisiana · February, before Lent
The legendary carnival with parades, masks and music in the streets of the French Quarter.
Yosemite Firefall
Yosemite, Kalifornien · mid to late February
When the evening sun hits Horsetail Fall, the waterfall glows like molten lava for a few days.
Daytona 500
Daytona Beach, Florida · mid February
The biggest race of the NASCAR season, the glamorous opener at the motorsport mecca of Daytona.
March
Nationale Kirschblüte
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia · late March to April
When thousands of Japanese cherry trees bloom around the Tidal Basin, the capital celebrates the Cherry Blossom Festival.
SXSW
Austin, Texas · March
The big festival for music, film and tech that turns Austin into a creative hotspot.
April
Coachella
Indio, Kalifornien · April, two weekends
One of the world's most famous music and arts festivals, in the desert east of Los Angeles.
May
Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Kentucky · first Saturday in May
The most famous horse race in the USA, with extravagant hats, mint juleps and great tradition.
June
CMA Fest
Nashville, Tennessee · early June
The big country music festival with stars on multiple stages, in the heart of Music City.
Lichtstrahlen im Antelope Canyon
Page, Arizona · summer, around midday
In summer, the famous light beams fall vertically into Upper Antelope Canyon around midday.
August
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis, South Dakota · early August
One of the world's largest motorcycle gatherings, turning a small town in the Black Hills into a biker mecca.
October
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, New Mexico · early October
The world's largest hot-air balloon festival: hundreds of colorful balloons rise over the desert at dawn.
Laubfärbung in Neuengland
Neuengland, Vermont, New Hampshire u. a. · early to mid October
In autumn, the forests of New England turn brilliant red, orange and gold, a world-class natural spectacle.
November
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City, New York · fourth Thursday in November
The giant Thanksgiving parade with the famous character balloons through Manhattan.
December
Silvester am Times Square
New York City, New York · December 31
The famous ball drop in Times Square, when hundreds of thousands ring in the new year.
Dates change from year to year. Please check the official organiser's site before travelling.