On any given day, the US cultural calendar is jam-packed with events, activities, and openings, from parades and festivals to exhibitions, plays, hotels, and more.
Though the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is keeping travel plans in flux, the US has finally reopened to vaccinated travelers, making this year a great time to plan your adventure. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of events to make the most out of your visit.
January
Utah’s Sundance Film Festival, originally intended to be in-person in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Mountain Resort January 20 to 30, has pivoted to an online format this year.
If you’re in Utah, the state’s slopes are among the best in the country. Whether you’re a novice skier or semi-pro, January is a perfect time to explore the options available, including snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, and even stand-up paddleboard yoga classes in a crater.
February
In 2022, the Lunar New Year arrives on February 1, and Chinatowns nationwide will celebrate the Year of the Tiger. After a hiatus last year, the iconic San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade—dating back to the 1860s and the largest of its kind outside Asia—returns on February 19. Expect COVID-19 protocols for participants, including vaccination and masking requirements.
Meanwhile, Mardi Gras is set to return to New Orleans, with parades and festivities resuming in February leading up to Fat Tuesday on March 1.
March
March is bustling with events such as St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th, marked by large parades in New York, Boston, and Chicago. The SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, takes place from March 11 to 20, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, typically peaks at the end of the month.
In Orlando, Disney World unveils the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, creating excitement among fans of the franchise.
April
The Boston Marathon, returning to its springtime schedule, welcomes runners from around the globe on April 18. This year, the event expects around 30,000 participants, all of whom must be fully vaccinated.
Also taking place in April, Albuquerque’s Gathering of Nations, a large Native American powwow, features music, food, crafts, and traditional performances.
May
Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US outshine festivities south of the border, particularly in Corona, California, hosting a community-focused fiesta on May 7.
In New York, the Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad opens, enhancing the luxury hotel scene. Moreover, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens the second part of its Costume Institute exhibit, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” on May 7.
June
June sees an array of events, with music fests and Pride celebrations front and center. San Francisco’s Pride celebrations, occurring this year on June 25 and 26, attract massive crowds, while Nashville hosts the CMA Music Festival from June 9 to 12, followed by Bonnaroo in Manchester.
The Chicago Blues Festival during June is one of the largest free blues events globally, and the 49th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival is scheduled for June 16 to 19.
July
The Fourth of July captures the essence of summer with major celebrations across the nation. In Washington, DC, the National Park Service hosts exhilarating fireworks on the National Mall.
Later, from July 21 to 24, San Diego hosts the international Comic-Con, offering a diverse slate of panels and screenings.
August
As summer is in full swing, expect plenty of action along the country’s beaches and in the waterways. This is an ideal time for whale-watching in regions like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, especially in places like the San Juan Islands.
The Iowa State Fair, happening in Des Moines from August 11 to 21, is another highlight, attracting attendees for livestock shows, country music, and various food options including the famous ‘food on a stick.’
September
With the weather cooling down, September also brings back popular events like Burning Man in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Expect a convergence of artists and civilians for a week-long celebration of community.
New Mexico also honors its cultural heritage with the Santa Fe Fiesta, featuring vibrant parades and festivities.
October
As the leaves change color, festivities abound in cities like Key West. The Fantasy Fest, a 10-day celebration that started in 1979, celebrates culture and community.
Moreover, Halloween celebrations gain momentum in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, creating vibrant atmospheres filled with costumed revelers.
November
As the days become shorter, Thanksgiving stands out, with festivities building around this signature event. The iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City features Broadway performers, floats, and character balloons.
On a smaller scale, New Braunfels, Texas, hosts Wurstfest—a ten-day celebration honoring sausage—with traditional Bavarian attire enhancing the festivities.
December
In December, the ski season in Colorado may start, but be sure to check the weather beforehand. Alternatively, consider attending Art Basel Miami Beach, showcasing global artists from December 1 to 4.
The holiday season officially kicks off in New York with the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree—a longstanding tradition. Expect a bustling ambiance complete with window displays, holiday shows, and ice skating.
The year concludes with New Year’s Eve celebrations in cities like New York and Las Vegas, alongside vibrant fireworks in Hawaii, particularly over Waikiki Beach.
