Europe suffers through dark, cold winters. But in summer, the continent is known for a host of outdoor festivals that are bathed in sunlight well into the evening hours. Find out about European summer festivals around which you could plan a trip.
Summer in Paris is a time for business and productivity to slow down so people of all ages can enjoy the sunshine and the many top festivals the city offers to visitors and residents alike.
The Big Apple offers Metropolitan Opera in the parks at this time of year, as well as other summer concerts in New York City. On the west coast, a similar event tradition exists at California Plaza in Los Angeles.
One of the greatest free attractions in the U.S. each summer unfolds above Chicago and on the shores of Lake Michigan. The Chicago Air and Water Show in late August thrills hundreds of thousands of visitors, who pay nothing to see world-class air acrobatics (such as what you see in the picture above) and sea rescue teams at peak performances.
If you'll be visiting the Pacific Northwest, you can time your visits with a wide range of summer festivals.
Independence Day getaways are a proud tradition that can add value to any vacation. If you'll be on the Pacific coast during the holiday, check out 4th of July in California for the best places to celebrate and watch fireworks.
Also check out other summer concerts in California and the state's best outdoor theaters. Los Angeles has some great summer concert venues such as the famous Hollywood Bowl and the John Anson Ford Amphitheater.
If you'll be in Los Angeles for any length of time, you'll also want to check out summer theater festivals, family festivals and an impressive array of concert series for summer.
Another summer tradition in the U.S. is the venerable state fair circuit. Consult the 2013 state fairs directory to see if your itinerary matches up with the big events.
If you're a list-maker who doesn't want to miss out on summer experiences, check out 10 things to do before Labor Day.
Summer Vacation Travel Guide
Summer at the Beach | Summer in Europe | More Summer Destinations | Summer at National Parks | Summer Events | Summer Cruises | Summer Camping and the Great Outdoors | Summer at the Theme Parks | Summer Vacations with the Family
