United States

The United States has shown it can jive on both the highbrow and the low— a fact reified by the scope of the country’s popular festivals and events. From high culture to the highly obscure, America has got you covered. The World Grits festival of South Carolina is unusual, but if you’re looking for a real dose of oddity attend the World Cow Chip Throwing Championships of Beaver, Oklahoma. Witness a display of unrivaled sportsmanship as eager contestants hurl dung Frisbees in their hope to break the world record.

For something more enriching—less repulsing—America’s big cities are where the height of cultural sophistication flourishes. Chicago hosts countless music festivals, the most famous of which include the Jazz Festival in September, the Latin Music Festival in August, along with the Blues Festival and Gospel Festival in June. New Orleans, a city fueled by the spirit of music, is grounds for highly regarded New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival. Marti Gras is another of New Orleans’ annual events, characterized by total inhibition and unadulterated fun.

For a celebration that transcends all regions and cities, visit during July 4th, when the country collectively revels in their Independence from British rule. Proudly bearing red, white, and blue, Americans engage in traditional festivities including picnics, pie eating contests and antique car shows.