Showing posts with label Events and Festivals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events and Festivals. Show all posts

Friday, 5 August 2011

Philadelphia Events and Festivals

Philadelphia events lure crowds to this historic city year-round. Musical events, patriotic celebrations, cultural holidays, and art exhibitions all fill the calendar in Philadelphia each year. Festivals in Philadelphia show visitors that culture is not only alive, but thriving. If you do plan a trip to Philadelphia for a special event, be sure to see the basics as well. You can immerse yourself in American history with walking tours, see the Liberty Bell up close, and take a stroll through Fairmount Park. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone if you plan a trip to the city during one of the best Philadelphia events as you enjoy a unique festival and take in the city itself.

Each summer brings the Philadelphia folk festival. A popular event for almost 50 years, this annual August music festival is enjoyed by people of all ages, and crafts for kids, a variety of concerts, and international acts make up this exciting event. Some visitors choose to camp as not to miss one act of the Philadelphia folk festival, which is perennially defined by good weather, good music, and a good atmosphere; for a taste of the ambience, you can look up past performances on YouTube. One of the most popular festivals in Philadelphia, the folk festival might just entice you to cancel your August plans and head for the birthplace of America.

Other festivals in Philadelphia are cultural, including the 9th Street Italian Market Festival. Each May, one weekend is planned to showcase how much Italian-American culture is integrated in South Philadelphia. The area around the Italian Market is closed to traffic, and the entire neighborhood becomes the home of one of the most tasty Philadelphia events. Vendors feature everything Italian, including cheese, pasta, meats, wines, and delicious pastries. After the live cooking demonstrations, you can continue your cultural getaway with an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum gained significant press in 2009 because of its Picasso exhibition, and it regularly features new shows.

If you’re looking for a free event in Philadelphia, there are parades and fireworks to thrill the family. The 4th of July is an especially festive time in Philly, and the crowds arrive to show their patriotic spirit. For an entire week Philadelphia celebrates the 4th of July with fun for the whole family. From concerts to parades to everything possible decked out in red, white, and blue, the city shows its pride on our nation’s birthday. Other summer events include a variety of outdoor concerts and a Hispanic Fiesta. Highlights of the winter include the International Auto Show in late January/early February.

Whether the Philadelphia folk festival or annual restaurant week brings you to the city, you’ll be surprised at the quality and diversity of the offerings. Each neighborhood has a festival or celebration all its own, and there are many reasons to discover each. From history to breweries to shopping, Philadelphia is building a reputation for many things other than events. You may wind up in Philadelphia for a sports game or a concert, but you will leave with a whole new appreciation for a city that you didn’t know was so modern, stylish, and exciting.

Saturday, 9 July 2011

Bloomsburg Fair, Pennsylvania

The Bloomsburg Fair 2011 has been a harvest time tradition since 1855 in the Susquehana Valley. Once the end of September rolls around, the Central Pennsylvania community of Bloomsburg sets the stage for the biggest festival in the entire state.

Bloomsburg Fair History and Facts

The first fair was held the decade before the Civil War and Gettysburg forever changed the history of Pennsylvania. As the years passed, the fair grew bigger and the schedule of events expanded. As the fair goes strong in its second century, you can expect to find a long list of fun things to do. The schedule still includes agricultural contests and traditional fun—as well as carnival rides and games, grandstand shows, and a long schedule of live entertainment.

Bloomsburg Fair Pennsylvania Tickets

Like many fairs, gate passes are needed to enter the fairgrounds. Kids are always free, and the adult price is less than the cost of a nighttime movie ticket. On the Monday of the fair, seniors can enter the grounds for free. Many of the shows and live events are free to enjoy, but the grandstand events require additional tickets, as do the rides.

Directions to the Bloomsburg Fair

The fairgrounds are located at 620 West Third Street , off exit 232 of Interstate 80. From Pittsburgh and points west, follow the interstate until you reach the exit, which is Pennsylvania Highway 42/Mall Boulevard. Veer left at U.S. 11 and take a right once you left Barton Street. From Barton, take the second right to Third-the fairgrounds are on the left.

From Lancaster, take Interstate 81 to the north. Once you get to Minersville, take exit 116, Highway 901. Follow the highway north until County Road 4024; take the quick jog to Highway 54, then head north on Highway 61. It will merge into Highway 42, and then the directions to the Bloomsburg Fair Pennsylvania are the same as from Pittsburgh.

Lodging near the Bloomsburg Fair

If you're planning to spend more than a day at the Bloomsburg Fair 2011, it will be nice to choose accommodations close to the fairgrounds. Many Pennsylvania hotels are located in and around Bloomsburg, a quick trip away from the fun.

The Holiday Inn Express, at 14 Mitchell Drive, offers a warm welcome and comfortable place to stay with many perks. High-speed Internet access is available throughout out the hotel, and morning papers are delivered to the rooms each morning. The hotel also features an indoor pool and a fitness center.

Also close to the fairgrounds, Bloomsburg University, and Interstate 80, Comfort Suites Bloomsburg is located at 120 Plaza Drive. This nonsmoking hotel also serves a complimentary continental breakfast, in addition to offering 82 cozy guestrooms.

Thunder in the Valley

Thunder in the Valley 2011 at the end of June will have your motors running. The annual celebration of motorcycling and the thrill of the open road unfolds all around Johnstown. The annual celebration has a long list of fun to offer, including concerts, great shopping, and plenty of chances to hit the open road and ride.

Thunder in the Valley History and Facts

Since 1998, bikers have been flocking to the Conemaugh Valley. In the years since, the event has grown into one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Eastern US, packed with fun things to do. It all started when the area's motorcycle dealers worked with the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau, who both realized that motorcyclists were important visitors.

Nearly 5,000 bikers for showed up for the first year, and the number doubled in size by the second year. In the time since, the festival has added more events and more fun as it draws more and more attendees.

Tickets to Thunder in the Valley

With so many events happening throughout Johnstown, there isn't one centralized ticket required to experience Thunder in the Valley. Some of the concerts require tickets, but many of the events are open to everyone for free. All you have to do is show up to have fun for the Thunder in the Valley 2011.

Directions to Thunder in the Valley

Johnstown is located about an hour to the east of Pittsburgh and just over 250 miles west of Philadelphia. From Pittsburgh, it's best to take Route 22 east, until you reach Route 403 South. From the exit, it's about eight miles until you reach Johnstown.

Events take place around Johnstown, so once there, you'll have to get more detailed directions when you've decided what you want to experience at this Johnstown Pennsylvania festival.

From other points east, you could follow the Pennsylvania Turnpike until you reach exit 11, the Bedford exit. Now, you'll follow Route 220, Interstate 99 north until the exit at Route 56 West. It's another 30 miles until Route 219 North. Then take the Route 56 West exit, the Johnstown Expressway, and follow it until you reach town.

If you're coming from the east, and places like Washington, D.C., you can follow I-70 until Breezewood, Pennsylvania. There, catch the turnpike and follow the same route once you exit at Route 220.

Lodging near Thunder in the Valley

Many Pennsylvania hotels are found in and around Johnstown, so you'll have a lot of choices of where to stay during Thunder in the Valley 2011.

Offering 70 guestrooms and complimentary breakfast, the Hampton Inn is nestled at 129 Commerce Court in Johnstown. Just five miles from the city center, the inn is designed for your comfort with cozy linens, mini fridges in each room, and access to complimentary beverages throughout the day. Guests also are welcome to use an outdoor pool and request free passes to a nearby fitness center.

The Super 8, at 627 Solomon Run Road, has 65 guestrooms, including five whirlpool suites with kitchenettes. With varying sizes, rooms either have two queen-size beds or a king bed. All of the rates, for rooms of all sizes, include a continental breakfast and access to the motel's amenities, a business center and free wireless Internet among them.

Philadelphia Events and Festivals

Philadelphia events lure crowds to this historic city year-round. Musical events, patriotic celebrations, cultural holidays, and art exhibitions all fill the calendar in Philadelphia each year. Festivals in Philadelphia show visitors that culture is not only alive, but thriving. If you do plan a trip to Philadelphia for a special event, be sure to see the basics as well. You can immerse yourself in American history with walking tours, see the Liberty Bell up close, and take a stroll through Fairmount Park. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone if you plan a trip to the city during one of the best Philadelphia events as you enjoy a unique festival and take in the city itself.

Each summer brings the Philadelphia folk festival. A popular event for almost 50 years, this annual August music festival is enjoyed by people of all ages, and crafts for kids, a variety of concerts, and international acts make up this exciting event. Some visitors choose to camp as not to miss one act of the Philadelphia folk festival, which is perennially defined by good weather, good music, and a good atmosphere; for a taste of the ambience, you can look up past performances on YouTube. One of the most popular festivals in Philadelphia, the folk festival might just entice you to cancel your August plans and head for the birthplace of America.

Other festivals in Philadelphia are cultural, including the 9th Street Italian Market Festival. Each May, one weekend is planned to showcase how much Italian-American culture is integrated in South Philadelphia. The area around the Italian Market is closed to traffic, and the entire neighborhood becomes the home of one of the most tasty Philadelphia events. Vendors feature everything Italian, including cheese, pasta, meats, wines, and delicious pastries. After the live cooking demonstrations, you can continue your cultural getaway with an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum gained significant press in 2009 because of its Picasso exhibition, and it regularly features new shows.

If you’re looking for a free event in Philadelphia, there are parades and fireworks to thrill the family. The 4th of July is an especially festive time in Philly, and the crowds arrive to show their patriotic spirit. For an entire week Philadelphia celebrates the 4th of July with fun for the whole family. From concerts to parades to everything possible decked out in red, white, and blue, the city shows its pride on our nation’s birthday. Other summer events include a variety of outdoor concerts and a Hispanic Fiesta. Highlights of the winter include the International Auto Show in late January/early February.

Whether the Philadelphia folk festival or annual restaurant week brings you to the city, you’ll be surprised at the quality and diversity of the offerings. Each neighborhood has a festival or celebration all its own, and there are many reasons to discover each. From history to breweries to shopping, Philadelphia is building a reputation for many things other than events. You may wind up in Philadelphia for a sports game or a concert, but you will leave with a whole new appreciation for a city that you didn’t know was so modern, stylish, and exciting.

Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania

The Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania 2011 will usher you back into time—into a magical world filled with royalty, knights, and others straight from the sixteenth century. An invitation has been sent by Queen Elizabeth I; her majesty requests the honor of your presence at the fairgrounds that look much like a Tudor English village.

Once you arrive, you'll find a full range of fun, complete with costumes, live music, puppet shows, and magic acts. A dozen stages spread throughout the village hosts more than 90 daily live shows, and 23 royal kitchens cook up feasts fit for a king.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival History and Facts

The history of the Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania is closely tied to the story of a historic house—the Mount Hope Estate & Winery. Throughout the year, the elegant home hosts events and is open for tours and winery tastings. On weekends between the middle of August and Halloween, the estate's grounds transform into an English village for the renaissance fair.

The first festival happened in 1980 with a jousting contest. When that proved popular, Pennsylvania's Renaissance festival was born. Over the years, the event grew into a full-fledged festival, unfolding over 90 acres. Since 2006, the fair's organizers and volunteers have worked to make the festival green, making concerted efforts to keep the environment in mind and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival.

Tickets to the Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania

Several options are available for tickets, including a single-day pass, which is discounted significantly for children age 5 to 11. Anyone younger can enter the festival grounds for free. Season passes also cost less for children. All visitors of any age full access to every weekend of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival 2011 as well as a packet of coupons and tickets to a meet-the-cast picnic.

Another ticket option, the Royal Pass, builds on the season ticket package with additional perks, including VIP parking and tickets for the next year's festival, one of the best attended of all Pennsylvania events.

Directions to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival

The Mount Hope Mansion and the fairgrounds are just fifteen miles to the north of Lancaster and thirteen miles east of Hershey. Nestled in northern Lancaster County's Manheim, Mount Hope Estate is located just minutes from exit 266 along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The toll road runs east to west across the state, more than 350 miles from the Ohio border to New Jersey.

Lodging near the Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania

If you're looking for Pennsylvania hotels close to the fairgrounds, you'll have many choices. Just ten minutes away, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites can be found at 101 Crosswinds Drive in Lititz. Also close to Amish country and great shopping, the inn features spacious guestrooms, some with king-size beds, and all with large TVs and movie channels. Beyond the rooms, you'll find an indoor spool and a whirlpool. All guests are welcome to visit the hot breakfast bar in the morning.

Another one of the hotels close to the Renaissance Fair Pennsylvania, the Country Inn & Suites Manheim is located at 1475 Lancaster Road. Each spacious and cozy guestroom features wireless Internet access and in-room coffee service. You'll also find an outdoor pool, exercise equipment, and a breakfast nook, where a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning.

Musikfest History and Facts, Pennsylvania

Musikfest 2011 begins on the first Friday in August in the Lehigh Valley town of Bethlehem. Just outside the scenic Poconos, this town has deep, historic roots, and German heritage forms the basis for this ten-day music festival. But polka music is just the beginning of the music—the festival includes all types of musicians in all genres. Every year, the festival includes big-name musicians, the top-tier performers in country, rock, and contemporary music, along with a host of local performers.

Musikfest History and Facts

Musikfest has been an August tradition since 1984. Like many Pennsylvania events, this one has expanded and grown even bigger and better over the years. Headlines as diverse as the Stone Temple Pilots, Carrie Underwood, and George Clinton have been headliners. While music is the central part of the celebration, the festival also includes marketplace shopping, kids games, and plenty of fun.

Tickets to the Bethlehem Pennsylvania Music Festival

As a collection of concerts, Musikfest 2011 tickets are sold for individual shows, with different prices depending on the seats and the show. Some of the afternoon shows have special kids' packages available, while other shows offer VIP packages that combine tickets to the Bethlehem Pennsylvania music festival with a host of other perks. Many of the events on the schedule are free of charge. All you need to do is come and have fun.

Directions to Musikfest

Two of the festival venues are located on Bethlehem's south side—the main stage, the Sands Steel Stage, is located at PNC Plaza at SteelStacks and Americanplatz is nearby at the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. The rest of the festival happens at the north-side historic district. From SteelStacks, take First Street west and cross the Lehigh River at the Fahey Bridge or the Hill to Hill Bridge. From there, you'll find many of the Musikfest venues sprinkled throughout downtown Bethlehem, with parking available at many sites.

Starting in Scranton, head south into Bethlehem, nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley. Follow Interstate 380 until you reach I-80. Merge onto the new highway and head east until Exit 302 A, U.S. Highway 209/Pennsylvania Highway 33. Follow the route until Highway 33 splits, which you'll take into Bethlehem. From Wilkes-Barre, follow I-476 until Highway 22, which will continue to the area of Bethlehem Pennsylvania Music Festival.

Lodging near Musikfest

It's easy to find Pennsylvania hotels within minutes of the Musikfest events and venues. The Comfort Suites University, at 120 West Third Street, is located within walking distance of Lehigh University and minutes from Interstate 78 and the Lehigh Valley Airport. This list of amenities at this 124-room hotel is long and includes transportation to and from the airport, a continental breakfast buffet, and wireless Internet, all at no extra charge. The hotel also offers stay-and-play packages with the nearby Sands Casino.

Another choice for lodging near the Bethlehem Pennsylvania music festival, the Best Western Lehigh Valley is easy to access from Highway 22 at 300 Gateway Drive. Its guestrooms, which number 192 in total, have a king-size bed or double beds. Some of the upgraded king rooms have whirlpool tubs, and all of the rooms have kitchenettes. If you don't feel like cooking, the onsite restaurant offers full-service for all three meals, and a pub is open from lunch until late night. Like the Comfort Suites, this hotel also is pet-friendly.

Pennsylvania Events and Festivals

Not only is the state of Pennsylvania a major tourist destination for historical sites and educational adventures, but Pennsylvania events can add to the charm of a trip to Pennsylvania. From historical events in Pennsylvania to events in Pennsylvania celebrating regular life in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania festivals run the gamut of different types of celebrations throughout the year. Information about some of the most popular Pennsylvania events is provided below.

Groundhog Day

As shown in the famous movie of the same name, Groundhog Day is an important part of life in Pennsylvania for many natives. Each spring in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania the entire town gets together for 4 days of eating, taking hay rides, showcasing art and finding out whether or not winter is coming to a close or plans to wrap itself up and give way to spring. Coming to town and enjoying Groundhog day, one of the most historic events in Pennsylvania, is totally free of charge for visitors.

Dad Vail Regatta

This is one of the biggest events in Pennsylvania for college crew teams. Every year on the second weekend in May, hundreds of great college crew teams from around the country gather to compete in one of the largest rowing events in the northeast. The crowd at Fairmont Park, where the event is held, is far from being exclusively made up of college kids as many members of the community turn up to watch the excitement. The park is also an excellent place for a picnic, and admission is totally free. This is also adjacent to the Philadelphia Zoo.

Deck the Alley

Another of the more popular Pennsylvania festivals is the annual Deck the Alley celebration held in historic Pennsylvania each June. This is one of the major Pennsylvania events for history-lovers as over 300 homes and buildings (the city's most historic) are open to the public for viewing. To add to the fun of one of the most historic events in Pennsylvania, characters dressed like patrons from Pennsylvania's colonial days also roam the streets. This is one of the favorite events in Pennsylvania, and cost is around $15 for an adult and free for children ages 17 and under.

Jam on the River

Jam on the River is one of the biggest Pennsylvania festivals for music and happens at the end of May each year in Pennsylvania. This is one of the most popular Pennsylvania events for locals, who bring chairs and pillows to stretch near the stage at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, where the festival is held. Cost of admission is around $30 and the musical acts which come to play change each year, so check directly with the event staffers to find out about upcoming shows.

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Each year on Christmas Day, locals and travelers gather for one of the most historical events in Pennsylvania; a reenactment of Washington crossing the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War, a move that would prove to be a major victory and help lead to the colony's ultimate overthrow of the British government in the United States. Admission for this, one of the biggest events in Pennsylvania and most popular Pennsylvania is totally free.