2018 Spring Festivals Across America

Cherry Blossom Festival — Washington, D.C.

(March 17 to April 15) Beautiful colors enhance the already fabulous views of the nation’s capital during cherry blossom season. Tourists from all over the world flock to the Tidal Basin for breathtaking views. While peak bloom is predicted between March 27 and 31, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 17 through April 15. You may want to consider taking the family to visit April 14 for what has become the nation’s premier springtime parade — floats and bands make their way from the National Archives to the Washington Monument.

Tulip Festival — Mount Vernon, Wash.

(April 1-30) The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a must-see if you’re in the Pacific Northwest in April. The monthlong colorful festival isn’t centralized; rather, you take a driving tour to see the fields of tulips. And timing is everything, as Mother Nature controls the bloom. A bloom map helps people track the progress and plan their trip.

Dogwood Festival — Atlanta

(April 13-15) For more than 80 years, people have been going to Atlanta for the annual Dogwood Festival. Hundreds of artists from around the country set up shop in Piedmont Park, where the dogwoods will be in bloom. If art won’t keep the grandkids entertained, you’re in luck — there’s a children's village that has crafts, face paintings and inflatables.

Avocado Festival — Fallbrook, Calif.

(April 15) Located about 60 miles north of San Diego, tens of thousands of festivalgoers pack into this small village once a year to enjoy avocados. Pretty much everything served is made out of the fruit, including ice cream! The day is filled with events, entertainment and contests — including an award for best-dressed avocado.

AARP Offer: Explore Your World

Explore the ends of the earth with expert advice, tips for vacations and fantastic images.
Sign up for the Travel Newsletter today. Help save for your next dream trip by joining AARP.

Texas SandFest — Port Aransas, Texas

(April 27-29) You’ll see sand like you’ve never seen it before at Texas SandFest. Sculptors use their unique skills and the beach sand to make stunning designs. The event started in 1997 and has grown to a three-day festival. This is the "largest native-sand sand sculpture competition in America" — and a perfect family event.

Sakura Matsuri — Brooklyn

(April 28-29) Also known as New York's Cherry Blossom Festival, this event at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates the Japanese cultural tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season. Beyond the beautiful sights, there’s unique food to try, tea to drink, a mini market to stop by and entertainment to enjoy.

The Orlando Fringe — Orlando

(May 15-28) Celebrate the art of theater, music and dance at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Now in its 27th year, the festival at Loch Haven Park runs for 13 days and includes about 500 performances. Among the many attractions is a large outdoor stage, making this a great spring event.

Alabama Jubilee — Decatur, Ala.

(May 26-27) You and the family will be able to get close to more than 80 balloons at the Hot Air Balloon Classic over Memorial Day weekend. The Alabama Jubilee is one of the few events where you actually can get on the field, take photos and talk with the pilots — and witness the true size of these colorful balloons.

Also of Interest

• Spring break family vacations
• Plan your vacation time
• When to use a travel agent