USA Travel Events and Festivals in July 2025
Looking for the best travel events and festivals and festivals in the USA this July?
Whether you’re planning a road trip, a cultural getaway, or a summer vacation, July is packed with travel-worthy experiences across all 50 states. From coast-to-coast celebrations to iconic state fairs and music festivals, there’s something happening nearly every day.
Since it’s already June, many spring and early-summer festivals have passed. That’s why this guide focuses exclusively on July 2025 travel events and festivals, giving you a timely, accurate, and detailed list to plan your next adventure.
Below you’ll find a chronological guide to the top travel and tourism-focused events happening in the U.S. in July. Each listing includes dates, location, ticket info, and what makes it worth the trip.
USA Travel Events & Festivals in July 2025
Let’s explore the list of the most notable US travel events and festivals across the 50 states in July 2025.
1. Fourth of July Celebrations 2025
Date: July 4, 2025
Venue: Nationwide (notable: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Nashville, St. Louis)
Tickets: Most events are free; some VIP/fireworks viewings may require tickets
Details: America celebrates its 250th Independence Day with massive fireworks displays, patriotic parades, public concerts, and historic reenactments. Major cities host grand spectacles that draw tourists from across the world. A must-experience for cultural and heritage travel in 2025.
2. Windy City Smokeout 2025
Date: July 10–13, 2025
Venue: United Center Parking Lot, Chicago, IL
Tickets: Single-day and 4-day passes available; prices vary
Details: Chicago’s ultimate summer bash combining country music headliners, award-winning BBQ pitmasters, and craft beer. Attracts visitors from all over the Midwest and beyond.
3. Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival 2025
Date: July 10–13, 2025
Venue: Veterans Park and Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Tickets: General admission and VIP options available
Details: A massive celebration for motorcycle fans featuring group rides, stunt shows, live music (headliners expected), and special exhibits at the H-D Museum. Draws riders from across the U.S. and internationally.
4. California State Fair 2025
Date: July 11–27, 2025
Venue: Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
Tickets: Daily passes and discount bundles available
Details: One of the biggest state fairs in the U.S. offers a full lineup of concerts, food competitions, wine tastings, carnival rides, and agricultural showcases. Great for families and summer travelers in Northern California.
5. Picklesburgh 2025
Date: July 11–13, 2025
Venue: Downtown Pittsburgh, PA
Tickets: Free entry; food and drinks sold separately
Details: A quirky, nationally recognized festival centered on pickled foods and Pittsburgh’s culinary culture. Features pickle-infused recipes, live demos, merchandise, and music. Fun, offbeat attraction for summer food travelers.
6. Taste of Buffalo 2025
Date: July 12–13, 2025
Venue: Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY
Tickets: Free entry; food and drink tickets available on-site
Details: The largest two-day food festival in the U.S. featuring 50+ restaurants, food trucks, wineries, live music, and cooking demos. Ideal for food lovers and summer travelers exploring Upstate New York.
7. Monterey County Fair 2025
Date: July 16–27, 2025
Venue: Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA
Tickets: General admission; discounts for seniors and youth
Details: This classic California fair offers a mix of carnival rides, local agricultural showcases, live music, and traditional fair food—all near one of the state’s most scenic coastal areas. A perfect addition to a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.
8. Bastille Days 2025
Date: July 17–20, 2025
Venue: Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee, WI
Tickets: Free entry
Details: One of the largest French-themed festivals in the U.S., featuring French cuisine, roaming performers, a miniature Eiffel Tower, and cultural events. Adds a European flair to Midwest summer travel.
9. Ann Arbor Art Fair 2025
Date: July 17–19, 2025
Venue: Downtown Ann Arbor, MI
Tickets: Free entry
Details: One of the largest juried art fairs in the U.S. with nearly 1,000 artists. Sprawls across four sections of the city. A major tourism boost for southeastern Michigan each summer.
10. Minnesota Yacht Club Festival 2025
Date: July 18–20, 2025
Venue: Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul, MN
Tickets: Single-day and weekend passes
Details: One of 2025’s most anticipated new music festivals. Featuring Hozier, Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Alanis Morissette. Set on the scenic Mississippi River with a mix of indie, rock, and pop acts, expected to become a Midwest travel staple.
11. Orange County Fair 2025
Date: July 18 – August 17, 2025
Venue: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Tickets: General admission; advance purchase recommended
Details: A month-long celebration of food, rides, livestock, and live music. Welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. A classic Southern California summer tradition is ideal for family travelers.
12. Sequim Lavender Festival 2025
Date: July 18–20, 2025
Venue: Carrie Blake Park, 500 North Blake Avenue
Tickets: Free entry; farm tours and shuttle passes available
Details: A visually stunning and fragrant celebration on the Olympic Peninsula. Tour lavender fields, shop handmade products, and attend craft fairs. A unique agritourism experience that brings travelers from across the Pacific Northwest.
13. Summer of ’99 and Beyond Festival 2025
Date: July 18–19, 2025
Venue: Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Tickets: General admission starts at $120+
Details: Nostalgia-packed rock festival featuring Nickelback, Creed, Daughtry, and 3 Doors Down. Appeals to ‘90s and early 2000s rock fans and is part of a multi-city tour drawing music lovers to Wisconsin.
14. Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival 2025
Date: July 18–20, 2025
Venue: Historic Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, OH
Tickets: Tiered pricing; camping packages available
Details: A fusion of rock and metal music with professional tattoo artistry—hosted inside a famous prison featured in The Shawshank Redemption. Offers a unique tourism appeal with its mix of culture, music, and film history.
15. Cincinnati Music Festival 2025
Date: July 24–26, 2025
Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Tickets: Varies by section; advance tickets recommended
Details: A premier R&B and soul festival that has hosted legends like Earth, Wind & Fire and Janet Jackson. Attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around the country for a weekend of music and nightlife.
16. Newport Folk Festival 2025
Date: July 25–27, 2025
Venue: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
Tickets: Typically sell out months in advance
Details: Iconic American music festival where legends and newcomers share the stage. Ocean views, historical charm, and an unmatched atmosphere make it a bucket-list destination for music tourists.
17. Lollapalooza 2025
Date: July 31 – August 3, 2025
Venue: Grant Park, Chicago, IL
Tickets: 4-Day GA starts around $385; VIP and Platinum options available
Details: One of the world’s most recognized music festivals, drawing 400,000+ people annually. Features more than 170 performances, art markets, food vendors, and skyline views. An anchor for summer travel to Chicago.
18. Musikfest 2025
Date: July 31 – August 8, 2025
Venue: Bethlehem, PA
Tickets: Most shows are free; some ticketed headliners
Details: The largest free music festival in the U.S. Hosted in a charming former steel town with over 500 performances, arts & crafts, and local food. Great for families, music lovers, and road trippers.
Final Thought
July 2025 is packed with unforgettable travel opportunities across the U.S., from iconic music festivals and quirky food fairs to cultural celebrations and state fairs. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country summer adventure, these travel events and festivals offer something for every kind of traveler.
To help you plan with ease, we’ve compiled this entire list into a free, downloadable PDF guide you can save, print, or access offline during your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best festivals to attend in the USA in July 2025?
Some of the biggest travel events and festivals in July 2025 include Lollapalooza in Chicago, Fourth of July celebrations nationwide, the California State Fair in Sacramento, Picklesburgh in Pittsburgh, and the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island.
Which states have major tourism events in July 2025?
States like California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Rhode Island are hosting major events in July 2025 that attract travelers from around the country.
Is July a good time to travel for festivals in the USA?
Yes. July is the peak season for summer events, especially outdoor festivals, food fairs, and holiday celebrations. It’s one of the best months for experiencing large-scale festivals across different U.S. regions.
Do I need tickets in advance for the July 2025 US Travel festivals?
For large events like Lollapalooza, Windy City Smokeout, or the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival, yes—buying tickets in advance is highly recommended. Some events, like Fourth of July celebrations and Picklesburgh, are free, but arrive early for good spots.
Can I attend more than one event during a July road trip?
Definitely. July has festivals happening every weekend across multiple states. With careful planning, travelers can combine festivals, like hitting Chicago and Milwaukee the same week, or pairing the California State Fair with the Orange County Fair.
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