Ready for one last hurrah before the summer season dwindles?
The Northeast is awash with fabulous end-of-summer events! From boat racing (with a dash of dragon flair) to everyone’s
favorite curious primate—your calendars will thank us.
Maine Lobster Festival (August 3-7)
This annual five-day claw fest boasts lobster eating contests, a little lobster
diaper derby, a lobster crate race, and over 20,000 pounds of seafood servings.
Whew! Enjoy carnival rides and games, road races, and tours of the US Coast
Guard station. Don’t miss out on the coronation of the 2011 Sea Goddess and watch
as her and King Neptune, floats, drills, and more march their way down Main
Street in the big parade. Rockland, ME, mainelobsterfestival.com.
Musikfest (August 5-14)
As their website slings: “Musik fest = awesome.” How can it
not be? It’s a 10-day music palooza! The historic Bethlehem district will
feature delicious eats, family fun, and of course loads of ear candy—most of
which is free. This year’s spectacular line-up includes tween favorite pop
stars Miranda Cosgrove and Nick Jonas. Also performing: Maroon 5, Train with
Gavin DeGraw, and over 50 other favorites! Bethlehem, PA, musikfest.org.
Curious George Cottage Family Festival (August 13-14)
Everyone’s favorite primate is ready to meet his doting fans. Delight over
storytime, explore nature trails, get crafty, and munch on yummy banana
pancakes—all with the infamous Curious George by your side! Little ones can
also sing and dance to the Mango Groove Steel Band and Vanessa Trien and the
Jumping Monkeys. Other event highlights include planetarium shows, rocket launching,
a mad science show, plus a traveling barnyard. Don’t forget to visit the Man
with the Yellow Hat! Waterville Valley, NH, thereycenter.org.
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival In New York (August
13-14)
Over 1,000 participants will row-row-row their (dragon)
boats at this annual festival. Win “oar” lose, this cultural and sporting
celebration guarantees fun with live performances and ethnic food galore. Come
rain or shine! Flushing, NY, hkdbf-ny.org.
Atlantic City Air Show (August 17)
For thrills at Atlantic City just look up as military and civilian pilots
perform heart-stopping maneuvers, formation flying and solo routines. Catch
performances and demonstrations by the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds, the US Army
Golden Knights, Super Hornet and many more gravity-defying acts that will keep
the whole family mesmerized. Atlantic City, NJ, atlanticcitynj.com.
Pittston Tomato Festival (August 18-21)
Take a bite out of summer! Lap up all the delicious food, games (bingo,
anyone?) and rides, as well as live entertainment. Don protective goggles and
bombard friends with as many rotten tomatoes as you’d like or watch as little
Mr. and Miss Tomato are crowned for the parade. On an even juicier note,
proceeds benefit local charities. Pittston, PA, pittstontomatofestival.com.
Dutchess County Fair (August 23-28)
During this jam-packed six-day fest, take a leisurely stroll throughout the
162-acre fairgrounds. Complete with a craft tent, wildlife exhibition and
carnival, the whole family can catch performances by country stars Kellie
Pickler, Travis Tritt and legendary rockers REO Speedwagon. Rhinebeck,
NY, dutchessfair.com.
The Great New York State Fair (August 25-September 5)
For a final taste of summer, the mother of all fairs supplies everything
from a puppet parade to a petting zoo. Families can compete in a talent
showcase or even a flower show. For musical musings, treat yourself to a
concert featuring big name acts like Maroon 5, Journey and Lady Antebellum. Syracuse,
NY, nysfair.org.
American Folk Festival (August 26-28)
With four unique stages, this festival brings music, song, and dance from all
around the globe to Bangor. Purchase original handcrafted items and savor
dozens of ethnic foods (like alligator bites and spanakopita). After getting
your fill, stop by The Children’s Village—broken down into four cultural
neighborhoods—for kiddie crafts like Mexican tissue-paper flowers. Bangor,
ME, americanfolkfestival.com.
Downtown Plymouth Waterfront Festival (August 27)
Revel in all the family fun through favorites like the Ducky Dash, carnival
rides, and help pick Plymouth’s own idol in their 6th Annual
Competition. Cap the summer off with live entertainment and a meet-and-greet
with Wally the Green Monster. Plymouth, MA, plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com.
