The Best Summer Festivals For Families

The Duchess County Fair — The Dutchess County Fair

Head north this summer to check out some of the most awesome fairs and festivals around. From endless lobsters to Ferris wheel rides and skies filled with hot air balloons, there is something for every family to see and do. Bonus: You really don’t have to travel far, making these spots the perfect destinations for a fun, easy weekend getaway.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Becket, MA
June 14 to August 24
This international dance fest, the longest running one in America, features performers from all over the world, from Harlem to Hong Kong. Take some time after watching performances to head over to Blake’s Barn, which is home to an incredible archive of books and art that is sure to enhance this cultural weekend. jacobspilllow.org

Folk Festival
Kutztown, PA
June 28 to July 6
Kutztown, a small town surrounded by a beautiful sprawling landscape, could not be more opposite from New York City, which is why you should go. Kids will love the pony rides, puppet shows, and petting zoo. And among the many souvenirs available to take home are the traditional treats from the outdoor bake oven! kutztownfestival.com

Boston Harborfest
Boston, MA
July 2-6
Spend a long 4th of July weekend in Colonial Boston. What started out as just 35 activities over a three-day weekend has turned into 200! There are cruises, food, live music, revolutionary reenactments, and fireworks, of course! bostonharborfest.com

Irish Festival
Fairfield, CT
July 13-15
Though this impressive celebration of Irish culture wouldn’t be complete without a pub tent, it also has a kids tent featuring young Irish dancers and puppeteers. And for the competitive spirits, sign up to play in the Donnelly Cup, a Gaelic football tournament hosted each year by the St. Patrick’s Football Club. irishfestival.org

Hillsborough Balloon Festival and Fair
Hillsborough, NH
July 17- 20
Watch the hot air balloon spectacle from the ground or enjoy a ride in one yourself! Smaller fairs will be occurring throughout Hillsborough this weekend as well, so take time to explore all the tents, antique shops, and boutiques that Hillsborough has to offer. (“Firework extravaganza” Saturday night!) balloonfestival.org

Lobster Festival
Rockland, Maine
July 30 to August 3
Though it is certainly recommended, you don’t need to be a lobster lover to enjoy the Maine Lobster Fest. Professor Paddywhack has plenty of fun up his sleeve for all ages and the Marine Tent allows for a hands-on exploration of the creatures living in the Gulf of Maine. mainelobsterfestival.com

MusikFest
Bethlehem, PA
August 1-10
Yes, this is a music festival, but, no, it’s nothing like Coachella. This fest is inspired by the local German roots and features polka bands and a giant dining area called ”Festplatz.” New to the fest is a 5K color run and a volunteer photography exhibition. Headliners this year include Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and Jason Derulo. musikfest.org

Craftman’s Fair
Newbury, NH
August 2-10
Support the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen this summer at the Craftman’s Fair. Go on a walk through the sculpture garden, or spend time exploring the vendors’ tents or pass the day making pottery. There are also workshops designed specifically for kids! nhcrafts.org

Dutchess County Fair
Rhinebeck, NY
August 19-24
This six-day fair is host to the second largest county fair in New York and features some of the best of what New York State agriculture has to offer. Each day is filled with different events. Take a walk down “memory lane,” check out the wildlife exhibit, and stock up on all the farm fresh food! dutchessfair.com

The Great New York State Fair
Syracuse, NY
August 21 to September 1
Living in NYC, it’s easy to forget that there is an entire other part of the state, a huge part really, that has nothing to do with large office buildings and tiny living spaces. Get off the island and explore all New York State has to offer. This giant fair features some big-name musical guests this year like Carrie Underwood, Train, and Journey, as well as competitions in categories such as cooking, agriculture, and arts and crafts to name a few. nysfair.org

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.