The hippest downtown festivals in the country? (best city, live)

[rorytmeadows]

So any thoughts on the best city festivals in the country?

I worded it like that because I wouldn't be interested in hearing about Bonaroo or akin music festivals, but more like festivals that shut down city blocks or are in a city park and attract a ton of people with food, music, attractions, and other vendors.

Bele Chere in Asheville was very cool for me. New Orleans on Halloween weekend is definitely awesome. I hear Savannah's St Patty's Day can't be beat.

[Ohiogirl81]

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

[Innotech]

This right here
www.festivalinternational.com

[ckhthankgod]

Taste of(name your city here)........Like this: Home

There was this one this past Sunday that shuts the street down: Westcott Street Cultural Fair

There are other cultural festivals with food that shut some of the streets down near this square: http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/clin...areevents.html

This is another one that shut down some streets: AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival » Downtown Committee of Syracuse

[rorytmeadows]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Taste of(name your city here)........Like this: Home

There was this one this past Sunday that shuts the street down: Westcott Street Cultural Fair

There are other cultural festivals with food that shut some of the streets down near this square: http://www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/clin...areevents.html

This is another one that shut down some streets: AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival » Downtown Committee of Syracuse

Can you drink beer and cocktails on the streets of any of those? If so, you may earn some respect points for a dearthy town...

[Innotech]

Festival international takes place on five stages and shuts the entire downtown down for five days. Bands from around the world and street performers, food kiosks from regional restaurants, and 400k people having the time of their lives. Easily my favorite event every year. Its even convenient to park for free at Cajun field and ride the buses into the event. I highly highly recommend attending it at least once in your life.

[rorytmeadows]

Originally Posted by Innotech

Festival international takes place on five stages and shuts the entire downtown down for five days. Bands from around the world and street performers, food kiosks from regional restaurants, and 400k people having the time of their lives. Easily my favorite event every year. Its even convenient to park for free at Cajun field and ride the buses into the event. I highly highly recommend attending it at least once in your life.

You and your post are awesome. Thank you for letting us all know about this. This is the kind of thing I'm after. Smart people get this!

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by rorytmeadows

Can you drink beer and cocktails on the streets of any of those? If so, you may earn some respect points for a dearthy town...

Taste of Syracuse comes to mind on the night of the concert. I believe at some of the other festivals, you can as well.

[projectmaximus]

In Jacksonville the answer would be One Spark, "the World's Crowdfunding Festival." It's a combination of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids and SXSW in Austin. 400,000 visitors to downtown Jax this year.

You are right about Savannah for St. Paddys, and New Orleans is a good choice almost year round.

[bigh110]

Fantasy Fest in key west, Florida is pretty crazy. Its a 10 day long festival . they shut down part of duval street and let things go crazy. The last Friday and Saturday night night are the always the bomb diggity if you cant make all 10 days. you can drink cocktails in the street and lots of crazy costumes and half naked body painted people running around. it culminates in a big float parade on Saturday night. Fantasy Fest is always held the last full week of October.
Official Fantasy Fest Website - Key West, Florida