Party Here, Not There

Words by Christine Van Dyk

Travel season is almost here, and you probably have a long list of places to go and things to see; but have growing crowds and soaring prices put your favorites out of reach? Here’s an

alternative list—festivals, events, and seasonal traditions that promise just as much fun without the hype and a bit closer to home.

Skip Coachella. Go to Bonnaroo.

While everyone loves those images of Taylor vibing with her guy, Coachella isn’t the only music ticket. Bonnaroo invites you to a farm in Manchester, Tennessee for a party that celebrates creativity and positivity. What began as a jam-band festival now features acts of every genre from Lizzo to U2, The Weeknd to Chappell Roan.

You’ll camp under the stars and dance to pop-up disco parties. Take in art installations and cool off at an entertainment village with its own classic arcade, cinema, and comedy club. At “roo” it’s about ‘peace, love, and music.’

Harvest Season in Shenandoah Valley instead of Napa

Every fall California wine country produces a new crop of grapes and farmers race to pick the fruit at its peak. The best wine is shared at harvest parties. While the West Coast may seem like the obvious choice for such a gathering, there are plenty of places to toast the autumn crush closer to home…like Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

October is one of the most spectacular times to experience the valley and enjoy her flavors. Not only are the leaves painted shocking shades of red, amber, and gold, but the wine is flowing. You’ll enjoy award-winning varieties and you can even jump in for some traditional grape stomping. Plus, there’s live music, artwork to admire, and communal tables for enjoying the area’s best seasonal food.

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, TX—No Passport Needed

Munich may be the original Oktoberfest but that doesn’t mean you can’t still throw on a dirndl and toss back some steins on this side of the pond. The party happens late-September and goes into October in several American cities known for their German heritage; one of our favorites is right here in the South.

Nestled in the Texas hill country, Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants in 1846. Today, this Texas-sized party is full of oompah music, gingerbread baked goods, and of course, lots of beer. Savor some bratwurst or a giant pretzel in the Marketplatz. Then, shop for lederhosen before joining the crowds doing the chicken dance in the polka capital of the Lone Star State.

Easter in Tarpon Springs, not the Greek Isles

Holy Week is without question the most important celebration in Greek culture, but you don’t need to hop a flight to the Greek Isles. In Tarpon Springs, a small fishing village in the Big Bend of Florida, America’s largest Greek community has celebrated Epiphany since the 1800s. The festival begins when the Archbishop blesses a golden cross and tosses it into the bayou.

Young boys dressed all in white dive after the relic for a chance at divine blessings. Stroll the docks where fishing boats unload natural sponges, visit the impressive Saint Nicholas Cathedral, and sample tasty Greek eateries like Hellas—their sticky baklava is even better than your yaya’s.

Enjoy racing at Keeneland instead of Churchill Downs

There’s no doubt Churchill Downs is the place to be on Derby Day; but throughout the year nothing beats Keeneland for idyllic charm and Kentucky horse tradition. In the heart of Bluegrass Country, this is where well-heeled locals come to appreciate a horseman’s track where breeders hail from family farms and the landscape is simply stunning. It’s the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, offering tours of the grounds and racing events every Spring and Autumn. The best part is that a general admission ticket will only cost you $5!

Mardi Gras in Mobile not New Orleans

The oldest American celebration of “Fat Tuesday” dates back to 1703 but it wasn’t in New Orleans. In fact, the birthplace of Mardi Gras is Mobile, Alabama. The celebration came about as a way for people to indulge in a bit of excess before giving something up for Lent.

The Mobile party is chock-full of history and has its own unique traditions: parades are called “boom-booms”, masked revelers toss MoonPies into the crowds, and inflated cow-bladders compose the costumes of the Knights of Revelry krewe! There are 70 balls, more than 40 parades, and countless King Cakes, including an eight-pound showstopper made with crawfish-cornbread dressing and seafood cream sauce. While there are plenty of ways to get your party on, Mobile Mardi Gras is more family-friendly, a bit less crowded, and every bit as fun as the Big Easy.