10 Family-Friendly Summer Festivals Across the U.S. to Explore This July
Summer is a sacred time for educators. It’s when the pace slows down, lesson plans take a backseat, and you finally get time to reconnect - with yourself, your family, and the world around you. If you're looking for something beyond a typical beach vacation, July offers an incredible range of festivals across the U.S. that are perfect for teachers and their families. These events are educational, entertaining, and full of culture, music, and fun for all ages.
Here are 10 thoughtfully selected, family-friendly festivals happening this July across the country - each offering something unique for educators looking to make the most of summer break.
1. National Cherry Festival - Traverse City, Michigan
Dates: July 28 - August 5, 2025
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, this festival celebrates everything cherry - from pit-spitting contests to cherry pie-eating competitions. Beyond the quirky fun, the festival includes air shows, parades, and a kids' fun zone. Families can explore the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes or take a relaxing paddle board trip after a day of festivities.
2. Summerfest - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dates: Continues into early July (multiple weekends)
Known as the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest spans 11 days over three weekends. Teachers traveling with children will love the dedicated "Children’s Fest Day," which includes interactive exhibits, kid-friendly performances, and games. Adults can catch big-name bands at night while enjoying lakefront food vendors and fireworks displays.
3. Capital Lakefair - Olympia Washington
Dates: July 16 – 20, 2025
A true community celebration, Lakefair is filled with local charm - think old-school carnival rides, arts and crafts booths, parades, and free outdoor entertainment. There’s also a Grand Finale fireworks show over Capitol Lake, making it a memorable outing for families. The fairgrounds are walkable and safe, ideal for parents with younger children.
4. Gilroy Garlic Festival - Gilroy, California
Dates: July 25 – 27, 2025
This legendary food festival returns with a mix of culinary adventure and family fun. Expect garlic in every form imaginable - garlic fries, garlic chocolate, even garlic ice cream. The festival includes live music, chef cook-offs, and kids' activities like a petting zoo and craft stations. A great fit for food-loving families with adventurous palates.
5. Lowell Folk Festival - Lowell, Massachusetts
Dates: July 25 – 27, 2025
One of the longest-running free folk festivals in the country, Lowell’s event is a celebration of music, culture, and craftsmanship. Wander through downtown as global folk musicians perform on multiple stages, artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, and food stalls serve up flavors from around the world. For educators, it's an immersive way to expose children to world cultures in a fun and accessible format.
6. Picklesburgh - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dates: July 11 – 13, 2025
Named one of the best specialty food festivals in the country, Picklesburgh features all things pickled - plus live music, cooking demos, and a kids' area with crafts and face painting. Located on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the festival’s quirky theme is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Try the pickle juice slushie and check out the giant flying pickle balloon.
7. Summer of '99 and Beyond Festival - East Troy, Wisconsin
Dates: July 18 – 19, 2025
While this one is a bit more music-heavy and nostalgia-focused, it's a fun outing for teachers who came of age in the 1990s. Featuring artists like Creed, Nickelback, and Daughtry, the festival creates a relaxed atmosphere at Alpine Valley—perfect for a parents-only trip or to introduce teens to the music of your era.
8. Seattle Seafair Torchlight Parade - Seattle Washington
Dates: Evening of July 26 or 27, 2025 (TBD)
This magical evening parade lights up the streets of downtown Seattle with floats, marching bands, and community dance groups. It’s a great cap to a day spent exploring Pike Place Market or taking a harbor cruise. Kids love the glow-in-the-dark costumes and interactive pre-parade block parties.
9. Kohl Children's Museum Summer Family Festival - Glenview, Illinois
Dates: July 6 & 13, 2025
Perfect for families with toddlers and early elementary-aged children, this interactive event blends museum exhibits with outdoor activities like butterfly gardens, sensory stations, and live animal demonstrations. It's equal parts educational and entertaining, giving you a moment to relax while your kids learn through play.
10. Kids Fest & Color Splash Party - Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Date: July 26, 2025
Held at Wetmore Park, this free community festival includes inflatables, games, a DJ dance party, and a ticketed “Color Splash” run where kids (and parents!) get splattered with non-toxic color powder. It's a fun, active way to celebrate summer and burn some energy before school’s back in session.
Whether you're planning a short weekend road trip or looking to build a full vacation around a family-friendly experience, these festivals are ideal for teachers ready to make the most of their well-earned break. From music and food to crafts and parades, they offer enrichment, bonding, and a reminder of what summer is really about - celebration, connection, and joy.
If you'd like help organizing a trip, whether personal or educational, our team at Evolve Tours is happy to help you craft something memorable.
📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
