The Reykjavik Jazz Festival has its origins in the Nordic Jazz Days of 1990, and therefore we celebrate our 20th festival this August. Over the twenty years the Reykjavik Jazz Festival has been presented both in spring and winter but this year we hope that August will prove a worthy host for a summer festival from August 13th through September 1st. One can expect up to 50 events ranging everywhere from solo-recitals to big band blowouts.
Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. The Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala. The grand meal served on Onam called Onam Sadhya gives as much delight to the sight as it does to the taste buds. Served on a soft green banana leaf, the colorful food looks even more appetizing. The meal is served in a creative way as people of Kerala have set rules of placing the different colored food on a specific space on the banana leaf. It's lovely to watch (and participate) as people sit in rows on a mat laid on the floor to have the strictly vegetarian meal. Come and enjoy this colorful, flavorful festival!
In Hong Kong, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a major Buddhist and Taoist event. Hungry ghosts are the restless spirits of people who did not have a funeral. There is no one visiting their graves and they do not receive the gifts that Chinese people would take to their ancestors to pay respects. They miss out on food and spirit money. During the Feast of Hungry Ghosts, people want to stop the ghosts causing problems for the living, so many communities provide them with food to appease them. The ghosts feed first but the food does not disappear. Then the living eat the offerings and pray for good luck. Sacrificial offerings are made by burning fake money notes, known as hell money, and even paper television or radio sets. Some families also burn paper houses and cars to give to their dead relatives. The Chinese feel that these offerings reach the ghosts and help them live comfortably in their world. Some presents for the restless spirits are sent to the underworld through fire. So food, paper clothing and spirit money are all burned for the ghosts. Come witness this sacred spiritual tradition.
The Kansas City Irish Festival is a huge celebration of Irish culture. Come see two dozen world class acts on five stages. There is a Heritage tent & stage for music and dance performances, demonstrations and readings, and a children's stage as well. The fun takes place at Hallmark's beautiful Crown Center Square, just South of downtown Kansas City, Missouri - at 25th and Grand. Be entertained by the O'Riada Academy of Irish Dance, Vishten, and David Munnelly Band. Special guests include Barry FitzGerald, from the TV show "Ghost Hunters International," and comedian Ardal O’Hanlon from TV shows "Father Ted" and "My Hero." You won't regret taking part in this craic (fun and light-hearted amusement)!
The Stomp follows the old tradition of stomping grapes by foot…it’s great fun to get your Lucille Ball on and even compete against family and friends. We’ll kick off the stomping with a “Stomp Off” between local Mayors. Then the line forms on the right! Also, this year we are proud to again feature a concert by Robbin Thompson, the Virginia-based songwriter/singer. Robbin was formerly lead singer for Bruce Springsteen’s band Steel Mill, won the American Song Festival twice and has recorded 12 albums. He co-authored Sweet Virginia Breeze, the unofficial song of Virginia. In addition, check out wonderful activities like a kite-flying display, Maize Maze, hay rides, petting zoo, and refreshments. Come and enjoy some open-air family fun!
Ahoy! Welcome to Olympia Harbor Days! If you are a tugboat enthusiast, a history buff, an arts & crafts lover, or simply someone in search of lots of fun, mark your calendar for September 4, 5 & 6, 2009! Harbor Days is an annual festival where tugboats return to the southernmost tip of Puget Sound for three days of entertainment, food, art, history, and a last farewell to the summer. Vintage, working and retired tugboats are moored at Olympia's Percival Landing. Many of them are open for tour on Saturday of the festival. Be on hand at noon Sunday as the tugs leave shore to participate in the Annual Harbor Days Tugboat Races, out in the deep channel of the bay. Extra attractions include the Black Diamond Pirates, model tugboats, Dragon Boat rides, The Steamship Virginia V, and the Hawaiian Chieftain, Lady Washington (star of the Pirates of the Caribbean) & their crews. Hope you can join us and experience the South Sound's classiest event...with a little something for everyone in the family!
The Empire Expo Center's single largest event, the Fair, is a 12-day summer showcase of the best of New York State's agriculture, education, entertainment, industry and technology. You will view over 375 acres of animals, exhibits and displays. See live performances from the biggest names in entertainment. Enjoy Midway rides and games of skill. And savor mountains of mouth-watering food. No wonder almost one million people visited the Fair last year.
We look forward to seeing you again August 27 - September 7, 2009!
Come to the Village of Widecombe in England for some family fun in the country. You'll see Sheepdog demonstrations, a parade, a vintage machinery display, homegrown produce competitions, and more. There will be a few racing competitions as well as activities for children. You can also browse the many trade stands set up around the fair. Come and join in the Widecombe Fair as they support Devon Air Ambulance as their 'Charity of the Year.'
The annual Defeat of Jesse James Days is a must-see occasion for any Wild West fan. This event harkens back to that fateful day when the bandit Jesse James and his band of desperadoes attempted to rob the First National Bank. Citizens out on the street began to arm themselves and fight back, eventually defeating the robbers in a fiery gun battle. See this dramatic event reenacted at Defeat of Jesse James Days. Other activities include an antique tractor pull and plow exhibit, a vintage baseball game, craft show, carnival, square dance, and races. Come for a fun-filled schedule and to go back in time to an exciting moment in history.
The 82nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro, New York City’s longest-running, biggest and most revered religious outdoor festival in the United States, will be held Thursday, September 10, through Sunday, September 20, 2009, on the streets of historic Little Italy, the lower Manhattan neighborhood which served as the first home in America for hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants who came here seeking to improve their lives beginning in the early part of the 20th century. Although this is an annual celebration of faith, the Feast of San Gennaro is known the world over for its festive atmosphere, an 11-day event featuring religious processions and colorful parades, free musical entertainment every day, a wide variety of ethnic food delicacies, charming restaurants and cafes and even a world-famous cannoli-eating competition! The central focus of the celebration takes place every September 19th, the official Saint Day when a celebratory Mass is held in Most Precious Blood Church, followed immediately by a religious procession in which the Statue of San Gennaro is carried from its permanent home in the church through the streets that comprise Little Italy.
This year's festival promises to be as lively as previous ones. The IKARI Band, the Holy Trinity Hellenic Dance Troupes, Kalamatianos, and Tsamikos will all make appearances, OPA! Other than the wonderful entertainment, you can learn about Greek culture through the delicious refreshments. Enjoy all your Greek favorites like a nice Souvlaki, Gyro, Spanakopita (spinach pie), or Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves). To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in some marvelous Greek pastries like Baklava, Melomakarana (nut-filled dough dipped in syrup), and many more scrumptious treats.
September
12,
2009 Pardeeville Watermelon Festival
Love watermelon? Then you won't want to miss the Pardeeville Watermelon festival. Come for the craft fair; you can visit numerous vendors showcasing arts & crafts, photographers, and stroll throughout the flea markets. There'll be games and prizes for the kids. And don't miss the annual watermelon-themed competitions, including Speed Eating, Seed Spitting, Largest Watermelon Judging, and Watermelon Carving. Come and join in this sweet summer event.
Come and explore the majesty and wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights of real working tall ships. Interactive living-history encampments including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers are sure to entertain and amaze guests of all ages and are not to be missed. This event begins on September 11th and lasts until the 13th.
September
14 - 19,
2009 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
The Grand Canyon Association believes that art provides a unique opportunity to educate and inspire visitors about this world-class park. The new Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, which will launch in the fall of 2009 at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, will provide an opportunity for visitors to see the works of some of the best artists in the nation as they seek to capture the beauty of this timeless landscape on canvas. This weeklong event will include the Grand Canyon Modern Masters Invitational, a juried art competition and show, as well as Plein Air and Quick Draw events.
Since 1776, the people of Bardstown, Kentucky have been making Bourbon. Their dedication to the fine art of distilling eventually gave Bardstown the title of Bourbon Capital of the World. Come celebrate this passion and history at The Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival gives you a weekend full of smooth Bourbon, delicious food, and great entertainment, with a healthy dose of Kentucky hospitality thrown in for good measure. From black tie galas to historical tours, there is something for all ages and interests. It's a wonderful five-day event full of activities for the whole family. Beautiful Bardstown is a historical treasure nestled away in the Kentucky countryside. There are shops, fine restaurants, trains, museums and of course the distilleries that have made Bardstown famous the whole world over. Come celebrate the spirit of Kentucky at The Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
While the samurai warriors preferred the refined Nō theatre, the townspeople of feudal Japan (1603-1868) loved Kabuki and it has continued to thrill audiences with its unique blend of stylised acting, dance and music. The three characters which make up the word are ka which means song, bu which means dance and ki which means acting skill. With its history for over 400 years, Kabuki is one of Japan’s finest cultural assets. Recent international tours have included such world-famous theatres as the Opéra Garnier and the Palais de Chaillot in Paris. And now it is to be hosted by the glittering principality of Monaco. You'll see the plays ‘Kagamijishi’ and ‘Narukami,’ with Principal Actors Ichikawa Danjūrō XII, Nakamura Tokizō V and Ichikawa Ebizō XI.
September
17 - 20,
2009 Wine Country Film Festival
In addition to the regular program of over 100 films from around the world, the Film Festival screens 8 movies outdoors under the stars. At both alfresco venues the "gates" open at 5:30PM. You'll be sitting under the stars in an open air theater venue, sipping good wine, savoring seasonal cuisine, and socializing with new and old friends. Dozens of festivities range from open air film screenings to educational symposia, informal receptions with guest celebrities to over a dozen cooking demos, live entertainment, barrel tastings and fun for all ages. Come early to eat, drink, enjoy live music, and meet up with friends. There are special events planned for most outdoor movie nights, so check out the schedule and see what's planned for your date of interest.
The thunder of motorcycles and classic cars line the street as incredible rock bands take to the stage; block party activities include street vendors, food booths, dancing in the street, opportunity drawings and much more. On this date, see perfomers Johnny on the Dot and National Dust rock out onstage.
September
19 - 20,
2009 White Sands Balloon Invitational
It all started in 1992, when Ed Brabson, who is now director of the annual balloon festival, and others managed to get all necessary permissions and launched 18 balloons. The hot air balloons have infused the sky with colors once a year since. The event begins right at sunrise and lasts until the balloons come down, usually 3 hours. There is a Balloon Glow at our local High School, Alamogordo High School, that takes place 30 minutes after sundown, usually 7:30 pm. Come and enjoy this colorful spectacle.
The 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival presented by Verizon will take place at the Monterey Fairgrounds, September 18 - 20, 2009 with over 500 artists performing on 9 stages for 3 nights and 2 days of the world's best jazz, spread throughout the Festival's 20 acres of magnificent grounds. See Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Soulive, and more perform magnificent jazz pieces for your listening pleasure.
September
21,
2009 Celebration of the Vine Harvest Festival
The "Celebration of the Vine" Harvest Festival is held on the 19th and 20th of September this year and includes a variety of events, from wine tastings to live music, with activities that will appeal to all ages. The festivities include grape picking from the vine, viewing grape crushing and pressing, a grape stomping contest, historical farming demonstrations, and more. The kids will enjoy activities like face painting, hayrides and games. Don't forget to bring home (or eat right away) some Vermont-made cheeses and fresh baked bread!
September
22 - 24,
2009 National Plowing Championships
The 2009 National Ploughing Championships will take place on the lands of Eamon and Willie Fennin, Cardenton, Athy Co Kildare, the 22nd, 23rd and 24th September 2009. Not just for the ploughing or machinery enthusiast, the Ploughing Championships will have Livestock Exhibitions, Hunt Chase, Fashion Shows, Tented Trade Village, Vintage Exhibitions and Food Halls, Bio-energy village, Forestry Village and an International Property Exhibition.
September
23 - 27,
2009 Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta
The Nineteenth Annual Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta will prove to be fun for all foodies and aspiring sommeliers alike. Pair savory gourmet with a piquant wine, and you're set for a delicious experience. Attend one of numerous events to learn specialty recipes, champagne and wine pairings, and train your palate with help from master sommeliers Joe Spellman and Tim Gaiser. Wine tastings and gourmet meals prepared by experienced chefs are also in the cards for guests. Book now to begin your adventures in gastronomy!
The Greek Food Festival of Dallas begins on the 24th with its Thursday evening preview night, and then continues on through the weekend with food and fun. Sample the delicious tastes of Greece right here in Dallas! Sink your teeth into a traditional gyro (that's YEE-ROH) or grilled souvlaki (SUE-VLAH-KEY), enjoy a fresh Greek salad, decadent baklava, or a number of other authentic indulgences. The Agora offers aisles of shopping fun. Lose yourself in the marvelous array of gold and silver jewelry, worry beads, sailors' caps, fun fashion accessories, art and hand-crafted creations, CDs & DVDs, cookbooks, icons, decorative items, t-shirts, and so much more. Enjoy live Greek music by Enosis of Boston, and visit the Festival Stage for bouzouki music, and ongoing Greek folk and taverna-style dancing. Opa! Want to enjoy the tastes of Greece without leaving your house? Come check out our fun and entertaining cooking demonstrations. Soon, you'll be recreating your festival favorites right in your own kouzina! Visit our Children’s Area for all the fun designed especially for kids – sand art & crafts, caricature artists, face painting and more. The Agora marketplace also features a number of delights for young festival-goers. Don't miss the Hellenic Culture Center, where you can learn more about our Greek heritage and how the contributions made by ancient Greek civilizations continue to impact our lives today. All who love good Greek food and culture are welcome!
Warrens Cranberry Festival is the world's largest cranberry festival. There is something for everyone at Cranfest, including shopping, contests, a parade and much more. Cranfest boasts over 850 arts & crafts booths, 350 flea market booths and 100 farm market vendors. Look for a new treasure; you'll have 850 opportunities if you visit all the arts and crafts booths! Shop the hundreds of flea market and antique booths if you still haven't found that special something. Stock up on fresh fall produce at one of our 100 farm market booths. Pumpkins, dried flowers, flavored honey, candles, Amish noodles and - of course - cranberries are just some of the tastes of autumn featured in our farm market. If you get hungry during all that shopping, head over to one of our 100 food vendors for some tasty treats.
Come to Hawaii for the Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on Saturday September 26, 2009 at 9:00 am. Watch a colorful equestrian procession of female and male pā'ū riders and extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers. Hula hālau and marching bands will brighten Kalākaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapi'olani Park. This must see event will pay homage to the art of hula. Hula is the expression, the visual of the chant and the story. One can tell a story without hula, but the hula cannot be presented without the song, its foundation. However, dance breathes life and beauty into an already well-maintained narrative. Join us as we share with you the essence of Hawai'i through the hula – let the story be told.
Want to explore your Italian ancestry? Love to play Bocce? Do you wish to be up close and personal with famous chefs? Festa Italiana has just the opportunity for you! You'll enjoy these activities, plus shopping for arts and crafts in the Fisher Pavilion, enjoying some great Italian music, wandering around and picking up a souvenir or stopping at a food booth to try pasta, pizza, an Italian sausage sandwich, gelato and more! And for adults, there are also three Wine & Beer Gardens on the grounds. Bring in your lunch, order a Moretti beer or a glass of Bolla wine, and then sit and watch the activity swirl around you. Don't miss the Foto Italiana exhibition, where you'll view a one-of-a-kind collection of images from several accomplished photographers & 2-D Artists. See some beautiful examples of Italian photography, and maybe get some inspiration for your next project. Friday night guests of the "Taste of Italy" wine event in Exhibition Hall will have first opportunity to select from this year's outstanding collection as a sample of the entire exhibit will be assembled there. A portion of each purchase stays with Festa Seattle to continue its legacy of "Celebrating All things Italian." Festa Italiana is actually a series of events held in late September which culminates in a major Italian Festival at Seattle Center from the 25th to 27th.
The festival of Dussehra is an important celebration in many parts of India. It is celebrated with great fanfare in most parts of North India, Mysore and in the form of Durga Puja in West Bengal. Dussehra is a very popular Hindu festival, which marks the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra also symbolises the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay Dasami), larger than life effigies filled with fireworks of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set on fire with flaming arrows. In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed for his evil ways. Come and watch this traditional fiery spectacle.
From September 25th through the 29th, Hip-Hop takes over the Teatro Greco in Rome! The Hip-Hop Parade is a festival dedicated to hip-hop and street culture. It features the best Italian hip-hop dancers, Hip-Hop International, which features breakdance talents onstage, and Eu-Rap, a music challenge for rappers. Parties, seminars and workshops are all part of the fun. This year features a first time performance from Palestinian rappers First Ramallah Group.
