Discover the top festivals in the United States, including Artisphere, Queens Night Market, Merrie Monarch Festival, Salute Your Shorts Film Festival, Zoo Blooms, Joshua Tree Music Festival, and Delta Hot Tamale Festival.

Best Art Festival: Artisphere in Greenville, South Carolina

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Artisphere in Greenville, South Carolina, takes the crown as the Best Art Festival. This three-day event has gained recognition both regionally and nationally as one of the premier art events in the country. With its outdoor setting, Artisphere allows attendees to meet international-caliber artists face-to-face while browsing and purchasing unique pieces. But it's not just about the art; the festival also offers food, live performances, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for children, creating a well-rounded experience for all.

Best City Food Festival: Queens Night Market in Queens, New York

The top spot for the Best City Food Festival goes to the Queens Night Market in Queens, New York. This weekly, seasonal night market captures the multicultural essence of Queens, known for its diverse culinary scene. Modeled after popular open-air night markets in Asia, the Queens Night Market offers a wide variety of street food representing different ethnicities and cultures. What sets it apart? The prices are budget-friendly, making it an accessible and delicious experience for all.

Best Cultural Festival: Hawaii's Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo

Hawaii's Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo is named the Best Cultural Festival. This festival pays tribute to King David Kalakaua, known as the Merrie Monarch, who was a devoted supporter of the arts. The festival celebrates Hawaiian arts, with a particular focus on hula. It features a hula competition and captivating hula performances that take center stage. Attendees can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii while enjoying the festivities.

Best Film Festival: Salute Your Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, California

The Salute Your Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, takes the crown as the Best Film Festival. Created by filmmakers for filmmakers, this festival has gained a reputation for its outstanding programming and thought-provoking cinema. With industry professionals as judges, the festival ensures a high-quality selection of short films. Whether you're a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, this festival promises to inspire and captivate.

Best Flower Festival: Zoo Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Zoo Blooms at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the Best Flower Festival. As one of only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden transforms into a breathtaking floral paradise during Zoo Blooms. Visitors can marvel at over 100,000 tulips, as well as more than 1 million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs. It's a sensory feast for nature lovers.

Best Music Festival: Joshua Tree Music Festival in Joshua Tree, California

The Best Music Festival of 2024 is the Joshua Tree Music Festival in Joshua Tree, California. Located near the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, this family-friendly festival offers a diverse lineup of live music across various genres. Attendees can also enjoy mesmerizing art installations, workshops, and plenty of activities for children amidst the stunning desert landscape. It's an unforgettable music experience for all ages.

Best Specialty Food Festival: Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, Mississippi

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, Mississippi, is crowned the Best Specialty Food Festival. Greenville proudly holds the title of the hot tamale capital of the world, and this festival pays homage to this beloved dish. Participants can take part in tamale eating and cooking contests, as well as art and T-shirt design competitions. The festival also features a Miss Hot Tamale pageant, panel discussions, food trucks, live entertainment, and a welcome dinner and dance party. It's a lively celebration of Mississippi's culinary heritage.

Conclusion

Congratulations to all the winners of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Festivals of 2024. These events offer unique and memorable experiences for attendees, showcasing the best in art, food, culture, film, flowers, music, and specialty cuisine. Make sure to mark your calendars and experience these exceptional festivals for yourself.