Festivals

Stone building at night adorned with festive string lights at Hubbell Trading Post

NPS

Colorful dancers in traditional dresses performing outdoors.

There's always something to celebrate at our parks.

From the lively La Fiesta de Tumacácori to the Tucson Festival of Books to the American Indian Cultural Arts Festival (to name a few), you'll find plenty of reasons to celebrate—and learn—at the many festivals held in and around national parks.

So many reasons to celebrate

While there are literally dozens of festivals to discover across all of our parks, here are a few suggestions to help get you in the spirt.

Starry night sky over a rocky canyon landscape at Black Canyon of the Gunnison..

Dark skies

Come experience to incredible beauty and vastness of the night sky at one of many dark sky festivals, including the Black Canyon Regional AstroFest at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Four kids smiling, holding branded drawstring bags outdoors at Tucson Festival of Books.

Martha Lochert Photography

For the love of language

If you're a reader, you don't want to miss the Tucson Festival of Books, which welcomes over 100,000 visitors and hundreds of authors to help celebrate the love of language.

People seated on chairs on a parade float in sunny outdoor setting at Nicodemus Homecoming celebration..

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Nicodemus Emancipation Homecoming

Every July, descendants from all over the country return to Nicodemus to celebrate the end of slavery. Homecoming is three days of fun, games, music, events, food, and other activities, with festivities starting in the mornings and going late into the night.

Red lion dance costume in a sunny outdoor setting at Golden Spike National Historical Park.

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Commemorations and anniversaries

National parks tell the stories of our nation, which makes them perfect places to observe, respect, honor, and sometimes celebrate our complex history. From the commemoration of the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad at Golden Spike National Historical Park to the somber reflection on significant battles at sites like Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, parks connect us to our past.

Three friends hiking through a sunny field with tall grass.

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National Park Week

This nine-day celebration of our national parks offers endless opportunities to learn more about the work of the National Park Service and experience the beauty and excitement of national parks first hand.

Colorful hot air balloons float above a winding river and green landscape.

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It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a...

Come be astonished by the colorful, high-flying balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one the world's premier balloon festivals.

A few things to consider

Woman in traditional dress at a vibrant altar during Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Think ahead

While not all festivals require tickets, it's always wise to check with the host park or festival organizers ahead of time to be sure you have everything you need for entry.

Man in traditional attire dances with raised wings; two others play drums outdoors at El Malpais National Monument

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Book lodging early

Nearby lodging may sell out fast, so be sure to book early.

Woman in pink shirt sculpting a clay pot outdoors at Tuzigoot National Monument

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Check the schedule

With many festivals running across multiple days, and offering numerous events and attractions, you'll want to study the schedule so you don't miss any of the fun.

Where to go