From taking in exotic art forms to chowing down on the nation's best barbecue to hearing all of your favorite musicians in one place, these events are sure to answer any summer whims you have in mind.
Enjoy the "world's best barbecue" at the National Barbecue Battle in Washington, D.C
Spoleto Festival USA -- Charleston, South Carolina
May 27-June 12
Dance, theater, jazz, contemporary circus and opera -- Spoleto caters to them all. The iconic arts festival, entering its 35th year, boasts more than 150 performances over 17 days in historic Charleston.
Among the artistic offerings: Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Spain's Corella Ballet and performances of the Irish play "The Cripple of Inishmaan."
Think the classical arts aren't for you? It's not all orchestra and ballet.
Modern dance, contemporary takes on old favorites and even hip hop are all coming together at Spoleto.
Utah Shakespeare Festival -- Cedar City, Utah
June 23-October 22
Show some love for the Bard at one of the nation's largest festivals dedicated to England's favorite son.
Celebrating 50 years of Shakespeare festivals in Utah, this year's gathering features nine plays, including "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Richard III," "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Winter's Tale," as well as non-Shakespeare plays "The Glass Menagerie" and "The Music Man."
The nearly four-month-long festival is also peppered with various themed shows, seminars and galas in honor of the 50th anniversary, as well as curtain call lunches and backstage tours for Shakespeare enthusiasts.
Summerfest -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 29-July 3, July 5-10
Lofty claims and big names abound at this massive music festival in Milwaukee, which claims to be "the world¹s largest music festival." A good question for the 11 day, 11 stage line-up is, "who isn't included?" 700 bands will be on hand to provide music all day and night.
Peter Gabriel, Buddy Guy, Owl City, Toby Keith, Maroon 5, Def Leppard, Wiz Khalifa, Katy Perry, Goo Goo Dolls, Britney Spears, The Flaming Lips, Sugarland, Kanye West and Kid Cudi are just a few of the acts. Seriously, just a few.
From creole to country, pop to hip hop and everything in between, there's something for everyone at Summerfest. That, plus numerous exhibitors, daily activities for the whole family and a 10k run.
Vieux To Do -- New Orleans, Louisiana
June 11-12
This pure New Orleans experience will have you saying "laissez les bon temps rouler."
The "swamp fest" combines three of the Crescent City's most popular festivals into one culture, food and music filled weekend.
Stroll through the French Market's Creole Tomato Festival, the Cajun-Zydeco Festival and Louisiana Seafood Festival in history-saturated downtown NOLA.
You'll find live music, cooking demos, parades, booths, markets and the "world's largest seafood dish and crawfish boil."
You can find separate information for each festival by visiting Frenchmarket.org, louisianaseafood.com andjazzandheritage.org.
Safeway's National Capital Barbecue Battle 2011 -- Washington, D.C.
June 25-26
If you want to pig out on the nation's best barbecue, with the promise of free samples, hit up the National Capital Barbecue Battle.
True to its name, barbecue teams from all across the nation battle it out for a prize of $40,000 and the coveted title, "National Pork Barbecue Champion." There are other contests as well, involving chicken and beef, but none so lofty as the ultimate championship.
Live music sets a soundtrack for the two days of furious barbecuing and cooking. Ticket sales benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, so you can feel good about stuffing your stomach. ( cnn.com )
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