JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND MARCH

 

NORTHEASTERN U.S.
January 11–13
Boston Celtic Music Festival
Boston
Local bands celebrate Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton music at this annual event. National fiddle champions, along with accordion, bouzouki, flute, and guitar players, perform with dance troupes for three days of traditional music and dance.
yellowcarmusic.com/bcmfest

January 23–March 1
American Songbook
New York City
Lincoln Center’s renowned series returns for its tenth season, with 21 performances celebrating the diversity and breadth of American popular music. Various artists play a range of styles, including cabaret, folk, R&B, pop, country, rock, and bluegrass. Click on Programs and Organizations on the Lincoln Center’s Web site for a schedule of performances.
lincolncenter.org

February 2–May 18
Secrets of Circles
Pittsburgh
This exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh focuses on the math, science, and beauty behind the familiar shape. Visitors can uncover the secrets of the circle and learn more about its presence in nature, machines, art, and cultures around the world.
pittsburghkids.org

February 8–September 1
RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture
Washington, D.C.
The National Portrait Gallery presents a collection of photographs, portraits, and video installations featuring hip-hop icons. Highlights include portraits of artists such as LL Cool J and Ice-T, each based on a famous European or American painting from the 17th–19th centuries, as well as murals by two D.C.-based graffiti artists.
npg.si.edu

February 9–April 27
Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins
Philadelphia
This 6,000-square-foot exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences takes visitors on a journey from the North Pole to the South Pole. Learn about the Earth’s polar regions through interactive games, authentic artifacts, and the latest scientific research.
215.299.1000
ansp.org

February 9–May 4
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination
Philadelphia
Science and fiction collide at The Franklin Institute’s latest exhibit. Explore the hard facts behind the fantasy technologies depicted in the Star Wars movies.
215.448.1200
fi.edu

February 24–May 12
Design and the Elastic Mind
New York City
This exhibit at MoMA takes a look at how designers help people deal with changes in technology, science, and social mores by creating everyday items from concepts that may have been inconceivable just a decade ago. The exhibit includes everything from nanodevices to vehicles, and from appliances to interfaces.
moma.org

February 28–March 3
Artexpo New York
New York City
The world’s largest fine and popular art fair marks its 30th anniversary this year. Held at the Javits Convention Center, the show features traditional and modern works including paintings, sculptures, and photography. This year a lecture series will be open to the public for the first time.
artexpos.com

March 2–9
Philadelphia Flower Show
Philadelphia
The world’s premier indoor flower show celebrates the birthplace of jazz with a New Orleans theme for 2008. “Jazz It Up!” features pumped-up versions of the Crescent City’s walled courtyards, cast-iron balconies, fountains, and canals. The show is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
theflowershow.com

March 29
42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival
Washington, D.C.
The skies above the National Mall will be filled with colorful paper and ribbons, as kite fliers from around the country and the world gather to celebrate their hobby. The event dates to 1967 and was created by Paul E. Garber, founder of the National Air and Space Museum.
kitefestival.org

March 29–April 13
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.
The city welcomes spring with this signature event now in its 96th year. The festival celebrates the city of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the people of D.C. in 1912. A parade is set for April 12.
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

MIDWESTERN U.S.
January 23–February 3
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Celebrate the season in one of the country’s snowiest big cities. Highlights of the festival include ice carving and snow sculpting competitions, a parade, and plenty of activities for children.
winter-carnival.com

January 30–February 3
U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The nation’s best snow sculptors compete for bragging rights in this annual competition happening just 90 minutes from Chicago or an hour from Milwaukee. Fifteen teams work for three days and nights to create glittering works of art from three-ton, ten-foot-high cylinders of snow. The event is held in conjunction with the town’s Winterfest, which features a carnival, parade, and fireworks.
lakegenevawi.com

February 1–29
Museum of Modern Ice
Chicago
Millennium Park hosts this winter celebration featuring the installation of boldly colored abstract paintings in ice by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. The U.S. debut of Halloran’s Paintings Below Zero features a massive ice wall measuring 95 feet long and nearly 12 feet high. Another of Halloran’s creations will be embedded into the park’s ice rink so visitors can skate on its multicolored surface.
museumofmodernice.com

February 8–17
Chicago Auto Show
Chicago
The largest car show in North America, this event dates to 1901. Now held at the McCormick Place complex, the show features nearly a thousand different vehicles, including domestic and imported cars, trucks, and SUVs; experimental and concept cars; and antiques and collectibles.
chicagoautoshow.com

SOUTHERN U.S.
January 5–8
Elvis Birthday Week 2008
Memphis
Celebrate the birth of the King with a weekend full of activities at his Graceland mansion. There will be birthday cake for all visitors on January 8.
elvis.com

January 6–February 5
Mardi Gras Season
New Orleans
The carnival season officially begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, and features parties, parades, balls, and celebrations — all leading up to Fat Tuesday. A complete parade schedule is available online.
mardigras.com

January 11–13
AmeriStamp Expo
Charlotte
Both avid philatelists and beginners will fill this event held at the Charlotte Convention Center. The expo features 85 dealers from around the world, thousands of exhibits, collection evaluations from the National Stamp Dealers Association, and a booth for new collectors.
stamps.org/AmeriStamp/Intro.htm

January 16–19
South Beach Comedy Festival
South Beach
Now in its third year, this four-day event features Roseanne, Margaret Cho, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, and many others. Performances take place at Jackie Gleason Theater, Lincoln Theatre, and Colony Theatre. In addition, a free stand-up stage is set up along Lincoln Road.
southbeachcomedyfestival.com

January 17–February 16
American Red Cross 2008 Designers’ Show House
West Palm Beach
Top designers show off their talents inside an eight-floor luxury condominium featuring four bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, a library, a separate catering kitchen, and a private elevator. The public is invited for tours with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter.
redcross-pbc.org

January 23–27
19th World Orchid Conference
Miami
The world’s most prestigious orchid event takes place at the Sheraton Miami Mart Hotel’s exhibition center. Held only once every three years, the conference includes lectures, workshops, and one of the largest orchid shows and sales on the planet. Thousands of orchids, including rare species and creative hybrids, will be on display.
19woc.com

February 21–24
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
South Beach
This star-studded event brings together some of the world’s top chefs and Food Network personalities, such as Rachael Ray and Mario Batali. Packed with tastings and seminars, the festival benefits Florida International University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant, as well as the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.
sobewineandfoodfest.com

February 28–March 2
Charleston Food + Wine Festival
Charleston, South Carolina
Celebrate the best of low-country cuisine at this annual event billed as “four days of indulgence in one of America’s best culinary destinations.”
charlestonfoodandwine.com

March 15
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival
Charlotte
Be Irish for a day at this 12th annual event featuring Irish and bagpipe music, dancers, and plenty to eat and drink.
charlottestpatsday.com

March 20–April 5
Savannah Music Festival
Savannah
Georgia’s largest music festival is a 17-day marathon of nearly 100 events at theaters, auditoriums, and other venues around the historic city. Highlights include new works from drummer Stewart Copeland, who just finished a world tour with The Police, and jazz trombone great Wycliffe Gordon.
savannahmusicfestival.org

WESTERN U.S.
January 3–6
San Diego Boat Show
San Diego
See more than 300 boats and yachts, get free boating and sailing lessons, and check out Twiggy the water-skiing squirrel at this 20th annual event held at the San Diego Convention Center.
sandiegoboatshow.com

January 10–13
Wintersköl
Aspen
The city’s annual “toast to winter” includes activities at Aspen’s four ski mountains — Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk — as well as a parade, a canine fashion show, a fair, and fireworks.
aspenchamber.org

January 11–13
Photo L.A.
Los Angeles
The 17th Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition takes place at the Santa Monica Airport’s 35,000-square-foot Barker Hangar. A new location for the event, the space provides more room for attendees and for larger displays of photo-based art, including digital and video.
artfairsinc.com

January 22–April 27
The Search for Universals in Human Emotion
San Francisco
The Exploratorium hosts this photo exhibition featuring the work of psychologist Paul Ekman. His photographic study of human facial expressions, conducted 40 years ago with the isolated South Fore people of New Guinea, has had a major impact on our understanding of human emotions and evolution.
exploratorium.edu

January 25–27
Oregon Truffle Festival
Eugene
Truffles aren’t only found in the Old World. Oregon is recognized as the premier center of truffle research and expertise outside Europe. Each year, this event celebrates the delicacy with three days of cooking demonstrations, lectures, dinners, wild truffle forays, and a truffle dog demonstration.
oregontrufflefestival.com

February 12–14
Southwest Polka Party
Las Vegas
This 17th annual event celebrates the sounds of the accordion. Five bands perform over three days at The Orleans Hotel & Casino.
southwestpolka.com/LasVegas.htm

February 14–17
Seattle Festival of Improv Theater
Seattle
This annual performing and teaching exposition showcases some of America’s most innovative and entertaining improv talents. Since it began in 2002, the festival has grown to become the country’s best showcase of unscripted, interactive theater.
seattleimprov.com

February 29–March 1
Phoenix Sister Cities WorldFEST
Phoenix
Booths featuring interactive and educational activities let kids and adults explore each of Phoenix’s ten sister cities — Calgary, Canada; Catania, Italy; Chengdu, China; Ennis, Ireland; Grenoble, France; Hermosillo, Mexico; Himeji, Japan; Prague, Czech Republic; Ramat-Gan, Israel; and Taipei, Taiwan. Adults can also sample beers from around the world and hear live bands.
phoenixsistercities.org

February 29–March 2
Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show
Albuquerque
More than 200 exhibitors from around the world gather at the Sandia Resort and Casino Events Center to present the largest collection of hot and spicy products ever assembled in the U.S.
fiery-foods.com/ffshow

EUROPE
January 18–27
53rd Belgium Antique Dealers Fair
Brussels
Exhibitors from Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Holland, Switzerland, and Monaco display a wide range of antiques. Find everything from jewelry and books to furniture, carpets, tapestry, drawings, paintings, sculpture, and photography. The event attracts about 35,000 visitors each year.
antiques-fair.be

February 15–24
The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Dublin
Since 2003, this festival has presented new releases, classics, and small-budget films from Ireland and around the world. Screenings take place at venues around the city.
dubliniff.com

March 3–16
Poets’ Springtime
Paris
The City of Lights waxes poetic for two weeks of events devoted to the art of poetry. Debates, exhibitions, recitals, workshops, and more are held at locations around the city, including street corners, cafes, and museums.
printempsdespoetes.com

March 13–16
Rome Marathon
Rome
Runners wind their way past several of the city’s most famous sites, including the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Marathon Village is set up during the three days leading up to the race and features vendors and concerts.
maratonadiroma.it

CANADA
January 25–February 7
WinterCity Festival
Toronto
A citywide celebration of Toronto’s arts scene and culinary offerings, this festival features open-air musical and theatrical performances, as well as indoor events. Visitors can enjoy backstage tours of top attractions, as well as Winterlicious, a series of culinary events and prix fixes promotions at more than 100 restaurants.
toronto.ca/special_events

January 26–February 10
Fête des Neiges de Montréal
Montreal
Held in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the annual festival features musical performances and a range of snowy activities, including ice skating, tubing, snow-sculpture carving, hockey games, and “beach” volleyball.
fetedesneiges.com/en

MEXICO
January 16–19
Cabo San Lucas International Wine Festival
Cabo San Lucas
Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas and Wine Country Network have teamed up to sponsor this first-ever event featuring seminars, mixology lessons, and cooking demonstrations. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Wines of Mexico Grand Buffet and Tasting as well as Grand Tasting of International Wines. The events are held at Pueblo Bonito’s Pacifica, Sunset Beach, and Rose resorts. In addition, vintners will host wine-pairing dinners at the resorts’ restaurants.
cabowinefest.com

January 29–February 3
Zihua Sail Fest
Zihuatanejo
Vessels begin arriving in early November from as far away as Alaska and the Caribbean for this festival, now one of Mexico’s premier sailing events. The goal is to raise money for underprivileged children in the area, and participants can also pitch in by helping to repair local schools. The festival features cocktail parties, live auctions, sailboat and dinghy races, poker chases, a kids’ day, beach parties, seminars, ham radio tests, chili cookoffs, street fairs, and regattas.
zihuasailfest.com