Given the limits of space and time, I can’t go to every event that catches my eye when I walk by a poster in a shop window or see a message from an artist I follow or get sidetracked online while I’m looking for something else.
So I share them with you.
Because maybe you’ll just happen to be in central Indiana during the Elwood Glass Festival (see #17). Or D.C. for the Art Book Fair (#21). Or maybe you’ll decide to take a detour for a wood oven workshop in Italy (#37). Maybe one of these 44 things is right in your neighborhood.
But, even if I can’t be there, it makes me smile to know that all around the world people are making things and enjoying community festivals and finding new meaning in old traditions and eating good food.
How about you?
+Alaska
1. Bear Extravaganza!
June 23-25 or July 5-7
Sterling and Lake Clark National Park (Meet at Homewood Suites in Anchorage)
3-day photography tour in bear country, where you can view about 20-40 bears each day with Lisa Langell plus an additional photography instructor. Includes all meals, transportation (including round trip sea plane flights to/from lodge) and lodging (1 night in Sterling and 2 nights in a lodge adjacent to Lake Clark National Park.) $2695 per person
2. Peonies in Bloom
July 13, 14, 20 + 21 from 10am – 4pm
Alaska Blooms Peony Farm, Wasilla
Visit peony fields an hour outside of Anchorage during peak bloom time to wander garden paths and take photos. Admission: adults $10 / free for children under 12
Editor’s Note: An Instagram post with big bunches of peonies caught my eye just as the season was wrapping up last year. Alaska isn’t the first place that comes to mind when I think of flower farms, but those long summer days produce some striking results!
+Arizona
3. The Irish in Latin America exhibition
Now – Jun 27
McClelland Library (Exhibit Hall), Phoenix
Traveling exhibit of twenty-three informative panels on the history of Irish immigrants and their descendants across Latin America from 1611- 1968. Tickets $10 (free for ages 6 and under).
4. Arizona Highways and Ted DeGrazia
Now – Jan 29, 2020
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Tucson
The exhibit will commemorate artwork by Ted DeGrazia that was featured in Arizona Highways magazine. Museum admission: adults $8
5. Summer Night Market
May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 30, Sep 27 from 6-10pm
MSA Annex, Tucson
A market under the stars the last Friday of the month (May through September) with local vendors and MSA Annex shops open late.
EN: MSA Annex is a newer sister property to one of Phillip and my favorite Tucson hangouts, Mercado San Agustin. The Annex is about a block away and features local businesses in repurposed shipping containers. A night market is great for avoiding the Arizona sun in the heat of the day – and shop local!
6. Cinema Appreciation
Jun 6 + 13, Jul 11 + 18 at 11am
Washington Activity Center, Phoenix
View and discuss a series of films on a theme over 4 sessions. Ages 16+. Fee $4 + Recreation Pass.
EN: I don’t think I’ve seen a cinema appreciation class at a city rec center before. We’re not always aware of all the great resources that exist in our own cities!
7. Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival
Jun 15, 6–9pm
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort + Spa, Tucson
Mexican food festival featuring food demonstrations and education, live music, and weekend stay-cation packages. A 23-mile area that includes the City of South Tucson, downtown and lower midtown Tucson is home to a high concentration of diverse Mexican restaurants, many of which are family-owned and decades old. It’s known as the “Best 23 Miles of Mexican food in America.” Festival admission $65
8. Independents Week
Jun 30 – Jul 8
statewide
Week-long celebration of local Arizona businesses. Shop local and save 20% with a Golden Coupon, which you can download from Local First Arizona’s site or pick up at one of the hundreds of participating businesses.
EN: “Independents” Week! The week of July 4th! Get it?!
9. 70th Annual Navajo Festival of Arts + Culture
Aug 3-4
Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA), Flagstaff
Traditional and contemporary art for sale, artist demonstrations, authentic food, musical performances, heritage programs, and hoop and social dances. Daily admission (2018) $12
+California
10. Blue Boy Restoration Project
Now – Sep (estimated)
Huntington Art Gallery, San Marino (Pasadena)
Watch the process of conservation work on the iconic painting The Blue Boy (ca. 1770) by Thomas Gainsborough each Thursday and Friday, 10am – noon + 2-4pm and 2-4pm on the first Sunday of the month. This is one segment of Project Blue Boy, which is ongoing from September 22, 2018 to September 30, 2019.
- Free admission with advance reservation 1st Thursday of every month, 10am–5pm.
EN: Usually art conservation work happens in some museum back room or secret basement, so it’s really awesome that much of this yearlong project is open for public viewing – especially since it’s such an iconic painting!
11. Art Around Adams
Jun 1, 12-8pm
San Diego
2-mile music and art walk in the Adams Avenue District.
12. Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Aug 25-26, 10am – 6pm
University Avenue, Downtown Palo Alto
Outdoor fine art festival with original work by 300 artists.
- Chopin and Chandeliers: sidewalk piano virtuosos on the plaza at University + Tasso Streets.
- Italian Street Painting Expo: 60 chalk artists creating larger-than-life works of art on Tasso Street.
EN: Fun to have a fine art festival outdoors with people playing the piano on the sidewalks!
13. Lady Filmmakers Festival
Sep 26-29
Beverly Hills
Festival of films made by women, along with screenplay contests, readings, parties, visual art, and music.
- Submissions are open until June 7.
+Colorado
14. Golden Farmers Market
Jun 1 – Oct 5 (Saturdays), 8am-1pm
Golden Library, Golden
Held every Saturday, except for July 27 (Buffalo Bill Days) in the parking lot just west of the Golden Library.
15. Movies + Music in the Park
August 2, 9, 16 + 23
Parfet Park, Golden
Friday night music and a family-friendly movie on a giant inflatable screen under the stars at Parfet Park at 10th Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Golden.
- 7pm: Bands
- 8:30pm: Movie
- Food will be available to purchase food from local vendors and food trucks, or you can bring a picnic. (No alcohol.)
- Seating: Bring blankets or low-slung chairs.
- Leashed dogs are welcome.
EN: I like the idea of having local bands play before an outdoor movie night!
+Indiana
16. Concerts on the Canal
May 30 – July 18 (Thursday nights)
Kruse Family Stardust Terrace at the History Center, Indianapolis
Summer outdoor concert series.
- 5pm: Stardust Terrace Café opens. All alcohol must be purchased and consumed on site.
- Food: Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages.
- On concert Thursdays, the History Center offers free admission, extended hours (10 am-8 pm), and special exhibits.
17. Elwood Glass Festival
Aug 16-18
Elwood
Festival celebrating the town’s heritage of hand-blown art-glass produced at The House of Glass and Carol’s Legacy Glass. Activities include factory tours, a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food, collectibles, bus tours, demonstrations, photography, a quilt show, contests, and the Vintage Rollers Car Show. Free admission.
- Live bands and other entertainment at the Jim Knoop Amphitheater at Callaway Park. Friday 7-9pm: Helpling, a singer/songwriter from Elwood. Saturday 7-9pm: Magnolia Soul, a group based out of Anderson, Indiana.
- Free bus tours available daily 12-4pm with stops at Carol’s Legacy Glass and the Historic Elwood Opera House.
- Crafts + Commercial Market tents open Friday 12-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-4pm.
EN: Although we weren’t there during the Glass Festival, we got to see pieces being made at The House of Glass and tour the Historic Opera House when we visited Madison County, Indiana.
+Nevada
18. The Inside World: Contemporary Aboriginal Australian Memorial Poles
Now – June 23
Nevada Museum of Art, Reno
94 works by contemporary Aboriginal artists from Arnhem Land. Traditionally, these poles (named lorrkkon or larrakitj) marked the final point in Aboriginal mortuary rites. Today, they are made as works of art. Museum admission: $10 (free for children under 5)
19. VESSEL: Ceramics of Ancient West Mexico
Now – Aug 17
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, Las Vegas
Exhibition exploring form and function through ceramic vessels from West Mexico. Suggested voluntary contribution: $5
+Washington D.C.
20. NMWA’s New York Avenue Sculpture Project
Now – Sep 20, 2020
New York Avenue (east of the White House)
Public art space featuring changing installations of contemporary works by women artists. Currently on display is Huellas y cicatricez (Traces and scars), four totemic sculptures by Mexico City-based Betsabeé Romero that speak to themes of human migration and the natural environment. The structures are constructed from carved tires with gleaming metallic paint and interior lighting.
21. DC Art Book Fair #3
Jul 7, 12-5pm
National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), D.C.
40+ artists will sell art books, zines, comics, and other work. Free admission to both the Fair and Museum.
22. Capital Fringe Festival
Jul 9-28
Southwest D.C.
Showcase of both unjuried and curated shows. 94 productions in seven venues with 13 stages — all within walking distance of each other in SW DC. 60% of the participating artists reside in the DC Metro area. Single ticket $20
+Washington
23. Open Sesame! The Magic of Artist’s Books Revealed
Now – Jun 9
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), Bainbridge Island
Installation of Artist’s Books, a lesser-known art form, which may combine drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, gluing and binding, sculpture, photography, textiles, creative writing, and storytelling. While many university libraries have artists’ books in their Special Collections, BIMA seeks to make the art form more visible to the public. Free.
24. Pigment-Making Workshops with Heidi Gustafson
- Jun 1, 10am-3pm: Island Pigment Foraging Workshop on Whidbey Island. Gather natural mineral colors from sandstone, glacial clay, green earth, and sea-weathered minerals on various coastal and forest walks. Fee $200
- Aug 10-11, 10am-3pm: 2-Day Intensive Earth Pigments at Heidi’s rural studio north of Bellingham. Learn to make pigment from ethically foraged mineral materials, like ochre, soil, clay, dirt, and rock. Includes one day of field work in a Cascade mountain landscape, one day of learning to process minerals according to their particular properties, and your own set of personal earth pigments. Does not include transportation or lodging. Fee $460.
25. Urban Craft Uprising Summer Show
Jun 22-23, 11am-5pm
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle
Urban Craft Uprising aims to build a local community of artists, crafters and designers through events where indie crafters and artists can connect with their fans. Free admission.
26. Seattle Street Food Festival
Jul 6-7
South Lake Union, Seattle
Food festival spanning 5 city blocks, serving over 100,000 attendees and helping to launch new chef-preneurs.
INTERNATIONAL
+Australia
27. Bello Winter Music Festival
Jul 11-14
Bellingen, NSW
4-day boutique music festival in a historic riverside town in New South Wales with over 60 acts in multiple venues. Adult single-day passes $60-80 (+ processing fee).
+Canada
28. Manitoulin Art Tour
Jul 19, 20, 21 from 10am-5pm
Manitoulin Island
Self-guided tour of diverse artist studios, which includes photographers, painters, sculptors, and potters from across Manitoulin Island. The route is a scenic drive across the largest freshwater island in the world.
29. Tuckamoor Wildcrafts Felting Workshops
Oromocto, NB
- Jul 20, 9am-4pm: Felted Landscape Workshop. Make a large felted wool “painting” of a landscape scene. Learn different techniques for various trees, moons, sunsets, northern lights, flowers, etc. and then how to mount your artwork when you take it home. Students must bring small sharp scissors, 2-3 large bath towels, and a piece of cushion foam (at least 2” thick and 24” x 16”). Other materials provided. Beginners and experienced felters welcomed. Fee CA$110
- Jul 21, 10-2 pm: Needle felted Hummingbird Workshop. Learn the art of needle felting and make two or three 4” hummingbirds with clay beaks. Includes a felting kit (felting foam and felting needles), wool, clay, and glass eyes for 4” hummingbirds. Students must bring small sharp scissors and a multi-felting needle holder. If you do not have one, you can purchase one at the class for $15-$20 each. Beginners and experienced felters welcomed. Fee CA$70
EN: I follow Tuckamoor Wildcrafts on Instagram, and they make the cutest little felted animals! Those little hummingbirds are so adorable, I just had to share the workshop info with you!
30. Yukon Culinary Festival
August 1-4
Whitehorse (+ surrounding areas), Yukon Territory
Festival showcasing the Yukon’s culture, local food, and culinary experts.
EN: I’m so fascinated with far northern places – such different climates and cultures than the hot desert I call home. I think I actually spotted this event last year, but they didn’t have the dates up in time for last summer’s happenings list.
31. Regina Folk Festival (RFF)
Aug 9-11
Victoria Park, Downtown Regina, Saskatchewan
Celebration of music and community that seeks to be a forum for positive artistic, social and cultural development in Regina and Saskatchewan. Tickets: single night CA$70 / general admission CA$148 / free for children under 12
+Finland
32. Arctic Art Week
Aug 7-13
Kakslauttanen
Sculptors, painters and other artists from around the world seek inspiration in northern nature and create works of art that will stay at Kakslauttanen on view for future visitors.
+France
33. Géants disparus VR (Extinct Giants VR)
Grande Galerie de l’Évolution in the Cabinet de Réalité Virtuelle (Virtual Reality Room), Paris
30-minute immersive virtual reality journey into the time of the giant animals that populated the earth after the extinction of the dinosaurs. Ages 12+. Advance registration is highly recommended. Tickets may be purchased on site if available. €5 + Galerie admission
- The titanoboa snake, the giant rhinoceros (baluchithère), the megalodon shark, and the giant sloth (megathère) are modeled in 3D with realistic 360° scenery.
- A paleontologist explains the reasons for each animal’s size and discusses the mystery of their disappearance.
EN: I happened to see this right after reading an article about these huge caves in Brazil that were most likely carved by giant sloths or other now-extinct animals. I’d love to be able to see them – even if it is through virtual reality goggles.
34. Les Bals des Pompiers (Fire Brigade Balls)
Paris
Bastille Day parties hosted at a dozen fire stations throughout Paris as fundraisers.
- Jul 6, 9pm-5am: Bal des Sapeurs Pompiers d’Angoulême at Espace Carat. Tickets €5.
- Jul 13, 8pm-2am: Bal des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Val-Revermont et Courmangoux at Sous les Halles. Barbecue and DJ. Free admission.
EN: I shared this last year, because I think the idea of an annual dance held in a firehouse was pretty cool. I’m sharing it again because I think Paris firefighters deserve an extra shoutout for fighting the Notre Dame blaze, while saving so much of its art.
+Ireland
35. Rockin’ Food Festival
Aug 2-5
Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Food and music festival with over 80 local and artisan vendors, outdoor concerts with an international line-up of rock ‘n’ roll artists, food and drink workshops, events and classes.
+Italy
36. Arena di Verona Opera Festival
Jun 21 – Sep 7
Verona amphitheatre, Verona
Festival with five opera performances, one concert, one gala night, and a ballet in the spectacular setting of the Verona amphitheater.
37. La Tavola Marche Classes
Piobicco, Le Marche
- Jul 3-6 or Sep 4-7: Wood Oven Workshop. Includes 3 nights’ accommodations, welcome dinner, Wood Oven class with snacks, wine + handmade apron gift. 3 dinners, 1 lunch, breakfast daily. €1080/couple or €864/single
- Oct 15-20: Made in Le Marche: D.O.C. Wine Tour, Artisan Meat and Cheese Market Trip, Craft Beer Tasting + 3 Cooking Classes. Includes 5 nights’ accommodations, welcome dinner, 3 half-day cooking classes with meals, wine + handmade apron gift, 1-day wine tour with lunch and transportation, Pizza Night Dinner, Apecchio market tour and tasting, breakfast daily. €1025/person (Price based on double occupancy.)
EN: This is the place where we stayed, hiked, and took a cooking class in the countryside. I highly recommend it!
38. Leopardi Writing Conference
July 20-28
Recanati, Le Marche
An immersive program for both new and experienced authors with the purpose of fostering community. Conference consists of writing workshops, readings, panel discussions, and craft talks in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Tuition $875 (does not include airfare or lodging)
- There will be a free day to explore the City of Recanati and the surrounding Region of Le Marche.
- The Gallery Hotel has discounted rates for writers attending the conference.
+Morocco/Spain
39. Nomad Workshops: El Valle Feliz
Jul 31 – Aug 4
Marrakech + Ait Bouguemez (“El Valle Feliz”)
5-day expedition to experience the art and craft of Marrakech and artisan villages in the Atlas Mountains, organized by Duduá (which is dedicated to teaching traditional craft techniques in Barcelona) and local guide Hafida. €1100 (including IVA). Includes transportation within Morocco, room and board (except Sunday lunch and dinner), excursions, workshops, and tours. Does not include airfare.
- Activities: Visit rural artisan towns, attend a tapestry workshop with local artisans, visit textile and agricultural cooperatives, take a cooking class with a Berber family, and tour a rose distillery.
- Lodging in a historic restored kasbah.
- Once-a-year trip with a group limited to 9 people.
- 30% deposit required to reserve your spot.
EN: Every part of this trip sounds amazing.
+Norway
40. Riddu Riđđu Festivàla
Jul 10-14
Northern Troms, Norway
28-year-old international festival focused on fostering pride in the art and culture of the Sámi and other indigenous peoples through music, film, seminars, workshops, art, literature, and theatre. Adult day pass 800 NOK / weekend pass 1,400 NOK
- Camping is free.
- Takes place annually in the coastal Sami Gáivuotna – Kåfjord municipality in Northern Troms.
- Riddu Riđđu means “little storm on the coast” in Sami language.
Art Inspires Expeditions in “Headhunt Revisited” Documentary
+Papua New Guinea
41. Bougainville Chocolate Festival
Sep 21-22
Buka Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Two-day culinary festival in celebration of award-winning Bougainville cocoa.
+Portugal
42. AgitÁgueda Art Festival
July 7-29
Águeda
Music and street art festival with a mission to showcase both established artists and new musical projects. There are local handicraft vendors, concerts, performance art, DJs Public art in the city of Águeda includes the Umbrella Sky Project, an installation with thousands of umbrellas over the city’s streets.
+UK
43. Shetland Wool Week
Sep 28 – Oct 6
Shetland Islands
Annual nine-day festival of of Shetland’s textile heritage with classes, knitting, spinning, dyeing, weaving, tours, exhibitions, open studios, teas, talks and tours.
The Happenings List is my handpicked list of events for people who love art, craft, and culture. I edit event descriptions for length and clarity and do my best to make sure everything is accurate at the time I’m writing it. (Of course, it’s possible that it’s not.)
Let me know if you go to anything on this list!
See captions for photo credits. Uncaptioned photos by Phillip or Stephanie Liebold.
