The Gilroy Garlic Festival. Scroll down for more details. Photo courtesy of The Gilroy Garlic Festival.
We can’t begin to count the number of festivals that take place throughout the year. Nearly every city or rural community has reason to celebrate something significant. For RVers, festivals provide a great means to load up your rig and hit the highway to some of the major events and enjoy all the attractions and services along the way. To narrow your choices, RVlife.com has put together a handful of popular – and unique – festivals of 2016 as a starting point. From foodies to car enthusiasts, there’s an event taking place we just know you will enjoy.
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival – June 17-19, Avon, Ohio
The parade and fashion show (above) are always interesting highlights of the event. Photos courtesy of the Duck Tape Festival
In its 13th year, this is an event unlike any other, which celebrates the multi-purpose use of one of North America`s favorite household item. If you haven`t already guessed, the event showcases duct tape in all forms and functions through art, fashion, parade floats and more. According to event organizers, the festival also commemorates the heritage of Avon, which is named The Duct Tape Capitol of the World and home to the Duck brand of duct tape. With free admission, there`s plenty of activity all weekend with carnival rides, great food, a Duck Tape parade (with Duck Tape floats), Duck Tape Sculptures, Duck Tape arts and crafts, plus a main stage featuring live entertainment. While campgrounds are not available in the immediate area of Avon, there are several around the surrounding region. Navigate here to find the best option during your visit. www.ducktapefestival.com
UFO Festival Roswell – June 30-July 3, Roswell, New Mexico
For three days, visitors here can take in everything the event has to offer. Photo courtesy of the UFO Festival Roswell
Held in Roswell, NM, just 30 miles from where a mysterious, flying disk object reportedly crashed July 7, 1947, the UFO Festival Roswell now annually celebrates what became best known as the UFO Incident. For 2016, the event will be held June 30 – July 3 and for three days, UFO enthusiasts, skeptics and curious visitors alike come together to enjoy guest speakers, authors, live entertainment, a costume contest, a pet costume contest, parade, and family-friendly activities on the UFO theme. With too many details and images to feature, we suggest visiting www.ufofestivalroswell.com for all the information. Six parks are located in the area with more nearby. Be sure to navigate to www.rvparkreviews to get the best site and location for your visit.
Collingwood Elvis Festival – July 20-24, Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
The event has been popular since 1995 and attracts upwards of 30,000 Elvis fans over four days. Photo courtesy of The Collingwood Elvis Festival
If you can’t make it to Graceland this year, the acclaimed Collingwood Elvis Festival is perhaps the next best thing for fans of The King north of the border. The event has been going strong since 1995 and attracts upwards of 30,000 people over four days. Located approximately two hours north of Toronto, this is where visitors can enjoy the Tribute Artist Showcase/renowned Elvis impersonation contests, memorabilia vendors, a Tribute Artist Classic Car Parade, Sunrise Gospel Worship, and more. This year, according to event producers, the event has a theme of “Elvis: Timeless,” providing a chance to learn about the man his music, his attitude and legendary image. You really have to be there, to experience it.
Camping is available in the area and for all the details visit www.rvparksreviews.com
Gilroy Garlic Festival – July 29-31, Gilroy, California
Gourmet Alley where “Pyro Chefs” put on spectacular flame-up shows and prepare garlic-based meals in massive iron skillets. Photo courtesy of The Gilroy Garlic Festival
The Gilroy Garlic Festival has been as strong as its namesake since 1979. Whether you`re a foodie or not, Gilroy, CA, July 29 – 31 should be marked down on your destination list for 2016. Considered “Summer’s Ultimate Food Fair,” visitors can enjoy three days of amazing food, beverages, live entertainment, arts and crafts, cooking competitions and more. A main attraction is Gourmet Alley. Visitors can also enjoy festival faves including pepper steak sandwiches, pasta con pesto, fried calamari, and more. If you really like garlic, try the Gilroy Garlic Ice Cream. The event is also hosted by thousands of community volunteers and has raised millions of dollars for local schools, charities, and non-profit organizations. www.gilroygarlicfestival.com
Woodward Dream Cruise – August 20, Metro Detroit Area, Michigan
More than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles come to the event from all over the world. Photo courtesy of The Woodward Dream Cruise
There are countless international and regional car shows, show n’ shines, and many other automotive exhibits that take place every year. But what started as a simple fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale, MI. in 1995 has evolved into one of the largest one-day automotive events in North America. The Woodward Dream Cruise has, in the past, attracted more than 1 million visitors and over 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles from all over the world. The event takes place annually in the Metro Detroit Area on the third Saturday every August along a 16-mile stretch on Woodward Avenue through nine hosting communities. www.woodwarddreamcruise.com
To find campground in any of the hosting communities visit www.campgroundreviews.com
Houston Hot Sauce Festival – September 17-18, Houston, Texas
The heat index on many samples range from mild, medium and hot, to XXX hot for those with iron-clad taste buds. Photo courtesy of the Houston Hot Sauce Festival
Food is fun and often celebrated. But the variety of fiery condiments that are showcased at the Houston Hot Sauce Festival every year takes the excitement of flavor to an entirely new level. Vendors from all over the country come to showcase their array of impressive gourmet sauces, salsas, marinades, rubs, wing sauce and more. Don’t be intimidated, however, the heat index on many samples range from mild, medium and hot, to XXX hot for those with iron-clad taste buds. Countless of samples are offered and if you want to take home some heat, products are available for purchase. Many food and cold beverage concessions are on site, along with live entertainment, children`s booths and arts and crafts vendors. www.houstonhotsauce.com Many RV parks are available in the area and be sure to book early as space fills quickly.
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