Must-See Events: The most anticipated happenings across the USA this year

This year, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding and will also host the FIFA World Cup final. On top of that, there are several other events worth attending, and even making a special trip for if you don’t live in the area. Here’s a roundup of some of the biggest events across the country this year: 

The Food & Wine Classic 

The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, is considered the OG of events in the food and wine industry. This year’s event will feature celebrity chefs Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence and Tiffany Derry, plus more than 200 curated food, wine and spirits options for you to indulge in.  

• June 19-21: Aspen, Colorado 

Juneteenth celebration 

Head to Galveston Island, Texas, for Juneteenth, which honors the historic announcement of freedom to enslaved people of Galveston in 1865. The events offer remembrance, celebration and community. Festivities include parades, educational programs, cultural showcases and more. 

• June 19: Galveston Island, Texas 

America250 

Various cities across the country will host parades, festivals and major fireworks shows on or near the Fourth of July to mark the 250^th anniversary of America’s founding. Here are a few key events happening to celebrate the semiquincentennial: 

• June 19-July 16: Sail250, a global gathering of international tall ships, military ships and aircraft that will stop in various U.S. port cities: Norfolk, Virginia (June 19-24); Baltimore (June 25-July 1); New York (July 4-8); Boston (July 11-16) 

• June 25-July 10: The Great American State Fair, a coast-to-coast celebration showcasing the food, culture and pride of all 50 states and U.S. territories, will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

• July 3-4: Times Square Ball Drop celebration (July 3) and Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show (July 4) in New York City  

FIFA World Cup 2026 

FIFA World Cup, the world’s premier international soccer competition, will return for its 23^rd tournament this summer starting June 11 in Mexico City. Forty-eight teams will battle for the championship, and various cities across Canada, Mexico and the U.S., including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle, will serve as host cities. See below a few key dates:  

• July 14-15: Semifinals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta 

• July 18: Third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida 

• July 19: World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York City 

Lollapalooza 

Don’t miss this annual multi-genre, four-day music festival in Chicago, which originally started in 1991. This year’s headliners include Lorde, The Smashing Pumpkins, Olivia Dean and Tate McRae. 

• July 30-Aug. 2: Grant Park in Chicago 

Monterey Jazz Festival 

For over 65 years, the Monterey Jazz Festival has celebrated music and cultural heritage with its legendary event honoring jazz musicians, composers and rising stars. This year’s lineup includes the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and special guest Cécile McLorin Salvant. 

• Sept. 25-27: Monterey, California 

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 

Experience the magic of the world’s largest air-balloon festival when more than 500 balloons, from sunrise ascensions to glowing night balloons, lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park in October. 

• Oct. 3-11: Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Art Basel 

Art aficionados will enjoy Art Basel’s American show in Miami. It highlights leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, and showcases works from modern and contemporary artists, as well as emerging talent. 

• Dec. 4-6: Miami