Events & Festivals
Crowd at the Dominica Jazz Festival photo by Tonya Fitzpatrick
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
– Susan Sontag
From villages to big cities, festivals and events bring people together to celebrate culture, heritage, cuisine or just about anything. From religion to music, from agriculture to sports, from food to just plain fun, festivals and events sustain communities and encourage travel all over the world.
A trip or a small drive to an event with friends or with family needs no reason except just fun. And most importantly we can take a break from our daily routines and experience some celebration without going away too far. Festivals reminds us of our cultures, traditions, and above all is a time to celebrate with family.
There’s something about Martha’s Vineyard in August that feels like a reunion — not just of families, but of ideas, artistry, and culture. Tucked inside this summer tradition is one of the most important cultural gatherings happening anywhere: the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF).
If you’ve never been to the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF), here’s your invitation to something truly special. This isn’t just a film festival. It’s a celebration of Black creativity, legacy, and community — all set against the stunning backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard. Every August, Oak Bluffs transforms into a vibrant hub of storytelling and connection. It’s where filmmakers, activists, artists, and audiences gather to experience a week of screenings, panels, parties, celebrity sightings and cultural exchange. If you’re joining for the first time, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
This week, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” returns to Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta. Better known as the Calgary Stampede, this annual 10-day event features an opening parade, a rodeo, a festival filled with rides and indulgent treats, as well as pancake breakfasts throughout the community. But, perhaps one of the Calgary Stampede’s most intriguing events is the Elbow River Camp, formerly known as Indian Village.
In this special commemorative episode of World Footprints, we reflect on the courage, grief, and resilience that define the American spirit—from the families of fallen soldiers to the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and the heroism of World War II veterans. This evergreen tribute episode honors those who served and those who continue to carry their memories forward.
An iconic American riverside outpost, Savannah resembles a charming European city fronting an urban-yet-pastoral landscape of botanical gardens and period homes. Here, 100-year-old gigantic moss-draped live oak trees dominate America’s first planned city. Savannah also overflows with handsome squares, monuments, eclectic locals, and a genteel southern heritage.
Viewing a solar eclipse had been a goal since childhood, but after experiencing one, I knew that one would never be enough. I had joined the ranks of the umbraphiles—eclipse-chasers, literally, “shadow lovers.”
PRIDE has always been an important event for the LGBTQ+ community, providing an opportunity to advocate for acceptance and equal rights, celebrate solidarity, and raise awareness of issues that affect the community. While thousands of events are held annually in the United States, it is rare that these events attract the worldwide community—until now.
I ran my tongue around my lips and tasted the lingering flavor of curry and the remnants of spices from masala tea. The morning air was thick with the woody scent of incense sticks. A breeze rustled by. I stopped and took in the grassy scent of banana leaves and a faint whiff of freshly plucked flowers as I began my experience at Thaipusam in Penang.
Surviving the gray skies of winter is easier when you look ahead to the coming colors of spring—and all of those gorgeous tulips. While Keukenhof in the Netherlands remains the motherland of all tulips with its 25-mile flower-filled road trip, tulip bicycle tours, and tulip cruises, it’s not the only place to see these happy flowers. These five tulip festivals around the world also celebrate the multichromatic splendor of spring’s happiest flower.
Few events capture the vibrancy of Indigenous artistry and heritage, like the Annual Indian Market at S'edav Va'aki Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. As a professional photographer and seasoned travel writer, I'm always looking for authentic cultural experiences that tell a story—through people, places, and tradition.
March is Women’s History Month. Celebrated in the UK, the USA, and Australia to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th, this month highlights the contributions women have made to events in history and contemporary society.
Attention DMV! You're invited to join World Footprints on March 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. as Steve Smith and the Nakeds—a dynamic R&B powerhouse celebrated for their rich, soulful innovation—ignite the DMV with an unforgettable benefit concert in support of The Children's Inn at NIH. This isn’t just any concert—it’s a vibrant celebration of R&B’s enduring legacy and a heartfelt call to community. Plus, World Footprints is offering a 65% discount on General Admission tickets, all of which include an OPEN BAR!
