Family Fests Near and (Not Too) Far

The beach is not the only space filling up quickly this summer-so are your calendars! The Northeast is ablaze with both warm sunshine and incredible summer festivals for the whole family to enjoy. From cheese samplings to bagpipes, from square dancing to rocket launchings, there is something for everyone. Each fest's unique forms of entertainment and food will leave your family anxiously awaiting next summer's festivities. So, grab the fam, check out what's coming up and save these dates! Star-Spangled Sailabration June 13-19 Baltimore, MD Feeling patriotic? There is no need to wait until July 4th to celebrate our country and the writing of the nation's Star-Spangled Banner. Attend this Sailabration and enjoy an international parade of over 40 naval vessels and ships sailing into Baltimore. Attendees will be able to tour the ships for free, participate in waterside events and watch the free Star-Spangled Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. Have memorabilia signed at the Blue Angels autograph session, examine the aircraft display, and treat your ears to the tunes of the Star-Spangled Symphony. Whatever events you choose to participate in, this festival will be one for the history books! [starspangled200.com](http://www.starspangled200.com/index.php) Fairfield County Irish Festival June 15-17 Fairfield County, CT Treat yourself this Father's Day weekend by attending this lively celebration of all things Irish! With non-stop music, pipe bands, dance and cultural exhibits galore, the festival offers activities the whole family can enjoy. A ride tent will delight children of all ages, while dads can spend Father's Day rooting on an outdoor Irish sporting event. Abundant kid activities, traditional Irish food and tons more! [irishfestival.org](http://irishfestival.org/) Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival June 16-August 26 Becket, MA For everyone who loves to bust a move, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival is the hot spot to be this summer. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Jacob's Pillow is the longest running dance festival in the U.S. Internationally acclaimed performers grace the stage in a variety of performances and types of dance, with dancers showcasing everything from grand jetés to edgy hip rotations. Free talks and tours guarantee that dancers of all ages will find something to enjoy, from perusing the festival's reading room to studying the curated art and photography exhibits. With this much to do, you wont be able to resist dancing the night away! [jacobspillow.org](http://www.jacobspillow.org/festival/) Celtic Fling and Highland Games June 22-24 Manheim, PA Witness a compelling celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic heritage at this festival of dance and narrative, which kicks off with an evening concert on Friday, June 22. Watch as patrons compete in games such as the Scottish Hammer or the Sheaf Toss. [parenfaire.com](http://www.parenfaire.com/celtic/main.html) Smithsonian Folklife Festival June 27-July 1 and July 4-8 Washington, D.C. Get your little ones' brains buzzing! Local scholars and Smithsonian curators will serve up daily doses of music, song, dance, crafts and cooking. This year's festival features programs on Creativity and Crisis, Campus and Community and Citified. All the fun happens for free at the National Mall. [festival.si.edu](http://www.festival.si.edu/) Boston Harborfest June 28-July 4 Boston, MA Celebrate in the historic city of Boston! Enjoy historical re-enactments, tours and cruises. Children will beam as they watch The BaHa Brothers, Wayne Potash and the Music Fun Band, and Fly by Night perform. There are over 200 must-see events (not an exaggeration, folks) at this festival-particularly the spectacle known as Chowderfest! [bostonharborfest.com](http://www.bostonharborfest.com/) To read the full list of festivals at New York Family Magazine [click here](http://www.newyorkfamily.com/newyork/blog-2963-family-fests-near-%28not-too%29-far.html).