The Top Seven Events to See in the US

From the Fourth of July fireworks to the World Series, the United States offers a vast panorama of activities and celebrations. Parades, spectacles, sporting events and simple celebrations can be found to suit any taste. Things to see in the US range from musical festivals to ethnic celebrations, and all cater to travelers. Sightseeing during US travel is more than just monuments and architecture. The most entertaining and enlightening sight is often the way the people of the US celebrate their heritage.

New Year's Eve in Times Square in New York City revolves around a gigantic illuminated ball dropping down a flagpole atop One Times Square at the stroke of midnight while more than a million people celebrate below and countless more watch live television coverage of the event. The ball is raised in a ceremony about 6PM and a series of concerts follow, ending at midnight in one of the most memorable moments in American life, the dropping of the ball as the crowd counts down the last ten seconds.

The World Series is the championship of Major League Baseball, played by the teams that one the National and American League championships. The best of seven series is played in the home parks of the competing teams. Since a few MLB teams are Canadian, some games may take place there rather than in the US, but the World Series is still considered an American phenomenon and a great destination for US travel.

The Fourth of July spectacle on the National Mall in Washington DC is the celebration of America's nationhood. The celebration starts with a morning parade along Constitution Avenue and continues with the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival and a series of concerts. The culmination of the festivities, the Capitol Fourth concert and the fireworks over the Washington Monument, make up one of the most spectacular things to see in the US.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the traditional beginning of the Christmas season in the United States. Broadcast on television all over the country, the actual parade travels through New York City beginning at Central Park and ending at Macy's Herald Square. Viewers throng the entire parade route to see the floats, the balloons and finally the first appearance of Santa Claus. So popular is this parade that hotel rooms with a view of part of the route rent for extraordinary prices because the permit sightseeing in comfort.

Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but the extended season often begins as early as Epiphany in mid January. Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, LA begin with private balls at Epiphany. About fourteen days before Mardi Gras a series of parades begin, each sponsored by a different "krewe" or social club. The elaborate floats in these parades are one of the great sightseeing events in US travel.

St. Patrick's Day, March 17, is the festival of Ireland's patron saint. It is widely separated by the Irish diaspora in America and has been embraced by the population at large. The City of Chicago dyes its river green in their honor and stages parades, a film festival and a road race. Informal partying also occurs among residents whether or not they claim Irish descent. Many other US cities also hold St. Patrick's Day celebration.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival features contemporary music in a desert setting. It takes place annually in Indio in central California. The acts are first rate, but the real show is the crowd, particularly in the campgrounds. Coachella is one of the most entertaining things to see in the US western states.