One of the great aspects of American life is the sheer number and variety of Festivals and Events held throughout the country. These festivals make it easy to combine a day at a fun event with a day at the beach.
Following are my Ten Top Festivals near the beach for September 2008. There are selections here for all four corners of the country along with a selection along one of the Great Lakes.
Bald is Beautiful Convention - Morehead City, NC
The Bald Headed Men of America which is an organization of 35,000 members from 50 states and 39 countries will be having their annual convention on September 13, 2008.
The 26 year old organization hosts clinics and gives awards in a variety of categories. Some of the ones that you may want to enter are the "Most Distinguished Bald Head" or the "Sexiest Bald Head".
Morehead City is in Carteret County where the beaches are marvelous and the water sparkles like crystal.
If you are bald, know someone who is bald or just want to hit the beach, check out this annual event.
2008 RODS & WOODIES CLASSIC CAR SHOW - Encinitas, CA
On September 18th the final show of the year will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Historic cars, a historic road and the beach city setting of Encinitas make for a classic American event. The cars will be on display and live music will play in front of the Encinitas Smog on Hwy 101.
Encinitas is a Southern California classic beach town located in San Diego's North County along the Pacific Ocean. When you think of the California beach lifestyle, you are thinking of Encinitas. Stop by and check out the beaches during the day and the cars in the evening.
The Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival - Los Angeles, CA
Held on September 19, 20 21, this is the world's largest lobster festival. Held 20 minutes south of downtown L.A. this years festival will be flying in over 15 tons of fresh Maine lobster.
Events include a pet parade, pirate camp, magic shows and plenty of live music.
The festival is held in San Pedro near the water and there are plenty of great LA beaches to visit when you're not soaking up the Lobster Festival activities.
La Jolla Rough Water Swim - La Jolla, CA
On September 7th, 2008 the 78th version of America's premier Rough Water Swim will take place. Over 2,000 swimmers compete in a variety of divisions with races ranging from 250 yards for Juniors to 3 miles for the "Gators". Last year swimmers ranged in age from 5 to 85.
This unique event is held right at the beach so you can certainly combine a trip to the great La Jolla and other San Diego beaches with attending the race.
Bizarre Bazaar - Hammond, IN
This unique event on Saturday September 20th offers a wide range of events including a custom car show, canine costume contest, a Symphony Orchestra concert, pie-baking contest and live rock-n-roll.
The event is held in downtown Hammond and is a great activity for adults, children and pets.
When you are in Hammond, visit the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the great prides of the region, this impressive stretch of Lake Michigan shore includes beaches, sand dunes, bog, wetlands, woodland forests, even an 1830's French Canadian homestead and a working 1900 era farm. The park spans the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte and contains approximately 15,000 acres - 2,182 of which are located in the Indiana Dunes State Park
Hollywood Beach Clambake - Hollywood Beach, FL
The 7th Annual 3 day event takes place on September 26th - 28th. This free event is an all American celebration of seafood, live music and entertainment.
The event takes place on the oceanfront Broadwalk. In addition to the live music on 3 stages there will be plenty of other activities along with arts and crafts.
Hollywood Beach is located in sunny Florida between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Not only are there beautiful beaches right at the event but there are plenty of other beaches to visit when you're not at the Clambake.
11th Annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival - Punta Gorda, FL
On September 20th and 21st the charming city of Punta Gorda will host this festival. Located along the banks of the Peace River and the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful Florida location.
Charlotte Harbor offers 129 square miles of sparkling water. The temperature of the Gulf water ranges from mid 60s to mid 80s, with soft, mild winds. Waves rarely reach a height of over two feet and roll gently onto the beach. You can often see pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, ibis and sea gulls strolling along the waterfront.
Blues at the Beach - Virginia Beach, VA
This free event is held from 9/12-14th at the Beachstreet Pavilion at 17th Street.
This oceanfront venue will come alive with one of the most cherished musical styles of all time. Local and National performers will show their soul and share the Blues.
A great feature of this free festival is the workshops that are offered on Saturday and Sunday and teach participants about the musical techniques involved in playing blues music.
Rod Run to the End of the World - Ocean Park, WA
The 25th Anniversary of this large Hot Rod and Classic Car event will be held on September 6th -7th.
The event is put on by the Beach Barons Car Club and does a great job of bringing hordes of car lovers to the Long Beach Peninsula.
Whenever you're on the Peninsula you aren't far from the beautiful coastline and whether you are driving a classic car or something a bit more modern, it's a great excuse to take a drive along the beach.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival - Hampton, NH
This event began in 1988 and will be held on September 5-7 this year. With plenty of seafood, live music, arts and crafts and other events this has been rated as "One of the Top 100 Events in North America" by the American Bus Association.
If you're in New England and looking for a great weekend event where you can combine the activity of a festival along with a great beach location, check this outstanding event out.