Nothing so epitomizes the renaissance of Providence’s waterfront as WaterFire, an award-winning, environmental sculpture by Barnaby Evans. Its 100 floating bonfires, on the city’s three downtown rivers, establish a magical setting for a host of summer arts events.Providence, RI • 401 273 1155 • May–Nov • Donation • www.waterfire.org
More than 20,000 lb (9,072 kg) of lobster are steamed every year for this Rockland waterfront festival. Lobstermen race across floating crates, floats parade down the street, and a beauty contest chooses a Sea Goddess to preside over the event.Rockland, ME • 207 596 0376 • late Jul–early Aug • Adm • www.mainelobsterfestival.com
The red-white-and-blue stripe marks the Fourth of July parade route in Bristol, Rhode Island, site of one of the nation’s most fervid small-town parades. Boston’s televised Independence Day celebration is famous nation-wide for a Boston Pops concert and grand fireworks.
Bristol, RI • www.july4thbristolri.com
Boston, MA • www.july4th.org
This reenactment of the opening salvos of the American Revolution starts before dawn in Lexington, Massachusetts, and continues on to nearby Concord.Lexington and Concord, MA • 978 369 6993 • 3rd Mon in Apr • www.nps.gov/mima
In Stowe, they celebrate falling snow and plummeting temperatures. Snow volleyball, ski-racing, and ice-carving are all part of the fun.Stowe, VT • 802 253 7321 • late Jan • www.stowewintercarnival.com
For over 50 years, these festivals have been a focus for fresh talent as well as star performers. Fort Adams State Park is a perfect venue.Newport, RI • Summer • Adm • http://newportjazzfest.net • www.newportfolkfest.net
Every June, New Haven bristles with creativity. Hundreds of events, the majority free, include opera on New Haven Green, hip-hop poets, dance, and readings by Nobel Laureate authors.New Haven, CT • 888 278 4332 • mid-Jun • www.artidea.org
Residents and visitors alike bring their pumpkin jack-o’-lanterns to town for the grand display. Each year, more than 20,000 glow against the night sky.Keene, NH • 603 358 5344 • mid-Oct • www.pumpkinfestival.org
Two days of family fun include windjammer cruise schooners and other tall ships in Boothbay Harbor, an antique boat parade, waterfront concerts, a craft fair, and fireworks.Boothbay Harbor, ME • 207 633 2353 • late Jun • www.boothbayharbor.com
Descendents of Mayflower pilgrims reenact the Thanksgiving celebration of 1621. A counter ceremony highlights the original Native American culture.Plymouth, MA • 508 747 7533 • 4th Thu in Nov • www.visit-plymouth.com