The Massachusetts Worldfest 2012 Festivals Make for a Great Day Trip
Massachusetts Worldfest 2012 is a series of cultural festivals throughout the Bay State. Throughout the summer months there will be numerous gatherings for residents and guests of Massachusetts showcasing the diverse heritages of the state.
Dancing, food sampling, sporting events, live music, art exhibitions, and wine tasting are some of the activities you and your family can take part in. Concentrated in several areas around Massachusetts: Greater Boston, North of Boston, Cape Cod and the Islands, Central Mass, and Western Mass; there are many opportunities to experience the cultures of the state.
Greater Boston-
On the weekends of June, July, and August there are many street festivals in Boston’s North End. Including live bands, parades, and Italian food from local restaurants, these events are celebrations of the Italian culture that thrives in this area. The time and place of these festivals vary; check out northendboston.com for more details.
The Chinese celebration of happiness, good health, and harvest, The August Moon Festival, is taking place in Boston’s Chinatown from 10a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 12th. Martial arts, the traditional dragon dance, Chinese opera are some of the activities that are available at this free event. Visit chinatownmainstreet.org for more information.
North of Boston-
The World Folk Festival in Lynn honors the diverse culture of the city where more then 40 different languages are spoken. There will be a variety of ethnic food, face painting, and even a cricket game at the festival. Taking place on June 30th from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lynn Heritage State Park, you can visit hclynn.org for more information.
Cape Cod and the Islands-
The 90th Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow is taking place this year, running from June 29th– July 1st. The festival pulls together the Native American customs through art, jewelry, crafts, gifts, dancing, food, and games. Located at the Barnstable County Fair Grounds in Falmouth, the event costs $13 for adults and $8 for children and elders. Go to mashpeewanpanoagtribe.com for details.
The Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival has become a major event for many film enthusiasts. This four-day retreat showcases the works of established filmmakers and runs from August 7th-11th. Day passes are $85 and all-access passes cost $280, and can be purchased at mvaaff.com/register.
Central Massachusetts-
The Worcester Latin American Festival is a haven for Latin music lovers. Celebrating Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Latin cultures, this event offers ethnic foods, beer gardens, and live music. On Saturday, August 18th, at the Worcester Common this free event runs until 9 p.m. and you can learn more about it at worcesterlatinfestival.com.
Western Massachusetts-
The Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival features dance, athletic, and pip and drum band competitions. Celebrating the lively Scottish heritage in Western Mass, this event in Northampton includes cultural food and merchant vendors. On Saturday, July 21st, at Northampton Look Park this festival costs $16 general admission and $5 for children 6-12. glasgowlands.org has more information.
For more information on all the events and festivals Massachusetts Worldfest 2012 offer visit massvacation.com/worldfest.
North of Boston-
The World Folk Festival in Lynn honors the diverse culture of the city where more then 40 different languages are spoken. There will be a variety of ethnic food, face painting, and even a cricket game at the festival. Taking place on June 30th from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lynn Heritage State Park, you can visit hclynn.org for more information.
Cape Cod and the Islands-
The 90th Mashpee Wampanoag Pow Wow is taking place this year, running from June 29th– July 1st. The festival pulls together the Native American customs through art, jewelry, crafts, gifts, dancing, food, and games. Located at the Barnstable County Fair Grounds in Falmouth, the event costs $13 for adults and $8 for children and elders. Go to mashpeewanpanoagtribe.com for details.
The Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival has become a major event for many film enthusiasts. This four-day retreat showcases the works of established filmmakers and runs from August 7th-11th. Day passes are $85 and all-access passes cost $280, and can be purchased at mvaaff.com/register.
Central Massachusetts-
The Worcester Latin American Festival is a haven for Latin music lovers. Celebrating Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Latin cultures, this event offers ethnic foods, beer gardens, and live music. On Saturday, August 18th, at the Worcester Common this free event runs until 9 p.m. and you can learn more about it at worcesterlatinfestival.com.
Western Massachusetts-
The Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival features dance, athletic, and pip and drum band competitions. Celebrating the lively Scottish heritage in Western Mass, this event in Northampton includes cultural food and merchant vendors. On Saturday, July 21st, at Northampton Look Park this festival costs $16 general admission and $5 for children 6-12. glasgowlands.org has more information.
For more information on all the events and festivals Massachusetts Worldfest 2012 offer visit massvacation.com/worldfest.