MAIN Summer Fun Guide Street Fairs & Festivals

Street fair!

Around the world, in places from New York to San Francisco - and London to Paris - it's the time to stroll, shop and dance in the streets ....as millions come out to socialize with friends and neighbors, taste regional food specialties, or find crafts and shopping bargains al fresco.

An offshoot of the suburban street or block party, (where neighbors take to the open air to play music, gossip, and barbecue) urban street fairs have really taken off in major cities worldwide featuring food, fun, and communal celebrations that may range anywhere from flea markets to book fairs to summer concerts and cultural festivals.

Today, the first hint of warmer weather sets off an explosion of street fairs that transform major city thoroughfares into adventures to be explored and savored. The usual crush of traffic comes to a standstill, and the welcome mat is put out for folks who just want to have fun.

Whether you're lucky enough to live in the area, or on vacation looking for local excitement, you can join in the fun at hip urban happenings in the US, Canada and Europe, in our guide to the when and where on major street fairs and festivals scheduled throughout the season.

See you there!

More about street fairs and festivals around the Web:

Festivals.com - Find current schedules and information about major music festivals, street fairs, religious feasts and more in major cities throughout the US searchable by keyword, date or location.

FestivalsandEvents.com - Browseable by month, or use the clickable US map to find a national directory of major happenings year long, although with stronger concentration on southern state events.

Boston Events / Happenings Calendar - Like it says, with information and related resources for major fairs and festivals happening from January to December throughout Boston

Schedule - NYC Street Fairs.com - A mega directory of when and where for major street fairs throughout the year from April to November.

2012 New Jersey Street Fairs - The complete schedule for major street fairs and flea markets throughout the Garden State with dates and location details.

Chicago Festival Guide 2012 - The complete schedule for upcoming street fairs and festivals around town throughout the summer with dates, locations, contact details and photos.

California Festival Guide.com - Search an extensive database of information for street fairs and festivals from San Francisco to San Diego and all points in between, including dates and location details.

Seattle Festivals and Fairs - Browse a complete list of craft fairs, cultural celebrations and community festivals planned throughout the summer and fall, featuring historical background as well as upcoming dates and locations.

Toronto Special Events - Information, dates and locations of major food, music and cultural fairs and festivals throughout the year.

also see -> Summer Party Ideas | US & Worldwide Beach Guide

Ninth Avenue Food Festival | Summer Concert Schedule

Weekend Getaways | Paris Street Markets | Fete de la Musique

German Christmas Markets