There is plenty going on in the US during August from motorcycle rallies to sports events and everything in between. If you're hitting the open road over August or looking for inspiration take a look at some of our favourite events.
Lobster Festival
Maine
August 3 - 7th August
Maine is well known for its delectable and affordable seafood cuisine. Tens of thousands of visitors will be enjoying delicious lobster meals as well as nationally renowned entertainers, cooking contests, carnival rides, craftsmen and artists.
Started in 1947, the festival is now an internationally recognised event that attracts tourists throughout Asia and Europe.
This is a family friendly event which has given more than $500,000 to local charities and community groups.
Motorcycle Rally
South Dakota
8 - 14th August
The 76th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is set to smash the record and become the biggest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts of all time. Last year bought an attendance of over 700,000 people.
As well as bike riding there are exhibits, concerts, races, bike shows and plenty of places to grab a cold one.
Elvis Week
Memphis
10 – 16th August
Each August, fans from around the world gather for Elvis Week. Memphis sees an influx to the birthplace of ‘The King’ for a celebration of his music, movies and legacy.
The cornerstone event of Elvis Week each year is the Candlelight Vigil. Candlelight Vigil participants number in the tens of thousands to gather on Elvis Presley Boulevard during the evening to listen to music, remember Elvis and enjoy the memorials that are created by fans along the street.
A ticket for this will cost between $20 - $40 depending on which day you decide to go. If you decide to go, book early to avoid missing out. You don’t want to get caught in a trap!
Afropunk Festival
Brooklyn
27th - 28th August
2016 will be the 11th anniversary of this festival which began with the intention to attract soul music to a wider audience and also build race relationships within the local community.
The festival has proven a huge success and has since grown into an international event with headliners Ice Cube and TV on the Radio.
This event is known for being an eclectic mix of artists with an underlying punk spirit. The inclusive mantra is: ‘No Sexism. No Racism. No Ableism. No ageism.’
Burning man
Nevada
28 – 5th September
This is not your usual festival and not for the faint hearted. Burning man is located in the Nevada desert at Black Rock City and once a year is home to a large temporary community.
Built on a bedrock of self-expression, art, community and looking after mother earth, it’s safe to say this is a left leaning event.
What makes this event unique is that there is no need to bring any money with you. You will need to provide for yourself but the community runs on a bartering system. You can exchange beer for a hippy poem or a snack for offering to do someone’s dishes.
US Open
New York
29 August – 11th September
The world’s best tennis players gather at Flushing Meadow to try and win this prestigious tournament.
Djokovic will try to return to form in this major and Andy Murray will be vying to continue his success at Wimbledon. Meanwhile Serena Williams will be trying to win her 7th title, one short of the all-time record.
Although tickets for the final stages are taken, first week tickets are still available.
