What Is the Biggest Festival in the US?
When it comes to festivals, the United States knows how to go big. From coast to coast, the country is home to countless events celebrating music, culture, food, and tradition. But if we had to name the biggest festival in the U.S., the title would undoubtedly go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras: America’s Biggest and Boldest Festival
Held every year in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras (French for “Fat Tuesday”) is a colorful, high-energy celebration rooted in centuries-old traditions. Though it’s observed in many places around the world, nowhere does it quite like NOLA.
When Is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras culminates on the day before Ash Wednesday—usually in February or early March—but the season begins weeks earlier, with parades and parties kicking off as early as January.
Why Is It So Big?
• Crowds: Mardi Gras attracts over 1.4 million people to New Orleans each year.
• Parades: Dozens of parades wind through the city, each organized by different “krewes,” or social clubs.
• Culture: It’s a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and American traditions, filled with music, costumes, and community spirit.
• Economy: The festival generates over $1 billion for the local economy annually.
What Makes It Special?
• Iconic Throws: Beads, cups, doubloons, and other trinkets are thrown from floats into eager crowds.
• Masked Balls: Extravagant galas and parties are held all across the city.
• Costumes & Color: Purple, green, and gold take over the streets, and dressing up is half the fun.
• Music & Food: Jazz fills the air, and Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and king cake delight the senses.
Runner-Ups: Other Massive US Festivals
While Mardi Gras tops the list, a few other festivals deserve honorable mentions:
• Coachella (California): One of the largest music festivals in the world.
• Burning Man (Nevada): A week-long arts and expression festival in the desert.
• Lollapalooza (Chicago): A massive music and cultural event in Grant Park.
• SXSW (Texas): South by Southwest blends tech, film, and music in Austin.
Final Thoughts
Mardi Gras isn’t just the biggest festival in the U.S.—it’s one of the most vibrant and culturally rich experiences in the world. Whether you go for the parades, the parties, or the history, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never forget Mardi Gras.