1. WaterFire, Providence, RI

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

2. Maine Lobster Festival

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

3. Independence Day Celebrations

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

4. Patriot’s Day

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

5. Winter Carnival, Stowe, VT

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

6. Jazz and Folk Festivals, Newport, RI

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

7. International Festival of Art & Ideas, New Haven, CT

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

8. Pumpkin Festival, Keene, NH

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

9. Windjammer Days, Boothbay Harbor, ME

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

10. Thanksgiving Celebration, Plymouth, MA

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