9 Events & Celebrations You and Your Bowlus® Don’t Want to Miss
Festivals are universal. They’re special experiences that invite people to celebrate something larger than themselves. We have some truly wonderful (and world-famous) festivals right here in the United States of America. We’ve curated a list of nine exciting events across nine States that you can take your Bowlus to!
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta | Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you travel to Albuquerque in October, you’re bound to see a breathtaking skyline punctuated by vibrant balloons. The fiesta offers a range of on-site RV camping options, so you can kick back and enjoy the shows from just outside of your Bowlus. Each of the nine days kicks off with a Dawn Patrol Show in which glowing balloons are sent up into the air. In addition to The Mass Ascension, a shock of sound and color in which all participating balloons are launched, there are several exciting competitions to witness. The festival experience is complete with balloon rides, nighttime glow shows, the world-famous Special Shape Rodeo, chainsaw carving and live music with renowned artists.
- San Manuel Pow Wow | San Bernardino, California
Native traditions endure in San Bernardino when hundreds of dancers and musicians descend on Cal State San Bernardino for a weekend of celebration and competition. The Pow Wow begins with a blessing of the grounds, followed by a dazzling bird singing and dancing exhibition. Countless vendors attend as well—be sure to try the traditional fry bread. While you can bring your Bowlus to the event, consider staying in the majestic San Bernardino National Forest for scenic camping (including boondocking) and access to the legendary Pacific Crest Trail.
- South by Southwest Festival | Austin, Texas
Described as “an essential destination for global professionals,” SXSW is a music festival, a film festival, a conference and an exhibit hall full of innovators. People from music, movies, fashion, sports and startups come together for almost two weeks of workshops, panels, performances and demonstrations. From DJs and video game producers to celebrities and PR firms, SXSW has it all. And there are more events than you can possibly attend; in other words, there’s never a dull moment. More than 250 films are debuted, some of which are major features. About 2,000 individual music acts are performed. Dozens of speakers attend, ranging from Mark Zuckerberg to Neil Gaiman. Creatives can’t miss this!
We recommend staying at the beautiful McKinney Falls State Park. It’s about a ten-mile drive from SXSW and the perfect place to retreat to your Bowlus after a full day of entertainment and networking. Harvest Host members also have the option of staying at a local orchard or verdant golf courses.
- Arizona Renaissance Festival | Gold Canyon, Arizona
In late winter and early spring, the highly interactive Arizona Renaissance Festival draws over 250,000 attendees. The set is the authentic, 30-acre village of Fairhaven that’s populated with over 2,000 costumed characters, hundreds of craft shops, a dozen stages with ongoing entertainment, an arena with real jousting and the exclusive Pleasure Feast. Need to retreat to nature after the festivities? The Lost Dutchman State Park is 25 minutes from the Festival and is a destination unto itself. This high-desert wonderland is threaded with Sonoran trails for you to explore.
- The Tulip Festival | Skagit Valley, Washington
A countywide celebration of spring, the Skagit Valley Tulip festival serves to commemorate the valley’s annual tulip harvest. Due to its sprawling nature, the festival is perfect for a driving tour. Cruise through acres of kaleidoscope flowers. Meet people from almost 100 different foreign countries. Snap some enviable photos. Harvest Host members can keep their Bowlus at local wineries or golf courses just a short jaunt away from the flower-crowned fields!
- Hot August Nights | Reno, Nevada
Gearheads rejoice. Hot August Nights pays homage to America’s love affair with cars and rock ‘n’ roll. The event was created in 1986 when some well-loved rock stars came to Reno to fill the tourism void of August while raising money for local charities. Combined with a classic car parade, the event sparked a deep nostalgia for the ‘50s and ‘60s. Today, you can enjoy drag races and burnouts, car collector auctions, a show and shine and, of course, the best in rock ‘n’ roll. If you love beautiful vintage cars (or would like to show off one of your own), this is an event you don’t want to miss.
- Seafood & Wine Festival | Newport, Oregon
Honor the staples or an Oregonian diet with wine competitions, tasting panels and dozens of vendors. 150 of the best Northwest wines, culinary professionals and regional artists are at the heart of this little festival (not so little—it draws an average crowd of 25,000). Stay close to the action at Beverly Beach State Park. If falling asleep in the woods, waking up to the smell of the sea and eating and drinking your way through the best of Oregon sounds like a great time, this festival is for you!
- Sundance Film Festival | Utah
Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance is perhaps the most well-known film festival in the world. This ultimate gathering of storytellers draws more than 124,000 attendees and spans Park City, Salt Lake City and Sundance Mountain Resort. Since Sundance includes three locations, it’s important to look ahead at the events and showings that interest you so you can plan your schedule and camping effectively. Stay at Park City RV Resort for easy access to the festival.
- Shakespeare Festival | Boulder, Colorado
On the stunning campus grounds of University of Colorado Boulder, the works of Shakespeare unspool under the stars. The performing theatre company has been associated with University since 1958, making it the nation’s second oldest Shakespeare Festival. It continues to celebrate Shakespeare’s bawdy comedies, epic love stories and family dramas. See it all under the starry summer skies of the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre! Boulder is famous for its outdoors so there’s no shortage of camping possibilities. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is about 23 miles from Boulder. The aspen-ringed meadows and rugged peaks are enough to inspire a sonnet of their own.
Your Bowlus is the perfect travel companion for exploring all our country’s stunning sights, sounds, colors and possibilities. As a mobile sanctuary, the Bowlus lets you travel with all the comforts of modern luxury: heated floors, endless hot water, cellular routers and boosters, ample storage spaces, flexible sleeping arrangements and more. And with a battery that can last up to a week off grid, there’s nowhere the Bowlus can’t take you.
Ready for a Bowlus adventure? Contact Us.