Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, United States

Smithsonian MagazineJun 30

From a Sea Turtle Release to an Outhouse Race, These Ten Fourth of July Traditions Celebrate America Like No Other

Revelers typically mark Independence Day with a barbecue and fireworks show, but these festivities across the country offer quirky alternatives

location of annual Zydeco heritage celebration

26 things in this story

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating ContestFestivallegendary Independence Day tradition in Coney Island
Key Lime FestivalFestivalfive-day event in Key West over July 4 holiday
Southernmost Beach CaféRestauranthosts Key West pie-eating contest on July 4
National Tom Sawyer DaysFestivalhonors Tom Sawyer and Mark Twain in Hannibal
HannibalNeighborhoodFind city government information for Hannibal, Missouri.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & MuseumMuseumfence-painting contest takes place outside
Immaculate Conception Catholic ChurchPlace of worshiplocation of annual Zydeco heritage celebration
St. Landry ParishNeighborhood5/27/25 ST.
Colonel Allensworth State Historic ParkParkThe small farming community was founded in 1908 by Lt.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic ParkParkMarshall at Sutter's Mill in 1848, sparking the California Gold Rush.
Jack London State Historic ParkSightIt includes the ruins of a house burned a few months before Jack London and family were to…
Columbia State Historic ParkParkliving history museum celebrating Gold Rush
The Lebeau Zydeco FestivalFestivalCreole heritage celebration in St. Landry Parish
Oatman Egg FryFestivalsolar-powered egg frying competition in Oatman
Mauna Lani Auberge ResortHotelhosts annual Turtle Independence Day
Sea Life ParkTheme parkOahu-based park where turtles are hatched
Bend Pet ParadeFestivalcelebrates Independence Day with costumed pets
The Great Bristol Outhouse RaceFestivalquirky competition in Bristol, Vermont
Fourth of July Midnight ParadeFestivalkick-off parade in downtown Gatlinburg
River Raft RegattaFestivalrace down the Little Pigeon River
Kite-Flying ContestFestivalOcean City beach event with various kite types
Music PierSightlandmark on Ocean City beach for kite contest
California's original 49ersPlace
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic ParkPark
Weaverville Joss House State Historic ParkPark
Harmon ParkSight

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From a Sea Turtle Release to an Outhouse Race, These Ten Fourth of July Traditions Celebrate America Like No Other