2020 is going to be a year full of fun festivals, exciting events, and truly incredible travel opportunities all throughout the year, from annual holiday traditions to major parades and performances.
We have put together a list of 10 trips we think you should consider taking in 2020 to make it a bit easier on you, we will even set up the entire trip for you or your group! Just give us a call at 877.397.5700 for more information on any of these events or to start planning your 2020 vacation today!
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Tournament of Roses Parade and Bowl Game
Pasadena January 1st, 2020
Each year the Pasadena Tournament of Roses attracts millions of guests, this annual New Years Day tradition consisting of both the Rose Bowl game and Rose Parade. The Rose Parade is a century-old tradition that takes festive floats, bands, and people down 5.5 miles of Colorado Boulevard. The bands that can participate range from high school and college marching bands to military bugle bands, as well as brass bands, bagpipes, percussion, and more. The bands that march in this parade are selected based upon their musicianship, marching ability, uniqueness, entertainment value, and special interest, with several different bands chosen from around the United States, and a handful from around the world. The theme of the 2020 Rose Parade is 'The Power of Hope', celebrating the influence of optimism and hope.
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Mardi Gras
New Orleans February 25th, 2020
Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a New Orleans tradition that can be traced back to Carnival celebrations in Medieval France and even further back to Venice and Roman traditions. Thousands of locals and tourists turn out to participate in the revelry each year, making Mardi Gras the most well known and New Orleans-centric Carnival. The parades begin in Uptown and Mid-City districts and loop through the famous French Quarter. Watch the parades from the balconies along Bourbon Street or plan where you want to stand along the route to get the best view. Be sure to attend a masquerade ball and some king cake parties while you are at Mardi Gras to get the full Carnival experience.
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Coachella
Indio, CA TBA (April)
While the exact date for 2020 isn't announced just yet, it is known that the annual music festival will be held sometime in April, in the regular home of Indio California. Coachella, or more formally the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, is a massive music festival that aims to entertain all guests through channels of music, arts, dance, and interaction in general. This annual music festival is highly popular throughout the US, and international guests even flock to see the incredibly talented lineup. As mentioned before, 2020's details aren't yet announced, but you can look forward to talent that compares to the past lineups, like 2019's Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande, Khalid, Zedd, Kid Cudi, Weezer, Diplo, and so many more.
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Boston Marathon
Boston April 20th, 2020
This is 'the marathon that all other marathons are measured by', the annual Boston Marathon considered being the most challenging in the US. This race takes place on April 20th, which is Patriots' Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. While of course, you can run in the marathon, we think it is just as exciting to watch and cheer from the sidelines. 2020 will be the 124th Boston Marathon, and we've found the best viewing points for you during your visit: Chestnut Hill Ave, Lake Street, Centre Street, Commonwealth Ave, Grove Street.
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Kentucky Derby
Louisville May 2nd, 2020
Kentucky Derby Pixabay Public Domain
Head to Churchill Downs the first Saturday in May to experience what is oftentimes called the 'Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports', the Kentucky Derby. A tradition since 1875, this race caps the 2-week long festival held here each year and is considered to be a Grade I Stakes Race. Watch (and maybe bet) the 3-year0old thoroughbreds race the 1.25 miles in the 'Run for the Roses' and experience what is a true American tradition up close and personal in Louisville in 2020!
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Comic-Con International
San Diego July 22nd, 2020
Comic-Con International is a San Diego tradition that has been around for 4.5 decades now, a multigenre entertainment and comic convention held annually since 1970. Thousands of special guests have attended this convention, including, of course, comic creators, as well as authors, directors, producers, and super fans. This annual event is one we think you should consider attending in 2020!
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National Mall Independence Day Celebration
DC July 4th, 2020
There are several different places you can epically celebrate our nation's birthday, but really, what could be more patriotic than sitting next to the Washington Monument and watching firecrackers explode overhead on Independence Day? Not much! here on the National Mall in DC, you can enjoy a spectacular 18-minute firework show that is sure to impress you. Grab a spot near the reflecting pool if you can, but if not anywhere on the National Mall will be perfectly fine! There is a parade during the day and a big band concert performance during the night, directly following the show!
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International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque October 3rd- October 11th, 2020
Balloon Fiesta Pixabay Public Domain
The largest balloon festival in the entire world occurs each year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it attracts thousands upon thousands of guests each time. This 9-day event features over 500 hot air balloons, the gorgeous designs dotting the classic New Mexico skyline all throughout the week. This annual event has been happening for more than 4 decades now and is a sure sign of fall for locals. There will be something special happening daily, so just head to Balloon Fiesta Park and get ready for some fun!
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Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
New York City November 25th, 2020
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style in 2020 as you travel to the most iconic holiday parade in the United States, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is truly the perfect way to kick off the holidays, as you stand within New York’s famous Macy's parade route with more than 3.5 million people viewing live, along with 50 million at home. Each year top marching bands of every shape and size from across the country have the chance to represent their schools and states in the annual parade by submitting an application and DVD of a field show performance if you are interested in performing with your group.
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Times Square Ball Drop
New York City December 31st/January 1st
End 2020 in the best possible way with a trip to New York City to watch the ball drop, this NYE celebration one of the most hyped in the United States. The ball descends from a pole at the top of One Times Square, so the best viewing spots are along Broadway, from 43rd to 50th Streets. Seventh Avenue is a good spot as well! Remember this event is first come first serve, so arrive early to get a good spot, or just count on watching the drop from the video screens.
2020 Trips Stockfresh
