August 2025: US Local Event Roundup

1. Lollapalooza

Where: Chicago, Illinois

When: July 31 – August 3

History:

Lollapalooza was conceived in 1991 by Perry Farrell, the singer of Jane’s Addiction. The event was intended as a farewell tour for his band. However, Farrell envisioned something more ambitious and unique than a traditional farewell tour. The inaugural festival traveled to over 20 cities in North America and featured a diverse lineup. It included alternative rock, industrial music, and rap artists. The event was an unexpectedly massive success, with high attendance numbers, positive media coverage, and significant revenue.

Despite facing various challenges and controversies over the years, Lollapalooza has evolved and grown. Since 2005, it has been held exclusively in Chicago, thanks to agreements with the city. The festival now takes place annually in Grant Park and attracts around 400,000 attendees each year. Lollapalooza is recognized as one of the largest and longest-running music festivals in the world.

Event overview:

Lollapalooza is an annual music festival that spans 4 days and features a wide array of hip-hop, techno, and alternative rock performances. The festival is family-friendly, with the Kidzapalooza area dedicated to young fans, offering concerts, music workshops, and interactive art exhibits. Adults can enjoy performances from emerging artists on side stages and a variety of electronic music from DJs in the dance tent. Headlining acts are scheduled in a staggered manner to allow attendees to move between stages easily and to minimize “sound bleed” between performances.

This year’s festival returns to Grant Park with over 170 bands performing across eight stages. Headlining the summer spectacle are SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, Blink-182, The Killers, Future x Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez, and Skrillex. Other notable acts include Kesha, Raye, Tate McRae, and Vince Staples. For the full daily lineup and to catch your favorite performers, visit the official festival website.

General tips:

• Secure Your Tickets: Lollapalooza 2025 has a star-studded lineup, so act fast before tickets sell out. As of early July 2025, budget-friendly options on the official website are scarce, with many waitlist options. Check Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek for availability. To secure the best tickets for next year, sign up for the festival’s newsletter or follow their social media for early access codes. Purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale to get the best prices and selection.
• Plan Your Transportation: Discount parking is available nearby if you plan to drive. Chicago’s extensive train and bus network can get you anywhere—use the Regional Transportation Authority’s trip planner to organize your route. You can also bike to the festival with Divvy, offering a free ride (up to $5) using the code LOLLA25 in the Lyft or Divvy app.
• Take Care of Accommodation: Chicago offers options for every budget. Many festival goers stay in hotels on Michigan Avenue or in the Loop for easy access to Grant Park. Nearby neighborhoods like South Loop and Streeterville also provide convenient lodging choices within walking distance of Lollapalooza.

2. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Where: Sturgis, South Dakota

When: Aug 1-10

History:

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, founded in 1938 by a group of Indian Motorcycle riders, originally featured stunts and races. In 1961, it expanded to include Hillclimb and Motocross events, showcasing half-mile track racing, intentional board wall crashes, ramp jumps, and head-on collisions with cars. Today, the rally attracts nearly 500,000 attendees and remains a hugely popular event.

Event overview:

Every August, the quaint town of Sturgis becomes a hub of roaring engines, live music, and camaraderie with the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This event is a pilgrimage for riders and fans worldwide. Whether you ride a Harley-Davidson, a custom chopper, or are simply a rally-goer, the rally has something for everyone to enjoy.

What to expect during the event:

• The Opening Ceremony with an awe-inspiring flag procession (begins at 3 pm on August 2).
• Over 20 stages throughout Sturgis and nearby towns, featuring a diverse lineup of musical acts from rock legends to country stars and emerging artists.
• Three biker routes showcasing some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
• Numerous vendor booths offering custom parts, apparel, memorabilia, and the latest motorcycle gear and accessories.
• Multiple motorcycle shows and races.
• Additional activities including games, pub crawls, Jack Daniel’s parties, and contests.

General tips:

• Explore Motorcycling History: Enhance your understanding of motorcycling by visiting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Discover a collection of vintage bikes and memorabilia, and learn about the individuals who have made lasting, positive contributions to the motorcycle community.
• Visit or Camp at Buffalo Chip Campground (The Chip): A legendary Sturgis attraction, The Chip offers bike shows, roller derby, bike services, live concerts, and a large swimming pool. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, it draws a diverse crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts celebrating the culture and camaraderie.
• Admire the Beautiful Area: Start in the city’s downtown, filled with unique shops and historic buildings that tell tales of the past. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the trails at Bear Butte State Park, offering panoramic views and abundant wildlife encounters.

3. Iowa State Fair

Where: Des Moines, Iowa

When: Aug 7-17

History:

The first Iowa State Fair took place in Fairfield in October 1854, operating on a budget of $323. After repeating in Fairfield in 1855, the fair rotated between various towns for several years. In 1878, it found a permanent home within the Des Moines city limits. Today, the Iowa State Fair is one of the largest and most renowned state fairs in the US, attracting over a million visitors annually.

Event overview:

The Iowa State Fair is brimming with fun, excitement, and thrills. From Elwell Family Park and Thrill Parks to classic favorites like the Giant Slide and Ye Old Mill, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to expect during the event:

• Numerous family-friendly rides
• Elwell Family Park featuring spectacular shows
• Grandstand concerts and events with star guests
• Unique behind-the-scenes agricultural experiences, including cuddling baby animals, working with livestock, and after-dark tours
• Savoring the famous Barksdale’s State Fair Chocolate Chip cookies

General tips: 

• Explore the Admission Deals and Discounts: Numerous budget-friendly offers are available on the official website. Check your eligibility and preferences to find the best deals and save on your visit.
• Be Prepared for the Heat: Wear appropriate clothing and bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.). Expect a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. We also recommend bringing a sealed bottle of water to avoid purchasing it inside and to refill at water fountains.
• Plan Your Activities: The 400-acre fairgrounds feature nearly 200 food stands, dozens of rides, exhibits, shows, and nightly Grandstand concerts. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, download the Iowa State Fairgrounds Map and the Iowa State Fair App to help you plan and navigate the fair more easily.

4. Burning Man

Where: Black Rock Desert, Nevaga

When: Aug 24 – Sep 1

History:

Burning Man began in 1986 when Larry Harvey, the future co-founder, and his friends burned an 8-foot wooden effigy on San Francisco’s beach as a spontaneous summer solstice celebration. This act of radical self-expression quickly grew, moving to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert in 1990. Today, Burning Man is an iconic annual event where tens of thousands gather to create Black Rock City. This is a temporary metropolis dedicated to art, self-reliance, and self-expression, culminating in the burning of a massive wooden effigy.

Event overview:

Black Rock City is erected annually in the desert, built by a dedicated community of volunteers and the Burning Man organization. The city is designed in a semi-circular layout with concentric streets named after the hours of a clock and radial streets named alphabetically. This design facilitates easy navigation and access. The heart of the city, Center Camp, serves as a hub for information, performances, workshops, and social gatherings.

The city public services include:

• Rangers: Volunteers who provide safety and conflict resolution services. 
• Medical: Stations staffed with medical professionals to handle emergencies.
• Sanitation: Porta-potties and systems to handle refuse and recycling.

Burning Man thrives on the contributions of its attendees, inviting everyone to participate rather than just observe. Instead, participants create and construct all the art, activities, and events. This includes experimental and interactive sculptures, structures, performances, and art cars, among other forms of creative expression. You are a vital part of this unique experience.

Burning Man features several scheduled free to attend events, including:

• Art tours and discussions
• Workshops on yoga, dance, meditation, and crafts
• Live music, DJ sets, and theater performances
• Interactive activities at theme camps
• The burning of “The Man” on Saturday night (August 31, 2025)
• The Temple Burn on the following Sunday night

Burning Man main tickets cost $575 each, plus taxes and fees. Vehicle passes are $150, plus taxes and fees. Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets and one vehicle pass. A total of 15,000 tickets and 5,000 vehicle passes are available.

General tips: 

• How to Buy Burning Man Tickets Last Minute: You can purchase last-minute tickets through the STEP (Secure Ticket Exchange Program) platform. Alternatively, you can participate in the OMG Sale, which offers 3,000 tickets and 1,500 vehicle passes.
• Come Prepared: Self-reliance is a core principle of Burning Man, meaning you need to bring everything you require. Remember, the only items you can buy with money at Burning Man are ice and coffee; everything else must be brought by you.
• Except That You’ll Miss Great Experiences: With so much happening around the clock, it’s impossible to experience everything at Burning Man. A booklet and an app list all planned activities by camps. However, don’t miss out on a peaceful ride in the deep playa (the outer area of the city) or a much-needed nap after being awake for 36 hours. The main goal is to enjoy your time, not just survive heroically.

5. The US Open Tennis Championships

Where: New York City

When: Aug 24 – Sep 7

History:

The US Open originated in 1881 as the US National Championship, initially hosted in Rhode Island. It relocated to New York and was renamed the US Open in 1968 when it began allowing professional players. Now held annually in Flushing Meadows, Queens, it is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, celebrated for its hard courts and vibrant atmosphere.

Event overview:

The US Open is a hugely popular event. In 2023, it attracted over 950,000 fans during the 20-day span, which included both the Main Draw and Qualifying Rounds (part of the US Open Fan Week). Held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, primarily in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the event is structured as follows:

• Qualifying Rounds (Aug 18 – 23 in 2025): Held the week before the main event, these rounds let aspiring stars battle for a place in the main draws. They’re part of US Open Fan Week (Monday–Saturday) and feature free entry for fans to catch qualifying matches, open practices, and lively exhibitions.
• Main Draw (Aug 24 – Sep 7 in 2025): The 2025 US Open expands to a 15-day schedule, kicking off on Sunday, Aug 24, and running through Championship Sunday, Sep 7. Over the fortnight you’ll see men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, plus junior and wheelchair events across the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
• Award Ceremonies (Sep 6 – 7 in 2025): Championship weekend wraps up with the women’s singles final on Saturday, Sep 6, followed by the men’s singles final on Sunday, Sep 7. Trophy presentations take place immediately after each match, celebrating the new champions and their valiant runners-up.

General tips:

• Secure Your Tickets: The US Open offers day and evening session tickets for all Main Draw matches. For the best experience, purchase an Ashe day session ticket, which grants access to all courts throughout the day.
• Consider a Travel Package: The US Open provides various travel packages tailored to different needs and preferences. These packages often include tickets to your chosen sessions, transportation, accommodations, and additional services to enhance your experience.
• Budget-Saving Tips: To avoid surcharges on cabs and rideshares, take the 7 train from Times Square or Bryant Park, or the LIRR from Penn Station. Archer New York, located at 45 West 38th Street, is conveniently situated between these stations. Also, enjoy free events like the Qualifying Rounds, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, and top player practices the day before the Main Draw.
• Stay Smart, Stay Local: For a more affordable and authentic New York stay during the US Open, consider booking with ManhattanBNB. This NYC-focused rental platform offers cozy, budget-friendly accommodations across the city—perfect for tennis fans who want comfort, convenience, and local charm without the hefty hotel prices.

6. Telluride Film Festival

Where: Telluride, Colorado

When: Aug 29 – Sep 1

History:

The Telluride Film Festival (TFF), founded in 1974, is an annual event held over Labor Day weekend. It has earned a prestigious reputation for premiering new films and celebrating classic cinema. The festival is uniquely known for keeping its program secret until the event begins, adding an element of surprise and exclusivity. Every year, the TFF attracts thousands of visitors to the mountain town, including film luminaries, industry professionals, and movie enthusiasts, temporarily tripling the town’s population.

Event overview:

The Festival’s Specifics:

• Guest Director: Each year, a filmmaker or film lover is chosen as the Guest Director to select films for the program.
• Format: Unlike Cannes or Sundance, TFF is non-juried, but many featured films go on to achieve critical and commercial success, often winning Academy Awards. Notable examples include Slumdog Millionaire and Blue Velvet.
• Tributes: Silver medals are awarded to three industry contributors for their achievements. Past honorees include Francis Ford Coppola, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson. There are also special medallions Awarded to non-filmmakers with significant industry contributions, such as Ted Turner, the CNN founder.

Main Events: 

• Screenings: Over 50 films are screened across ten venues, featuring both new releases and classic films.
• Special Screenings: The festival showcases significant older films, including unreleased Disney movies, 3-D classics, silent films, and lesser-known works by acclaimed artists.
• Labor Day Picnic: A noontime picnic with live music, food, and film discussions.
• Other Activities: The festival includes discussions, symposia, and meet-and-greets with celebrities and filmmakers.

General tips: 

• Book Your Stay in Advance: Budget accommodations in Telluride are becoming scarce. The Bivvi Hostel and the Victorian Inn Hotel are relatively affordable options that offer easy access to festival venues and include breakfast.
• Secure Your Pass: Various passes offer access to films and events, including the Labor Day picnic. Since 2025 passes are sold out, try resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek, or contact festival organizers about a waitlist.
• Rent a Bike: A bike will help you move quickly between theaters, giving you more time to queue for the next film or catch a screening just starting. The 10-15 minutes you save by not walking can allow you to see 2-3 additional films!