Blackbeard Festival in Hampton, Virginia

Now is the best time to start planning your summer family vacation.  So, grab a cheap flight and head to one of the nation’s best festivals for family fun. Earlier this week, on the CheapOair blog, I ran down some picks for the best summer festivals have to offer.  Here are some more great places to check out local culture, art and music:

RHODE ISLAND:

Rhode Island International Film Festival (August 10-15, 2010): Providence has long served as inspiration for top Hollywood directors, producers and actors. The RIIFF is the largest public film festival in New England and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences qualifying event that provides yet another way for travelers to take advantage of a quick city escape to Providence with screenings, VIP parties and events happening throughout the city. With affordable passes and kid-friendly programming this is an ideal event for families.

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Spoleto Festival USA (May 28 – June 13, 2010): Each spring, the famous Spoleto Festival USA takes over the historic theaters, churches and outdoor venues of Charleston with more than 140 performances by renowned artists and emerging performers. Showcased disciplines include opera, theater, dance, jazz, as well as the visual arts – a type of entertainment for every age group in the family! This year’s festival features everything from German punk-rock to a fiddle and banjo trio from the Carolinas.

VIRGINIA:

Blackbeard Pirate Festival (July 9 – 11, 2010): Join Blackbeard and his crew in Downtown Hampton, Virginia, for the 11th annual Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival. See the notorious Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard, as he fights his final battle versus Lt. Maynard of the Royal Navy. This family festival celebrates living history and returns the Hampton waterfront to the way of life in 1718. Full-scale sea battles, tall ships, treasure hunts, sea shanties, historic reenactments, a pirate camp, strolling entertainers and a spectacular fireworks display highlight the weekend.

Thank Goodness it’s Ocean View (TGOV) Beach Party and Music Series (Beginning July 9, 2010, Fridays in July and August): The lazy days of summer will be no match for TGOBV in Norfolk. The ‘Thank Goodness It’s Ocean View Beach Party and Music Series (TGOV) will be a sure fire way to rev up the after-work crowd and start off the weekend right. The Friday evening beach parties feature live music, family-friendly entertainment, children’s activities and a host of culinary options. Town Point Park.

34TH Annual Harborfest (June 11-13, 2010): Hampton Roads’ largest summertime event featuring an astounding 700 international tall ships, sailboats, battleships and cruise ships; national, regional and local entertainment, children’s activities, fireworks and more.

CheapOair offers great family travel deals for less to top destinations.