If summer makes you giddy for time off and vacation, you’re in luck! It’s here. Something about the summer can make even the most focused adults feel like a kid again. As the days get warmer and stay light longer, it’s easy to feel transported back to feeling young and carefree. If you’re looking for something fun to do this summer, you’re in luck! There are so many cool events to look forward to and add to your calendar.
1. Summer Vacations
Planning a vacation with your family can be a great way to kick off the summer fun. Whether you visit the mountains, theme parks, or hit the beach, there are many options for fun and memories. Often, these trips include family members of all ages, so plan accordingly. Book early to get events on people’s calendars ahead of time. Send out the invite to your family with a scheduling tool, such as Calendar or Google Calendar.
Work schedules and travel arrangements set in advance take some of the stress away when your departure date gets closer. Book accommodations with the ages and interests of everyone in mind. Kids and older family members might need to return to the room and rest. Think about activities, sun protection, and food ahead of time too. Nothing can bring down the fun like a hangry toddler and sunburnt grandma. With some preparation, your time away together will be one you fondly look back on for years to come.
2. Sporting Events
The summer is prime time for sporting events. If you’re a golf or tennis fan, you’ve likely watched the US Open on June 13-16 and are looking forward to Wimbledon on July 1-14. If you can attend in person, you’ll be watching the best of the best compete. If watching from home, use it as inspiration to get out this summer and play yourself. With the hours of sunlight being longer, you can play for hours even after a long day of work.
If you’re a parent, you likely have many sporting events to attend for your kids this summer. Soccer, baseball, and softball leagues are in full swing in the summer, as are many other recreational and traveling leagues. Enjoy the energy and hit up the games. Don’t forget to enjoy the concession stands and bring your sunglasses and sunscreen.
3. The 4th of July
Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the 4th of July, to patriotically celebrate the Declaration of Independence. This red, white, and blue affair is a red, white, and blue affair, and many people have the day off. No matter where you are in the US, celebrations abound. Pool parties, barbecues, outdoor games, and more are scheduled. Fireworks cap off the end of the great day as well.
Here are a few of the biggest and best fireworks displays if you feel like traveling for the holiday: Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display over New York’s Hudson River is the nation’s largest pyrotechnic show. Boston Pops Spectacular between Boston and Cambridge on the Charles River showcases the Boston Pops orchestra alongside their firework display. Naturally, Washington, DC, hosts an all-day celebration, including parades, concerts, and fireworks over the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Lastly, the impressive Freedom Over Texas show in Houston really leaves crowds believing things are truly bigger in Texas.
4. Outdoor Fun
Summer is a great time for outdoor enthusiasts. With the weather and longer daylight hours, hiking, biking, boating, swimming, fishing, and even grilling are prime activities. Set time in your schedule to enjoy some of these activities. Summer at the lake? Sounds like the perfect summer if you love water.
National Fishing and Boating Week was June 1-9. Look up fun events in your area. There are also a ton of other fishing events and tournaments all summer. For bikers, there are several charity rides and other similar events throughout the summer. For example, the annual Grand Illinois Bike Tour took place June 9-14. There are several rides to look forward to in Utah in August, like Park City Point 2 Point on August 31.
5. Comic-Con International – July 25-28, 2024
Comic-Con International is held annually in San Diego, California. It is a playground for those who love entertainment and pop culture. Whether you’re a movie lover or video gamer or enjoy comics, graphic novels, anime, and manga, you will have a blast. Collectors will also find many exciting things here. It brings together thousands of people worldwide with similar interests.
One hallmark of Comic-Con is the costumes. Many attendees dress up in what is called cosplay, wearing elaborately executed outfits to look like their favorite characters. This could be anything from an anime character to a classic sci-fi movie star. Some of the makeup is a sight to behold. Many fans will enjoy seeing the other guests dressed up almost as much as the exhibitors.
6. Movies, Shows, and Video Game Releases
For those sweltering days or even rainy days, enjoy some content indoors. Going to the movies can be a great time. “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” hits the big screen on May 24. “Inside Out 2” came out for family fun on June 14. If you want to stay home and stream, “Bridgerton” season 3 was released on May 16, and part two came out on June 13.“House of the Dragon” season 2 dropped on June 16 as well.
If you’re a gamer, many games and reinventions are dropping this summer. The genres span over many different games too. “Destiny 2: The Final Shape,” “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” and “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” all dropped in June. July brings “Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail” and “Frostpunk 2.” In August, gamers can expect “Cat Quest III,” “Black Myth: Wukong,” and “Star Wars Outlaws.” While summer is great for getting outside, sometimes you need a break from the heat. Luckily, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors as well.
7. The Eras Tour and More
If you’re a Taylor Swift fan, you’re in luck. Taylor is hitting Asia and Europe this summer for the Eras Tour. It’s been five years since Taylor last toured. With record-breaking sales and four new albums to sing, it’s sure to be an event you will never forget. However, be sure to budget accordingly; these price tags are no joke.
Several other groups are on tour this summer as well. George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Aldean are hitting the stage in the country arena. While George Strait is a legend that spans decades, some other artists touring will be a blast from the past. Bruce Springsteen, blink-182, Billy Joel, and Stevie Nicks are also hitting the road. And if you’re a Creed fan, look for two cruises where they will play the Summer of ‘99 tour. Tickets go on sale this summer for an April 9-13, 2025, Bahamas cruise.
Sweet Summertime
No matter where your interests lie, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer. It might seem like outdoor lovers shine this time of year. But conventions, movies, and game releases can let you have a blast while blasting the AC. Whatever you do, don’t let summer zip by without having fun. Plan out some events to go to, enjoy some barbecues, and look for some pool time if you enjoy that. Most of all, set time aside to relax.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Andre Furtado; Pexels
Abby Miller
Student at UC Berkeley, currently working on a degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Sciences and Business Administration. Experienced in CSX, productivity management, and chatbot implementation.