1

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Image: Rory McLaughlin

This festival is a visual feast. If a single hot air balloon in the sky attracts a lot of attention, imagine hundreds of them flying at the same time!

In the 1970s, a group of hot air balloon fans got together in Albuquerque, New Mexico , and decided to honor their passion by creating this festival, which was held for the first time in 1972. In that inaugural year, there were just over 10 balloons, a big difference from the hundreds and hundreds you can see at the festival today.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held annually in early October and lasts for nine days! If you want to go, start planning your visit, as around 800,000 visitors attend the event every year.

2

Coachella

Image: Eric Ward

This is the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, better known as just Coachella.

With the goal of bringing together artists from different genres, Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen launched the festival in 1999 . Set against the backdrop of the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert, the music and dancing create a unique experience.

Although it didn't take place in 2000, Coachella became an annual event starting in 2001 and has grown ever since. Considered one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the world, it attracts around 250,000 people every year.

If you want to enjoy several days of music against a beautiful landscape, you have to attend Coachella. But wait—if you decide to go, don't forget to plan your outfit carefully!

3

Mardi Gras

Image: Carol Highsmith's America

It was the French who brought this tradition to America in the late 17th century. The first American Mardi Gras took place in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama. However, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, made the celebration famous.

Held annually during the last day of Carnival—that is, the day before Ash Wednesday—Mardi Gras displays its renowned parade full of masks and costumes attracting over a million visitors every year! The celebration is so important that it was declared a legal holiday in Louisiana so everyone can attend.

If you want to experience this incredible festivity and taste some delicious King Cake, you must go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras!

4

South by Southwest (SXSW)

Image: Joey Thompson

Roland Swenson, Louis Black, and Nick Barbaro met in Austin, Texas, in 1987 with a shared idea. They felt that local bands and musicians deserved a chance to showcase their talents. And so South by Southwest was born. Today, the event has grown so much that it is now a massive festival that celebrates not just music but also movies!

SXSW is held in Austin every March, spanning around 10 days. If you are interested in tech, entertainment , and the media industry in general, you can't miss this festival, which attracts about 500,000 people!

5

New Orleans Jazz Festival

Image: JosephHershMedia

Mardi Gras is not the only massive festivity held in New Orleans . The city also hosts the spectacular New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a major celebration of music and culture.

As the name implies, this festival celebrates jazz music and everyone who loves and plays it, along with other genres like blues,R&B, and gospel. It was founded by George Wein, a music promoter, and was first held in 1970.

This popular event, which includes music, dance, art, and food, takes place over two weeks each spring, between April and May, attracting an impressive 500,000 visitors every year.

6

The Aloha Festival

Image: Taylor Friehl

If you are looking for paradisiacal landscapes, the Aloha Festival is your destination. It takes place every year during September, and you've probably guessed where: in the beautiful state of Hawaii .

With the aim of celebrating and honoring Hawaiian culture, this festival was established in 1946 . Today, the festival spans about two weeks, during which visitors and locals come together to enjoy hula dancing, parades, contests, and art exhibits. It is also a great opportunity to discover delicious Hawaiian dishes .

If you haven't planned your vacation yet, September is the perfect time to visit Hawaii!

7

Chicago Air and Water Show

Image: Nicolas Radzimski

If you're still thinking about the Albuquerque hot air balloon show, we have another celebration that takes place in the sky : the incredible Chicago Air and Water Show.

This show emerged in 1959 as a way to showcase the capabilities and skills of military aircraft and offer an exciting spectacle for people in Chicago. Over the years, the event has become one of the most famous air and water shows.

It is usually held during the third weekend of August. If you want to see aerial tricks and performances—including incredible moves by the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds—this festival is the show for you. Just be sure to plan your trip in advance, as it attracts an impressive 2 million spectators each year!

8

Comic-Con

Image: Kashawn Hernandez

Perhaps all you need to create a world-famous event is a group of enthusiastic people who share the same passion as you. Such was the case for the group of comic book fans who gathered in San Diego, California, and held the first Comic-Con in 1970 . Their goal was to celebrate everything from beloved comics and iconic characters to movies, TV series, video games, and pop culture.

Today, Comic-Con has spread around the world. The San Diego convention, in particular, remains one of the most prominent, with around 140,000 people each year.

Many attendees come dressed as their favorite heroes and characters, playing the roles and trading memorabilia with other fans. The event also attracts well-known actors, authors, cartoonists, directors, and animators, so you might meet one of them during your visit!

9

The Sundance Film Festival

Image: Myke Simon

This festival was born in 1978 as the Utah/US Film Festival in Salt Lake City, with the intention of showcasing independent American cinema. A few years later, it was moved to Park City, and it was renamed the Sundance Film Festival in 1985 after Robert Redford's character in the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid .

Today, it is a major festival that showcases various film categories and genres, gathering around 120,000 people each January. In addition, the event attracts talented directors, screenwriters, and actors.

If movies are your thing, you know where to run next January!

10

Burning Man

Image: Sasha Matveeva

In 1986, Larry Harvey and Jerry James gathered on Baker Beach in San Francisco, California, and built a large wooden effigy. They then decided to set it on fire , which led to the birth of the Burning Man Festival.

What started as a spontaneous act then grew into an annual event, attracting more and more people each year. The lack of space made that, in 1990, the event was moved to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, where it is still held today.

Each year, around 70,000 people unite in the desert for 9 days between August and September, performing artistic expressions and exchanging products and gifts. The event culminates in the incredible burning of the effigy, also known as "The Man." If you enjoy adventure and don't mind "a bit" of fire, you must attend this festival!

1

Singin’ in the Rain

Image: Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

According to the American Film Institute, Singin' in the Rain is the greatest movie musical of all time . Its centerpiece is the film's title song, written by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown and performed by the brilliant Gene Kelly.

The scene in which this melancholic melody is played has become a staple of American culture. "Singin' in the Rain" was later featured in dozens of films and remains a source of joy for many today.

2

Moon River

Image: Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The theme song for Breakfast at Tiffany's was composed specifically by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini to be performed in Audrey Hepburn’s dreamy voice . The balcony scene in which Fred discovers Holly Golightly playing the song on the guitar is one of the most iconic moments in Blake Edwards' film—and to think it was almost removed from the final cut!

"Moon River" is such a timeless tune that it even won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and has been recorded by many other artists since its release in 1961.

3

Let The River Run

Image: David Jones

Remember those aerial shots of New York paired with the gorgeous music of "Let The River Run" in the title sequence of Working Girl ? Just epic!

The main theme of the 1988 film, directed by Mike Nichols, is one of the greatest of all time. Thanks to this song, Carly Simon became the first person in history to win an Oscar , a Golden Globe , and a Grammy for a track composed, written, and performed entirely by a single artist.

4

I Will Always Love You

Image: Hunters Race

Dolly Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" in 1973. While it was a commercial success for the country legend at the time, it is Whitney Houston’s version of the song for The Bodyguard that everybody remembers.

Houston's 1992 pop ballad stayed at number one on the Billboard chart for 14 weeks and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. It also became the actress’s signature song.

5

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Image: Stainless Images

According to the American Film Institute, the greatest song in the history of cinema is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from _The Wizard of Oz_—and no wonder! The 1939 song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and was later inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance.

The ballad was written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg with Judy Garland in mind . At just 16 years old, Garland delivered a masterful performance as Dorothy, and the scene remains one of the most iconic in film history.

6

What a Feeling!

Image: Juli Kosolapova

Written by Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey, and Irene Cara for the 1983 film Flashdance , "What a Feeling!" is one of the most defining songs of the decade. It’s fair to say the film includes other great tracks, like Michael Sembello's "Maniac" and Laura Branigan's "Imagination."

Yet, the main theme, played during the iconic audition scene, became a worldwide bestseller. It spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

7

Stayin' Alive

Image: NEOSiAM 2024+

The Bee Gees contributed several songs to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, but without a doubt, the most famous is "Stayin' Alive." This 1977 hit tune, along with John Travolta's iconic dance moves, defined the disco era .

"Stayin' Alive" became one of the British group's most popular songs, earning widespread recognition , including a Grammy Award and a spot on several "greatest songs of all time" rankings.

8

GoldenEye

Image: Quang Viet Nguyen

As its name suggests, this song, performed by the great Tina Turner , was written for the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye . It was composed by Irish musicians Bono and The Edge from U2 with Turner in mind.

Depeche Mode were originally asked to compose the film’s main theme but were too busy at the time. "GoldenEye" reached number two on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 when it was released as a single and, along with "Live and Let Die" by Paul McCartney and "You Only Live Twice" by Nancy Sinatra, is considered one of the best 007 theme songs !

9

It Must Have Been Love

Image: Malin Kettil, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The soundtrack of Pretty Woman , one of the best romantic comedies of all time, features several great songs—including Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman."

However, this time, we’d like to highlight "It Must Have Been Love," a bittersweet tune by Roxette . Originally released in 1987, the song was reintroduced when Touchstone Pictures wanted to feature a track by the Swedish pop duo in the 1990 film. Thanks to this re-release, it became a smash hit in the U.S. and around the world.

10

Eye of the Tiger

Image: Dolo Iglesias

Originally, Sylvester Stallone wanted to use Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" as the theme song for Rocky III . When permission was denied, he turned to the American rock band Survivor to write an original song.

Since then, "Eye of the Tiger" has achieved massive success and will forever be associated with Rocky Balboa . It remains one of the most frequently used songs at sporting events and is undoubtedly one of the greatest movie songs of all time.

11

My Heart Will Go On

Image: Courtesy of NOAA/Institute for Exploration/University of Rhode Island (NOAA/IFE/URI)., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Performed by Celine Dion, "My Heart Will Go On" is one of the most listened-to and best-selling songs of all time. Originally composed by James Horner as a motif for the Titanic soundtrack , it was later developed into the film’s official theme song.

This catchy tune, which won multiple Grammy Awards, is the perfect complement to Jack and Rose's tragic love story.

12

As Time Goes By

Image: Geert Pieters

Of course, we couldn't leave out of this list one of the most emblematic songs in film history: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca . Play it again, Sam, and let us relive Ilsa Lund and Rick Blaine's unforgettable love story.

Originally composed by Herman Hupfeld for the 1931 Broadway musical Everybody's Welcome , the song achieved international fame thanks to one of Casablanca 's most memorable scenes. It became the foundation of the film’s soundtrack and was ranked No. 2 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs list.

1

"Here’s Johnny!" - The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

The Tonight Show is one of the longest-running and most influential programs in television history. The late-night show premiered in 1954, but Johnny Carson took over in 1962 and became the face of the show for three decades. It was Ed McMahon, Carson’s longtime sidekick and announcer, who gave birth to the iconic introduction: "Heeeeeere’s Johnny!" The phrase took hold so firmly in American culture that it was referenced endlessly across other shows and media, most famously parodied to terrifying effect by Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980).

2

"What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?" - Diff’rent Strokes

It’s impossible not to picture Gary Coleman’s face when you hear "What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?" The line, uttered by Arnold (Coleman) to older brother Willis (Todd Bridges), became so famous that it’s still used today to express confusion, even by young people around the world who don’t know it comes from the NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1985). The catchphrase helped catapult Coleman to international fame, but it was repeated so often that, by the later seasons, he admitted he sometimes refused to say it.

3

"Ayyyyyy!" - Happy Days

Yes, the power of a catchphrase can be so strong that some of the most memorable ones are just one consonant-free syllable. A perfect example is the signature line of Arthur Fonzarelli, A.K.A. Fonzie, or "The Fonz," from Happy Days (1974–1984). Played by Henry Winkler, Fonzie was the coolest guy on TV, so all it took was a leather jacket, a thumbs-up, and an "Ayyyyy!" to make him immortal.

4

"Dy-no-mite!" - Good Times

Actor Jimmie Walker rose to fame playing J.J. Evans on the American sitcom Good Times (1974–1979). His clever and energetic character had a trademark: "Dy-no-mite!", his exclamation of excitement, approval, or surprise. The line became so famous that it appeared everywhere, from T-shirts to posters, and for many viewers, it’s the thing they most remember about the show.

Although the line was undeniably a hit, the actor admitted in later interviews that he wasn’t entirely sure it would take off. Who could have predicted what was coming?

5

"I love it when a plan comes together!"- The A-Team

"I love it when a plan comes together!" was the iconic catchphrase delivered by George Peppard’s character in The A-Team (1983–1987). At the end of many episodes of the action series, Lieutenant Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith would light or just hold his cigar as he delivered the line, signaling that his plans (usually elaborate, risky, and a little over the top) had worked out perfectly. Over time, the phrase became part of popular culture and is still used today whenever everything falls into place.

6

"Book 'em, Danno" - Hawaii Five-O

"Book ’em, Danno" was the iconic line delivered by Jack Lord’s character, Detective Steve McGarrett, to his partner Danny "Danno" Williams (played by James MacArthur) on Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980). The utterance often came at the end of an episode when the bad guy had finally been caught. It became hugely popular and turned into a cultural shorthand for "case closed" in the 1970s.

7

"Lucy, you got some 'splaining to do!"- I Love Lucy

Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball played the ultimate sitcom couple, Ricky and Lucy Ricardo, on I Love Lucy (1951–1957). Whenever Lucy got caught up in one of her classic schemes or hilarious misunderstandings, Ricky would step in to deliver some version of "Lucy, you got some ‘splaining’ to do!"

Even though the line was never delivered exactly the same way, Ricky would always demand an explanation in similar terms, with variations like "Lucy, something needs ‘splaining’" or "What needs ’splainin’?"

8

"Is that your final answer?" - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but it’s hard not to feel the tension when you hear "Is that your final answer?" That classic line from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? originated with Chris Tarrant, the original host of the British version, which debuted in 1998. But it was Regis Philbin, host of the American version (which premiered in 1999), who helped the phrase achieve worldwide fame.

The question added a moment of suspense, often making contestants second-guess themselves. Over time, its impact went far beyond the game, becoming an indisputable part of the cultural lexicon

9

"Live long and prosper" - Star Trek

You may remember Leonard Nimoy’s voice as Spock delivering his signature "Live long and prosper" in the original Star Trek (1966–1969). As a traditional Vulcan greeting, the line was often paired with the iconic hand gesture, where the fingers split to form a "V" shape. The phrase went on to transcend generations, which makes it even more surprising that it wasn’t part of the original script; it was Nimoy who came up with both the gesture and the phrase for the show.

10

"Norm!" - Cheers

Cheers (1982–1993) is one of those shows that’s hard to forget, and anyone who’s seen it will instantly remember the shout of "Norm!" This was the familiar greeting from the bar’s staff and regulars every time Norm Peterson, played by George Wendt, walked through the door. Norm is one of the few characters to appear in all 275 episodes of the series, so that moment became a beloved and frequent (very frequent) ritual.