"Festivals are the only place where annual traditions are preserved, practiced, and actively participated in." Haylie Robinson, Creator of Finding Festivals PBS
This week, I sat down with Haylie Robinson, creator of Finding Festivals, to explore her world — from small-town celebrations to cultural touchstones with global impact.
Haylie takes us from her days as a festival queen in Ohio to her work uncovering the most meaningful festivals across the U.S. and beyond. Her message is refreshing and straightforward: you don't need a passport to experience culture. Sometimes the richest travel experiences happen right in your own backyard.
We talk about the Dublin Irish Festival, the Edgar Allan Poe Festival, and dozens more that blend food, storytelling, ritual, and pure community joy. Haylie also shares her practical festival tips: arrive early, pace your day, stay hydrated, and leave room for surprise — because festivals are where spontaneity thrives.
We also explore what makes festivals tremendously successful: thoughtful traffic flow, strong themes that honor local culture, and organizers who understand the soul of their community.
By the end, you'll see festivals the way Haley does — as windows into the human spirit, and as one of the easiest, most joyful ways to keep traveling without going far.
Tune in, get inspired, and even plan your next festival adventure.
Resources:
Donation Page: https://filmmakerscollabinc.networkforgood.com/projects/227232-finding-festivals
Website: https://hayliestory.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayliestory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HayliestoryTravels/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hayliestory/
PBS Show Page: https://www.pbs.org/show/finding-festivals/
More Finding Festival Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IhqcxSQWyGsc_g4xV7-EK7ESN5mWkYpV?usp=drive_l
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