The Dublin Irish Festival returns July 31–Aug 2 at Coffman Park with headline acts, family programming and local hospitality gearing up for the crowds.

The Library of Congress announced an 80+ author lineup for the National Book Festival on Aug. 22, with free but required tickets and special America 250 programming.

The Franklin Institute will host the world premiere of Star Wars: The Experience Feb. 13–Sept. 6, 2027. The 18,000‑sqft exhibition includes 70+ artifacts and will tour North America.

Several Baltimore arts nonprofits, including the group behind Artscape, admitted late state filings — a lapse that can bar them from soliciting donations.

National City approved a Comic‑Con–backed Meeting of Styles mural festival for July 19 that will turn I‑805 underpasses into public art with temporary road closures.

After nearly 40 years on Tempe’s music map, owner Michael Pawlicki retired and The Ghost of Eastside Records closed June 30. A local buyer is expected to take over the Southern Avenue space.

The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is expanding its Johnstown campus: new proscenium, modern stage tech and more room for events and youth programming. The project aims to boost season capacity and regional arts offerings.

One year in, AVAM’s new director is rolling out a five-year plan to grow the museum’s endowment, reopen an on-site restaurant and deepen neighborhood ties as attendance climbs.

A $100M foundation revamp plus a $17.7M federal rehab are reshaping Ellis Island. New galleries, research space and a grand staircase aim to modernize the museum by late 2026.

The Smithsonian moved much of its Folklife programming inside the Arts & Industries Building for July Fourth, with a free marketplace, live music and workshops running through July 12.

Conner Prairie will anchor Central Indiana’s America 250 weekend with daytime civic programs and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Star‑Spangled Symphony and fireworks across July 2–4.

The Fillmore Jazz Festival returns July 4–5 after a near‑cancellation last year, saved again by Avenue Greenlight and community sponsors. Free performances stretch down Fillmore Street.

Fat Cat, the Downtown Grand jazz-and-blues room, has closed after three years. Owners say live music will move to Grey Witch and Red Dwarf.