Events June 2009

This month's top events

World Science Festival

June 12-14

Robo Game

SAN FRANCISCO Cart-wheeling androids, 340-pound robots shooting flames and kung-fu-fighting human-oids are all par for the course at the world's largest robot competition. Robots - some remote-controlled, some autonomous - battle it out in everything from bartending to basketball. May the best machine win. www.robogames.net

Through June 14

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

ST. LOUIS Laugh along to the goings-on of Sir John Falstaff as he tries to woo two wealthy married women in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Shows take place nightly at 8pm (except Tuesdays) at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park. A lively pre-show includes a juggler, a fire-eating clown and strolling musicians. Shows are free (donations are appreciated). www.shakespearefestivalstlouis.org

June 10-14

World Science Festival

NEW YORK CITY This festival is not just for brainiacs. Sure, Nobel Prizewinning scientists will shed light on everything from climate change to nanotechnology, but events also include visual and performing arts programs, including the world premiere of Dear Albert, written by Alan Alda and starring Anthony LaPaglia. The all-day Science Street Fair may just inspire you to test a hypothesis of your own. www.worldsciencefestival.com

June 25 to July 5

Summerfest

MILWAUKEE The world's largest music festival - 11 days, 10 stages, a 23,000-seat amphitheater, more than 700 performers and 1 million fans - descends on Milwaukee every summer. Headliners include Gavin DeGraw, Asher Roth, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sara Evans and Bon Jovi. www.summerfest.com

July 3-5

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

DENVER More than 200 international artists converge on Denver for this outdoor juried arts festival, the state's signature cultural event. Taking place in the Cherry Creek North District, this year's festival will showcase 235 artists (out of 2,000 applicants) and eight emerging artists, as well as live music, spontaneous street theater acts, a "Culinary Avenue" and artist demonstrations. www.cherryarts.org

June 24-27

American Black Film Festival

MIAMI The premier international marketplace for films made by and about people of African descent, the ABFF has screened more than 500 films since its inception in 1997. Highlights include the HBO Short Film Competition, where one film-maker is awarded a $20,000 prize. www.abff.com

June 25-28

Kuumba Festival

KNOXVILLE, TN Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this multi-event festival showcases the rich cultural art forms by local African-American artists.

The celebration kicks off at the Knoxville Museum of Art, with an African buffet, artist exhibits, live jazz and spoken word performances. Other highlights include the drum- and dancer-filled Junkanu Parade, as well as the African Market Place and a gospel concert at Chilhowee Park. www.kuumbafesttn.com

Happy Birthday, America!

This year, start your July 4th celebrations early in the day, ending with - what else? - a dazzling pyrotechnic show. Here are a few patriotic itineraries:  

ATLANTA DAY: Cheer on runners at the Peachtree Road Race (www.atlantatrackclub.org); many restaurants and bars offer specials along the route. NIGHT: Come 5pm, live music will start blasting at the 4th of July Celebration in Centennial Olympic Park (www.centennialpark.com), before the fireworks finale.  

WASHINGTON, DC DAY: July 4 is the last day to check out "Preparing for the Ball: Costume of the Early Nation" at the Dumbarton House (www.dumbartonhouse.org). This special exhibit includes clothing and accessories from 1775 to 1825.

NIGHT: Grab a seat on the West Lawn at the Mall and watch fireworks explode with the Washington Monument in the background.  

NEW YORK DAY: Head to Coney Island for Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest (www..nathansfamous.com), held annually since 1916. NIGHT: In honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage, the fireworks will explode over the Hudson River on the west side of Manhattan.