VISIT PHILADELPHIA's newest marketing effort—entitled Towns of the Philadelphia Countryside—encourages locals and visitors to explore 15 of the quaint neighborhoods and towns dotting the five-county region, and there's no better time to explore these towns than during festival season. Some of these events are quirky—think tens of thousands of folks coming together to honor the mushroom. Others celebrate the culinary talents of their hometown chefs or the creative handiwork of local artisans. While still others harken back to the town's proud role in American history. Whatever the topic or the time of year, local festivals are a great way to get to know the Towns of the Philadelphia Countryside.Here's a look at some event highlights for 2014 and 2015:

BUCKS COUNTY

Bristol:

• Throughout the season, generations of families come together to enjoy the Celtic Heritage Festival (June 29, 2014), Puerto Rican Day Festival (July 26, 2014), Afro-American Festival (August 16, 2014) and the Italian Festival (September 13, 2014). These events feature traditional music, costumes, dances and cuisines that celebrate the cultures of their ancestors. Bristol Lions Waterfront Park, Mill & Radcliffe Streets
• The era of bobby socks and poodle skirts is alive, well and jitterbugging at Doo Wop In The Park.Thousands turn out for the daylong 50s flashback with top-name groups performing the tight harmonies that topped the charts. September 6, 2014. Bristol Lions Waterfront Park, Mill & Radcliffe Streets, (215) 788-1600
• Historic Bristol Day brings a family-friendly street fair packed with arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainers, children's games, a sailing regatta and Colonial characters, all celebrating the town's connection to the Delaware River. October 18, 2014. Bristol Lion Waterfront Park, Mill & Radcliffe Streets, (215) 826-8532, bristolhistory.org

Doylestown:

• It doesn't get any more hometown than Fonthill's hometown Fourth of July celebration. On the grounds of Henry Mercer's landmark castle, families enjoy old-fashioned Independence Day festivities such as watermelon-eating contests, sack races, bucket-brigade relays and live bands playing rousing patriotic music. July 4, 2014. E. Court Street & Route 313, (215) 348-9461, mercermuseum.org
• A devotee of the Arts & Crafts movement, Henry Mercer would cheer for the annual Moravian Pottery and Tile Works Festival at his living-history factory. The event attracts more than four dozen artisans and dealers selling hand-made tiles and pottery. Festivalgoers can also tour Mercer's factory, which still produces hand-made tiles and pottery. May 17-18, 2015. 130 E. Swamp Road, (215) 348-6098,buckscounty.org

New Hope:

• Past and present run together at the New Hope Liberty Canal Festival, commemorating General Washington's encampment here and his expedition across the Delaware. Festivities include Revolutionary War re-enactments, live artillery firing, Colonial characters, crafts, 18th-century music, a treasure hunt, parade and more. June 20-22, 2014. Various locations. (215) 862-9990,visitnewhope.com
• Rainbows rule during Pride Week when the LGBT community and their friends gather for a week of lively and colorful festivities that include a block party, live entertainment and a parade so big it winds through two towns. May 10-17, 2015. Various locations. newhopecelebrates.com

CHESTER COUNTY

Kennett Square:

• The mushroom is elevated to rock-star status during the annual Mushroom Festival. The Mushroom Capital of the World puts the fun in fungi with a weekend of culinary events, amusement rides, mushroom farm tours, a street fair, entertainment, an antique car show and more. September 6-7, 2014.114 W. State Street, (610) 925-3373, mushroomfestival.org
• There's suds, suds and more suds for consumption at the Kennett Brewfest. Throughout the daylong festival, the over-21 set can sample brews from almost 100 regional and national craft breweries while noshing on nibbles and enjoying the live entertainment. October 11, 2014. 106 W. State Street, (610) 444-8188, kennettbrewfest.com
• Beat cabin fever at the annual Kennett Winterfest. The heated tent is a beer-lover's fantasyland of dozens of craft brewers, yummy comfort foods and live entertainment. February 28, 2015. 106 W. State Street, (610) 444-8188, kennettbrewfest.com

Phoenixville:

• The town where segments of the campy 1950s horror-sci fi flick The Blob were filmed invites humans and aliens to join in the wacky Blobfest, a three-day horror extravaganza complete with screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of a pivotal scene where hundreds of scared townspeople flee the Colonial Theatre. July 11-13, 2014. 227 Bridge Street, (610) 917-1228,thecolonialtheatre.com
• Arrive early to snag a seat or bring your own lawn chair to the Phoenixville Blues Festival, a day-long celebration of some of the region's most popular bands and food by local restaurants and food trucks. September 6, 2014. Reeves Park, between Main & Starr Streets and 2nd & 3rd Avenues, (215) 421-6759, pvilleblues.org
• Lighting up a winter night, the Firebird Festival celebrates the town's namesake, the Phoenix. After a full day of music, dancing, storytelling, crafting, parades and other arts-related activities, the festival culminates in the lighting of an enormous wooden phoenix, turning it into a real firebird. December 6, 2014. Various locations. firebirdfestival.com

West Chester:

• Whether on two wheels or two feet, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is all about speed. Runners and bikers of all ages and abilities participate in a variety of races all leading up to the marquee event in which nationally ranked pro cyclists compete to qualify for the USA CRITS invitational. No bike, no problem. Just enjoy the accompanying street fair. August 2, 2014. Gay & High Streets, (610) 696-4046,ironhilltwilightcriterium.com
• Super Sunday is super fun when downtown West Chester takes on a circus-like atmosphere. Two stages keep the live entertainment going as families nibble on food; shop at craft booths; enjoy amusement rides, antique cars and magic shows; and meet Dora the Explorer and Clifford the Red Dog. June 6, 2015. Gay Street between Matlack & Darlington Streets, (610) 738-3350,downtownwestchester.com

DELAWARE COUNTY

Media:

• Come hungry to Dining Under the Stars when local restaurateurs swing open the doors and set up service at tables smack in the middle of State Street. Cars are a no-no during the weekly alfresco event, featuring live entertainment, merchant specials and other treats. Wednesdays, May through September 2014. State Street between Jackson & Orange Streets, (610) 566-5039, visitmediapa.com
• The Eiffel Tower in the middle of State Street is the first inkling that the Bastille Day celebration holds plenty of fun and surprises. Professional theater presentations, live music, dancing, art exhibits, plein-air painting activities and the storming of the Bastille make for a day of revelry. July 12, 2014.mediaartscouncil.org
• Calling all music lovers. The annual State Street Blues Stroll is a tuneful evening of guitar-shredding, soul-stirring, rousing and hypnotic blues starring more than two dozen of the genre's top national and regional performers. June 13, 2015. Various locations. (610) 566-5039,statestreetblues.com

Wayne:

• The Radnor Fall Festival in downtown Wayne revels in the return of brisk autumn days during a daylong celebration that includes magic shows, dog shows, marching bands, rides and, of course, food and music. September 21, 2014. N. Wayne Avenue, (610) 687-7698, radnorfallfestival.com

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Ambler:

• Motorheads can't wait to gear up for the Ambler Auto Show. Even those who don't know a crank shaft from a gear box are drawn to the flashy display of polished chrome gleaming off of more than 200 antique, muscle and classic cars. May 16, 2015. Butler Avenue between Main Street & Lindenwold Avenue, amblerautoshow.org
• There are art festivals and music festivals, but the Ambler Art & Music Festival combines both into one giant party. For two days, the town's main drag is closed to traffic so fans can rock out to more than a dozen bands, shop for crafts from more than 60 artisans and relax in the beer garden. June 12-13, 2015. Butler Avenue between Bethlehem Pike & Morris Road, (215) 641-1070, amblerfest.org

Ardmore:

• Touted as one of the best vintage markets by Flea Market Style Magazine, The Clover Market attracts shoppers from all over to its beautifully displayed tents of vintage goods and artisan wares. More than 100 vendors offer antiques and collectibles, vintage jewelry and clothing, finely crafted handmade items and original art. June 22, September 28, November 2, 2014. 12 E. Lancaster Avenue, (610) 645-0540,theclovermarket.com
• The Summer Celebration kicks off the season with all the fun of the boardwalk right at home. This free, fun-filled family event features boardwalk faves such as mini-golf, skee-ball, carousel rides and food, along with kids' crafts and interactive music activities. June 2015. Schaufflele Plaza, 16 E. Lancaster Avenue, (610) 645-0540, ardmoreinitiative.org

Jenkintown:

• Artists and art lovers come together for the annual Festival of the Arts. The juried art show features only handcrafted works by more than 100 artists from around the nation. The event takes over the heart of town with food stands, music on multiple stages, beer tents and activities for kids. September 21, 2014. Jenkintown Town Square, Greenwood Avenue & Leedom Street, (215) 517-5507, jenkintown.net

Skippack:

• The usually laid-back town goes into full party mode for the 42nd annual Skippack Days, the biggest event on the calendar. Thousands of visitors who appreciate handmade goods stroll the mile-long stretch where more than 450 artisans offer original crafts, jewelry, art and other items. Music, food and family activities round out the festivities. October 4-5, 2014. Skippack Pike from Bridge Road to Collegeville Road, (610) 584-6004, iloveskippack.com

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY

Chestnut Hill:

• Fido will woof with delight at the Dog Days of Summer, a day of canine-centric events and activities, including a pet parade, pet photos and more. Various locations on Germantown Avenue. July 13, 2014.(215) 247-6696, chestnuthillpa.com
• It's easy to fall for the Fall for the Arts Festival, the autumn extravaganza that sprouts up along Germantown Avenue with hundreds of merchants and artisans offering unusual crafts and wares. Discover a new artist, nibble on restaurant and food-truck treats and dance to live music. October 5, 2014. 8000-8600 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-6696, chestnuthillpa.com
• The wizards of Hogwarts take over the neighborhood for the Harry Potter Festival. All weekend long, Chestnut Hill is transformed into a mini-Hogsmeade with a costume parade, Horcrux hunt, Dumbledore's Powers Maze, Potter Pub Crawl and more. It all culminates with dozens of Quidditch teams competing for the Golden Snitch. Various locations. October 17-19, 2014. chestnuthillpa.com

Manayunk:

• Art lovers circle their calendars for the Manayunk Arts Festival, which transforms Main Street into a giant outdoor art gallery. Juried works by more than 300 artisans from around the country, food, music and other entertainment add to the weekend festivities. June 21-22, 2014. Main Street, (215) 482-9565,manayunk.com
• With so many restaurants, one food fest isn't enough. That's why twice a year, foodies descend on Main Street for the spring and fall StrEAT festivals, where they nosh at food trucks, sample restaurant offerings, shop sidewalk sales and enjoy live entertainment. September 2014, April 2015. Main Street, (215) 482-9565, manayunk.com
• Cheering crowds pack the streets for the giant neighborhood party that accompanies the annual Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic. This race brings some of the world's best riders to take on “The Wall,” Manayunk's steepest, topographic challenge. Velothon Philadelphia, a new addition to the festivities, allows amateur bikers to compete on a 45-kilometer route. June 7, 2015. Various locations. (215) 482-9565, phillycyclingclassic.org

Mt. Airy:

• Foodies come out in big numbers for the annual Street Fare: Sip, Savor Stroll, featuring some of the city's best restaurants and gourmet food trucks, artisans and entertainers—all turning Germantown Avenue into a giant party. September 18, 2014. 7000-7100 Germantown Avenue, (215) 844-6021,gomtairy.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA™, formerly known as Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.

Greater Philadelphia's official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com make up the most-visited website network out of the 10 biggest U.S. cities. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.