2017 promises a calendar packed with special events and activities through-out the United States. Sports fans, gardeners, hikers and history lovers can check out a list of impressive highlights or browse by interest or region at visittheusa.ca.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Break out the champagne for a year-long celebration of Mississippi’s 200th birthday. Events, ranging from three bicentennial concerts to art expositions, travelling exhibits, documentary films and a ribbon cutting at two new museums in Jackson, will commemorate the founding and evolution of America’s 20th state. VisitMississippi.org

Estes Park—gateway town to Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park—is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Activities include a Winter Festival, parades and special activities as well as the regular menu of unique wilderness opportunities, wildlife watching and guided excursions. EstesPark100.com

Arizona State Parks is celebrating 60 years. They’re unveiling a new Outdoor Recreation Information Center in Phoenix, with tree plantings, a Mariachi Festival, historical re-enactments in Tubac, Octoberfest in Sedona and much more. AZStateParks.com

Virginia has several important anniversaries in 2017: the 60th anniversary of the Urbanna Oyster Festival (November), recognized among the best in the world; the 90th anniversary of Historic Garden Week (April); and the 30th anniversary of Dirty Dancing, filmed on location at Mountain Lake Lodge, which is offering special packages and themed weekends. Urbannaoysterfestival.com; vagardenweek.org; mtnlakelodge.com

STAND UP AND CHEER

Two big ski events to watch. The Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Squaw Valley (March) marks the return of World Cup ski racing to California for the first time in 19 years. And Aspen, Colorado, hosts the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals (March), the first time the event has been held in the U.S. in 20 years. WorldCupSquaw.com; colorado.com

Phoenix, Arizona, rolls out the red carpet for the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four in April when the city will be bustling with fan festivities and live music acts. phoenixfinalfour.com

In June, Detroit, Michigan, is hosting the 2017 USA Taekwondo National Championships, the world’s largest. Visitors can also pedal the city on the new Detroit Bike Share program (launching in April) featuring 420 bikes and 42 stations. VisitDetroit.com

On the links, the PGA Championship returns to the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, in August. The par-72 course is known for the challenges of its last three holes, dubbed “the Green Mile.” pga.com

JUST FOR FUN

In March, the 56th Can-Am Days in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, showcases Southern hospitality at its finest. The annual festival welcomes Canadian visitors with 10 days of special events, parades, performances, savings at hotels, restaurants and attractions. VisitMyrtleBeach.com

St. Petersburg, Florida, is celebrating 100 Years of Art, hosted by the Morean Arts Center. Watch for a full year of special art exhibitions, events, classes and workshops at galleries and museums throughout the city. moreanartscenter.org