Discover 2024’s Top Events Around the Globe

Everyone loves a good festival or special event.  Here is the best 20 events from around the world in 2024.  Embark on a journey through time and culture as you explore the world’s most captivating events in 2024. From ancient traditions to thrilling sporting spectacles, here’s a sneak peek into what the coming year has in store for avid travelers.

Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada, U.S.A.

Burning Man transcends the ordinary notion of a festival; it’s a phenomenon that unfolds in the vast expanse of the Nevada desert. Envision a temporary city rising from the dust, serving as a canvas for radical self-expression. This extraordinary event eludes easy classification, featuring colossal art installations, interactive sculptures, and the iconic burning of the towering Man in a mesmerizing, ritualistic ceremony. Yet, that’s just the beginning – immerse yourself in workshops, musical performances, and unique ‘gifting’ stations, all operating within the festival’s distinctive gift economy. Burning Man website

Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, France

Experience history in the making as the 2024 Paris Olympics kick off on July 26. The grand opening ceremony takes a unique twist, moving outside the stadium and onto the iconic streets of Paris. Athletes make a grand entrance on the Seine River, offering a visual spectacle against the backdrop of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. Paris Olympics

Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh, Scotland, U.K.

The Edinburgh Military Tatto is a spectacular international event, spotlighting captivating performances by military bands and artists from the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth nations, and countries worldwide. This annual extravaganza unfolds over 3 to 4 weeks on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle throughout August.  The tattoo performance graces the stage once on weekdays and twice over the weekends, concluding with a brief but dazzling fireworks display. An integral part of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Military Tattoo Festival has grown into a grand celebration of military precision, artistic flair, and global camaraderie. Edinburgh Tattoo

Garma Festival, Northern Territory, Australia

Immerse yourself in Australia’s rich Indigenous culture at the Garma Festival. Held in August in north-east Arnhem Land, this four-day celebration showcases traditional Yolngu art, music, dance, and storytelling. Camp on Yolngu land for a full cultural immersion and a unique connection to the history of First Nations peoples. Garma Festival

Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest stands as the world’s premier beer festival, tracing its roots back to 1810 when it marked the nuptials of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Originating as a jubilant celebration where locals reveled in specially brewed beer and thrilling horse races, the inaugural event’s success led to a tradition that has endured in Munich annually since 1810.  Today, Oktoberfest is a sensational gathering that unites locals and visitors in a jubilant atmosphere filled with exceptional beer, delectable cuisine, lively music, and exhilarating carnival rides. Oktoberfest

T20 World Cup of Cricket, US and West Indies

Cricket enthusiasts, get ready for the T20 World Cup hosted in the unlikely location of the US, with support from the Caribbean. Catch the excitement from June 4 to 30, with matches in Texas, Florida, New York, and picturesque Caribbean islands. Witness cricket’s charm unfold before a potential new American audience.

Upfest, Bristol, U.K.

The birthplace of Banksy’s graffiti invites you to experience one of Europe’s most extensive street-art festivals, occurring biennially, with the upcoming edition set for 2024. Join in the creative spectacle as hundreds of local and international artists engage in painting sessions, open to individuals of all disciplines and experience levels – no professional background needed. If hands-on artistry isn’t your preference, indulge in spray-painting workshops and marvel at the myriad murals that promise to captivate and entertain. UpFest

Timkat, Ethiopia

Journey to Ethiopia in January to witness Timkat, a vibrant celebration of the Epiphany by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Experience the ritual re-enactment of the baptism of Jesus in locations like Lalibela, Gondar, and Addis Ababa, filled with color, music, and song.

Buenos Aires Tango World Cup, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentina, the birthplace of the tango, is also the venue for the dance’s World Cup in its capital. Amidst fierce competitions, there are opportunities for the public to participate in dances and workshops, catering to enthusiasts of all levels, including amateurs looking to refine their skills. Whether you aim to perfect your ocho or simply revel in the captivating spectacle, the streets come alive with dancers, musicians, and artists along Diagonal Norte. The two weeks unfold as a celebration, with an open-air stage serving as the vibrant focal point for this dynamic cultural event.

UEFA Euro 2024, Football, Germany

Soccer fans, rejoice! Germany hosts the UEFA Euro 2024 from June to July, promising a month-long extravaganza of European football. From Berlin to Munich, Leipzig to Hamburg, immerse yourself in the thrilling matches and the festive atmosphere of this football powerhouse.

Day of the Dead, Mexico

Discover the unique and colorful celebration of Dia de los Muertes, the Day of the Dead, in Mexico. Join the festivities honoring departed loved ones with decorated homes, costumes, street dances, and pilgrimages to cemeteries. Oaxaca City hosts one of the country’s most memorable celebrations.

Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, Istanbul, Turkey

The Bosphorus Strait in Turkey has served as a vital maritime trade route since ancient times and continues to be among the world’s most bustling shipping channels. However, for a brief three-day period each year, it undergoes a transformation as over 2,000 participants undertake the monumental cross-continental swim. During this event, the strait is closed to regular traffic, allowing swimmers to conquer the 11-mile journey from Europe to Asia. The reward at the finish line? A festive celebration awaits, marking the culmination of this extraordinary aquatic adventure.

Lunar New Year, Worldwide

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in global hotspots like Singapore, New York, Hanoi, London, Vancouver, Tokyo, Sydney, or Melbourne. Experience the festivities, including fireworks, dancing, feasting, and the tradition of red envelopes, as the world welcomes the Year of the Dragon in February.

Rio Carnival, Brazil

Experience the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during Carnival – a colossal street celebration that stands among the world’s largest. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats, lively parades and an abundance of joy. Renowned as the planet’s most famous street festival, Carnival transforms the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro into a pulsating hub of excitement. Join thousands of revellers as they descend upon this dynamic city, known for its unparalleled vibrancy and captivating spirit.

Glastonbury Festival, Somerset, England

Glastonbury, affectionately known as Glasto, offers a quintessential British experience. Spanning five days, this cultural extravaganza seamlessly weaves together modern music, dance, comedy, theatre, circus acts, and art. Established pop and rock legends share the stage with emerging talents, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere. Going beyond music, Glasto places a strong emphasis on sustainability and counterculture values. Ticket proceeds contribute to worthy causes such as Oxfam, Greenpeace, and WaterAid. While the lineup details are yet to be unveiled, one thing you can undoubtedly anticipate is the presence of mud – and lots of it, adding an adventurous element to this iconic event.

Tour de France Femmes, France

Celebrate women in cycling with the Tours de France Femmes, a week-long race in August. Starting in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and traversing through Belgium and eastern France, this event provides a perfect break between the Paris Summer Olympics and the Paralympics.

Fuji Rock Festival, Naeba, Japan

Savor musical delights with a backdrop of breathtaking Fuji views. Making its return to the picturesque Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, this music festival stands as one of the country’s grandest, drawing in a crowd of over 100,000 enthusiasts annually. Boasting a diverse lineup encompassing rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic genres, the festival has seen acclaimed headliners like Foo Fighters, Radiohead, and The Strokes in the past. Set against the stunning mountain landscape, the outdoor event offers attendees the unique opportunity to camp on-site, adding an extra layer of adventure to the music-filled experience.

Kings Day, Netherlands

April is the ideal time to visit the Netherlands, culminating in Koningsdag, or Kings Day, on April 27. Witness the entire country cloaked in orange, with open-air concerts, a nationwide flea market, and a vibrant display of Dutch celebration.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Scultpure Festival, Harbin, China

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey at the world’s grandest ice and snow festival, an experience that truly comes to life when you find yourself looking up at a colossal, translucent rendition of the Athens Acropolis. This annual extravaganza, featuring over 100 stunning ice sculptures, transforms the city of Harbin into a winter wonderland, easily accessible with a one-hour, 40-minute flight from Beijing. Evolving into a prominent international event, the festival offers more than just ice sculptures – engage in thrilling activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledging. And for an unparalleled view, make sure not to miss a ride on the towering 120m Snowflake Ferris Wheel.

Diwali, India

Experience the magical Festival of Lights, Diwali, in India from October 31. Enjoy lanterns, tea lights, candles, sweets, and feasting amidst a sky adorned with colorful fireworks. Embrace the joy and warmth of this universal festival celebrated across the country.