Top Festivals to Experience Around the World

MG Quinn
Apr 16
4 min read

From vibrant cultural celebrations to electrifying music festivals, the world offers an abundance of exciting events throughout the year. Whether you're a music lover, culture enthusiast, or foodie, attending a global festival can provide a memorable travel experience. Here’s a roundup of the top festivals to add to your bucket list, along with tips on when and where to catch them.

1. Rio Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (February/March)

The Rio Carnival is the world's largest and most famous festival. Every year, millions of people flood the streets of Rio for a celebration of music, dance, and dazzling costumes. The event features samba parades, street parties, and vibrant performances, making it an unmissable experience.

💡 Tip: Book accommodations well in advance, as this is peak season, and be sure to attend the Sambadrome parade for the full spectacle.

2. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany (September/October)

Oktoberfest in Munich is the world's largest beer festival and a cultural tradition that attracts millions from around the world. With its lively beer tents, traditional Bavarian food, and fun-filled carnival rides, it’s the ultimate celebration of German culture.

💡 Tip: Dress in traditional Bavarian attire (lederhosen for men, dirndls for women) to truly immerse yourself in the experience.

3. Diwali – India (October/November)

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated holidays in India. This vibrant festival is marked by the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), fireworks, prayers, and festive meals. It's a beautiful time to visit India, with temples, streets, and homes adorned with thousands of lights.

💡 Tip: Visit Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities, for an unforgettable Diwali experience, as the ghats of the Ganges are illuminated with candles.

4. Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Edinburgh, Scotland (August)

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival, with thousands of performances covering everything from theater and comedy to music and dance. This festival transforms the city into a vibrant hub of creativity and talent.

💡 Tip: With hundreds of shows happening every day, plan your schedule ahead of time and book tickets early to get the best seats for your favorite performances.

5. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, USA (August/September)

Burning Man is more than just a festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon that attracts creatives, artists, and free spirits from all over the world. Held in the Black Rock Desert, this unique event emphasizes self-expression, community, and art installations. Participants are encouraged to live in the moment and immerse themselves in the desert's temporary city.

💡 Tip: Be prepared for extreme desert conditions, bring plenty of water, and embrace the festival's "leave no trace" ethos by cleaning up after yourself.

6. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain (August)

La Tomatina is the world’s biggest food fight, where thousands of people gather in the small town of Buñol to hurl ripe tomatoes at each other. This fun and messy event takes place on the last Wednesday of August and has become a global sensation.

💡 Tip: Wear old clothes you don’t mind getting destroyed and goggles to protect your eyes from flying tomatoes.

7. Carnival of Venice – Venice, Italy (February/March)

The Carnival of Venice is known for its elaborate masks and elegant costumes. This centuries-old tradition transforms the city into a mysterious and magical setting with grand balls, theatrical performances, and street performances.

💡 Tip: If you’re not in Venice for the entire carnival, plan to attend the grand mask contest or the famous Venetian masquerade balls for an unforgettable experience.

8. Songkran – Chiang Mai, Thailand (April)

Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, is a massive water fight celebrated across the country. Chiang Mai’s streets become filled with people armed with water guns, throwing water at anyone who passes by. This is a fun and playful festival that’s also deeply spiritual, with traditions like water blessings and temple visits.

💡 Tip: Keep your electronics waterproof and prepare to get wet! Don’t forget to participate in the water blessings at the temples for a cultural experience.

9. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival – Harbin, China (January)

Harbin’s Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is one of the largest and most impressive ice festivals in the world. Giant ice sculptures, some reaching over 20 feet tall, are intricately carved and illuminated with colorful lights. The festival offers an otherworldly experience, with frozen art displayed throughout the city.

💡 Tip: Dress warmly—temperatures can dip to below freezing. Don’t miss the Ice Swimming Festival if you’re brave enough!

10. Cherry Blossom Festival – Tokyo, Japan (March/April)

Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, is an annual event where locals and travelers gather under the blooming cherry trees to appreciate their fleeting beauty. Tokyo’s parks, including Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen, are particularly popular during the peak bloom.

💡 Tip: Check the bloom forecast to time your visit perfectly, as the cherry blossoms bloom for just a few weeks each spring.

Which of these amazing festivals is at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!