A Signature Festival Journey requires travel with a purpose. Festivals are so extraordinary that they deserve a trip of all of their own, with all other sightseeing worked in and around it, as it is truly something magical about experiencing a destination during a festival. The streets come alive with music, colour and celebration, offering a deeper connection to the culture and traditions of a place.
Whether it is lanterns lighting up the sky in Thailand, dancing through the streets at Rio Carnival, or indulging in world-class cuisine at a European food festival, these moments turn a holiday into something unforgettable. At JLW Travel, we curate journeys that immerse you in the heart of these celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a guided festival tour or a tailor-made itinerary, we’ll help you discover the world’s most spectacular festivals in style.
My Story …
As I travelled through Edinburgh, I often heard stories about how the city transforms during the Fringe Festival. As I was walking up to Edinburgh Castle, I passed the stands they were taking them down from the Edinburgh Tattoo. I was somewhat surprised as it was, and still is, an event I have always wanted to witness live. I was only there for two nights, sightseeing on my way to a horse-riding adventure in the Scottish Borders, after seeing the Davis Cup in Manchester that year.
In Spain, I imagined the exhilaration of La Tomatina, caught in the chaos and drenched in tomato pulp. That thought carried me further, to the vibrant explosions of colour during Holi in India or Nepal, lands I have yet to visit but dream of experiencing firsthand.
What these events all have in common is a deep history layered with tradition, adaptation and the passion of those who keep them alive. Over time they have evolved, yet their essence remains, offering us the privilege of celebrating alongside locals, teams, artists and musicians. The idea of being surrounded by such energy, history and tradition is what draws us in—with its authenticity, elegant displays and the creativity woven into every spectacle we then become part of.
If you’ve ever dreamed of celebrating Holi in India or clinking steins at Oktoberfest in Germany, these themed festival journeys are designed just for you.
Whether you're interested in eye-catching displays, sampling food specialties from around the globe or dancing to the tune of world-famous performers, there's an event to suit every traveller.
From glowing lanterns to dazzling fireworks, these are festivals that illuminate the world in spectacular ways:
- Diwali (India, around mid-September to mid-November, depending on the year) – Experience the Festival of Lights as cities and villages glow with lamps, fireworks, and celebrations.
- Vivid Sydney (Australia, May - June) – A fusion of art and technology, transforming Sydney’s landmarks into a glowing spectacle.
- Yi Peng Lantern Festival (Thailand, November) – Watch thousands of lanterns float into the night sky in Chiang Mai.
- Harbin Ice Festival (China, late December to late February, depending on weather conditions) – Wander through an entire city made of ice, lit up with dazzling colours.
If you love vibrant celebrations, these festivals are a feast for the senses:
- Holi (India & Nepal, March or sometimes late February) – One of the world’s most exhilarating celebrations, where people throw brightly coloured powders in a joyful festival of love, spring, and unity. Best experienced in Jaipur, Vrindavan or Delhi.
- Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (USA, October) – A sky filled with hundreds of colourful hot air balloons.
- La Tomatina (Spain, August) – The ultimate food fight, where thousands gather to hurl ripe tomatoes at each other.
Food lovers, get ready to indulge in these delicious events:
- Oktoberfest (Germany, September/October) – Raise a stein and enjoy Bavarian beer, bratwurst and pretzels.
- Truffle Festival (France, January) – A celebration of one of the world’s most luxurious ingredients.
- Pizzafest (Italy, September) – The ultimate festival for pizza lovers in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.
- Cape Town International Wine Festival (South Africa, November) – A celebration of South Africa’s renowned wines.
- Nairobi Restaurant Week (Kenya, January - February) – Showcases Kenya’s diverse food culture with special menus and discounts.
- Knysna Oyster Festival (South Africa, June/July) – Hailed a “shucking good time”, indulge in a feast of food, sporting and cultural activities.
- Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (VIC, March-April) – A major culinary event featuring top chefs.
- Taste of Summer (TAS, December-January) – A food festival showcasing Tasmanian produce.
- Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (QLD, May) – A gourmet festival featuring top Australian chefs.
- Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (New Zealand, February) – A premier wine event in New Zealand’s famous wine region.
- Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Classic (New Zealand, November) – A food and wine lovers’ paradise.
For lovers of live performances, these festivals are a must:
- Coachella (USA, April) – A star-studded music and arts festival in California, featuring top global artists across multiple genres.
- Tomorrowland (Belgium, July) – The ultimate electronic dance music festival, drawing world-famous DJs and fans from across the globe.
- Tomorrowland Winter (France, February/March) – A breathtaking electronic music festival in the French Alps, combining world-class DJs with a snowy mountain setting.
- Tomorrowland Brasil (Brazil, October) – The South American edition of the legendary festival, bringing the Tomorrowland magic to São Paulo.
- Glastonbury (UK, June) – One of the world’s biggest music festivals, featuring global superstars and emerging artists.
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland, August) – The largest arts festival in the world, showcasing theatre, comedy and dance.
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Scotland, August) – A spectacular showcase of military bands, bagpipers and performances set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
- Rio Carnival (Brazil, February/March) – The world’s most extravagant street party, filled with samba, parades, and dazzling costumes.
- Festival au Désert (Mali, December/January) – A renowned music festival celebrating Tuareg culture, held in the Sahara Desert.
- Lake of Stars Festival (Malawi, September) – A vibrant arts and music festival on the shores of Lake Malawi.
- Cape Town Jazz Festival (South Africa, March) – One of the largest jazz festivals in Africa, featuring international and local artists.
- Sauti za Busara (Tanzania, February) – A lively music festival in Zanzibar celebrating East African rhythms.
- Essaouira Gnaoua & World Music Festival (Morocco, June) – Showcases Gnaoua music blended with jazz, reggae and other world music.
- Sydney Festival (NSW, January) – A major arts festival featuring music, theatre, and dance.
- Splendour in the Grass (NSW, July) – One of Australia’s biggest music festivals in Byron Bay.
- Woodford Folk Festival (QLD, December - January) – A vibrant folk music and cultural festival in Queensland.
- Dark Mofo (NSW, June) – A winter arts festival in Tasmania known for avant-garde performances.
- Byron Bay Bluesfest (NSW, April) – A premier blues and roots music festival.
- WOMADelaide (SA, March) – A world music festival in Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
Explore the best of each continent! If you have a destination in mind, here are some of the world’s best festivals by region:
- La Tomatina (Spain) – The famous tomato-throwing festival in Buñol.
- Oktoberfest (Germany) – The world’s biggest beer festival in Munich.
- Venice Carnival (Italy) – A grand celebration of masks, music and mystery.
- Holi (India & Nepal) – Experience this iconic colour festival, where streets transform into a rainbow of powders and celebrations.
- Diwali (India) – The Hindu festival of lights, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
- Songkran (Thailand) – The ultimate water fight marking the Thai New Year.
- Chinese New Year (China, Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond) – A vibrant celebration with fireworks, dragon dances and feasting.
- Dubai Shopping Festival (UAE) – A month-long extravaganza of shopping, concerts and entertainment.
- Rio Carnival (Brazil) – Samba, parades and non-stop celebrations.
- Day of the Dead (Mexico) – Honouring ancestors with colourful altars, marigolds and processions.
- Mardi Gras (USA) – New Orleans comes alive with parades, music and beads.
- Festival au Désert (Mali) – A renowned music festival celebrating Tuareg culture, held in the Sahara Desert.
- Lake of Stars Festival (Malawi) – A vibrant arts and music festival on the shores of Lake Malawi.
- Timkat (Ethiopia) – A spectacular Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany in January, famous for its processions and water blessings.
- Ouidah Voodoo Festival (Benin) – Celebrates the deep-rooted Vodun (Voodoo) traditions of West Africa with rituals, dance and ceremonies.
- Durbar Festival (Nigeria) – A grand equestrian festival held in Northern Nigeria, featuring colourful parades and displays of horsemanship.
- Gerewol Festival (Chad & Niger) – A Wodaabe tribal courtship festival where men dress elaborately to impress potential brides.
- Pasifika Festival (New Zealand, March) – Celebrates the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands in Auckland.
- Laneway Festival (Australia & New Zealand, January-February) – An indie music festival held in major cities.
- New Zealand Festival of the Arts (New Zealand, February-March) – A major cultural event in Wellington.
- Fest’Napuan (Vanuatu, October) – One of the largest music festivals in the South Pacific.
- Heiva i Tahiti (French Polynesia, July) – A traditional Polynesian festival with dance and sports.
- Waitangi Day Celebrations (New Zealand, 06 February) – Commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Matariki (New Zealand, June-July) – A Māori New Year celebration with cultural performances and feasts.
- Teuila Festival (Samoa, September) – Showcases Samoan culture through dance, music and art.
- Hiri Moale Festival (Papua New Guinea, September) – Celebrates the traditional trading routes of the Motu people.
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (NSW, February-March) – One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ pride events.
- Auckland Pride Festival (New Zealand, February) – A vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.
- Wellington Pride Festival (New Zealand, March) – Another major pride event in New Zealand.
If your travel is seasonal, here are some of the best festivals for each season:
- Spring (March-May) – Holi (India), Cherry Blossom Festivals (Japan), Songkran (Thailand)
- Summer (June-August) – Glastonbury (UK), San Fermín (Running of the Bulls, Spain), Edinburgh Tattoo (Scotland).
- Autumn (September-November) – Oktoberfest (Germany), Day of the Dead (Mexico), Mid-Autumn Festival (China)
- Winter (December-February) – Harbin Ice Festival (China), Up Helly Aa (Scotland), Christmas Markets (Europe)
North America
- Sundance Film Festival (USA, January) – The world’s top independent film festival, held in the scenic town of Park City, Utah.
- Toronto International Film Festival (Canada, September) – One of the largest film festivals, often a launchpad for Oscar contenders.
- Telluride Film Festival (USA, September) – A prestigious yet intimate festival held in Colorado known for screening future award winners.
- New York Film Festival (USA, September-October) – Features a curated selection of the best global cinema.
- South by Southwest (SXSW) (USA, March) – Texas is home to this unique mix of film, music and tech innovation.
- Tribeca Film Festival (USA, April) – Founded by Robert De Niro, this New York film festival celebrates independent cinema and emerging filmmakers.
Europe
- Cannes Film Festival (France, May) – The most prestigious film festival in the world, known for its red carpet glamour and exclusive premieres.
- Venice Film Festival (Italy, August-September) – One of the oldest film festivals, held on the stunning Lido island.
- Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) (Germany, February) – A major European festival with a focus on political and artistic films.
- San Sebastián International Film Festival (Spain, September) – A high-profile Spanish festival attracting global talent.
- BFI London Film Festival (UK, October) – The UK’s biggest film event, showcasing films from around the world.
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic, July) – A beautiful festival in a historic spa town.
- Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland, August) – Famous for its outdoor screenings in a picturesque lakeside setting.
Asia
- Tokyo International Film Festival (Japan, October-November) – A major Asian festival celebrating both Japanese and international cinema.
- Busan International Film Festival (South Korea, October) – Asia’s most influential film festival, focusing on emerging talent.
- Shanghai International Film Festival (China, June) – One of the largest film festivals in Asia.
- Mumbai Film Festival (India, October-November) – A growing festival that highlights independent Indian and international films.
- Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hong Kong, March-April) – A key festival for discovering Asian cinema.
Australia & Oceania
- Sydney Film Festival (NSW, June) – A major international festival held in Australia’s most iconic city.
- Melbourne International Film Festival (VIC, August) – One of the world’s oldest film festivals, with a diverse lineup.
- New Zealand International Film Festival (New Zealand, July-August) – Screens top global films across multiple cities.
South America
- São Paulo International Film Festival (Brazil, October-November) – One of Latin America’s most significant film festivals.
- Mar del Plata International Film Festival (Argentina, November) – The only Latin American festival recognized as an A-list event.
- Cartagena Film Festival (Colombia, March) – The oldest film festival in Latin America, focused on Ibero-American cinema.
Africa & Middle East
- Marrakech International Film Festival (Morocco, November-December) – A glamorous festival that attracts global stars.
- Cairo International Film Festival (Egypt, November-December) – The oldest and most prestigious film festival in the Arab world.
- Durban International Film Festival (South Africa, July-August) – A key African festival promoting both local and international cinema.
Athletics & Multi-Sport Events
- Summer Olympics (Every 4 years, next: Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028) – The world’s largest sporting event with global participation.
- Winter Olympics (Every 4 years, next: Milan-Cortina 2026) – Features sports like skiing, ice hockey and snowboarding.
- Commonwealth Games (Every 4 years, next: 2026 in Australia) – A major event featuring athletes from Commonwealth nations.
- World Athletics Championships (Every 2 years, next: Tokyo 2025) – Showcases the best in track and field events.
- Ironman World Championship (October, Hawaii) – The pinnacle of triathlon.
- Marathon des Sables (April, Morocco) – A gruelling ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert.
- Boston Marathon (April, USA) – One of the most prestigious marathons.
- New York City Marathon (November, USA) – The world’s largest marathon.
Football (Soccer)
- FIFA World Cup (Every 4 years, next: USA, Canada & Mexico 2026) – The most-watched sporting event globally.
- UEFA European Championship (Euros) (Every 4 years, next: Germany 2024) – Europe’s premier international tournament.
- Copa América (Every 4 years, next: 2024 in the USA) – The top South American football tournament.
- AFC Asian Cup (Every 4 years, next: Saudi Arabia 2027) – Asia’s biggest football championship.
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) (Every 2 years, next: 2025 in Morocco) – The biggest football tournament in Africa.
- UEFA Champions League Final (Annual, usually in May) – The pinnacle of club football in Europe.
- FA Cup Final (Annual, England) – The oldest football competition in the world.
Tennis (Grand Slams & Other Major Tournaments)
- Australian Open (January, Melbourne)
- Roland Garros (French Open) (May-June, Paris)
- Wimbledon (June-July, London)
- US Open (August-September, New York)
- Masters ATP & WTA Finals (End of season, rotating locations)
- Master 1000 Tournaments: Masters 1000 Tournaments in Indiana Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome, Madrid, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Paris, Toronto.
- Billie Jean King Cup
- Davis Cup
- Laver Cup
Golf (Majors & Key Tournaments)
- The Masters (April, Augusta, USA) – One of golf’s most prestigious events.
- The Open Championship (British Open) (July, UK) – The oldest golf tournament.
- PGA Championship (May, USA) – A key event in professional golf.
- Ryder Cup (Every 2 years, next: USA 2025) – Europe vs. USA in match play format.
- Presidents Cup (Every 2 years, next: Canada 2024) – USA vs. International team.
Motorsport
- Formula 1 Grand Prix Series (Annual, worldwide) – Includes iconic races like Monaco GP, British GP, and Singapore GP.
- Le Mans 24 Hours (June, France) – The ultimate endurance race.
- Indianapolis 500 (May, USA) – One of the biggest events in motorsport.
- Isle of Man TT (May-June, UK) – One of the most dangerous motorcycle races.
- Dakar Rally (January, Saudi Arabia) – A gruelling off-road endurance race.
Horse Racing
- Grand National (April, UK) – One of the world’s most famous steeplechase races.
- Kentucky Derby (May, USA) – The “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
- Melbourne Cup (November, Australia) – Australia’s biggest horse race.
- Dubai World Cup (March, UAE) – The world’s richest horse race.
Rugby
- Rugby World Cup (Every 4 years, next: Australia 2027) – The biggest event in rugby union.
- Six Nations Championship (February-March, Europe) – Annual tournament featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
- The Rugby Championship (Annual, Southern Hemisphere) – Features New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.
- Lions Tour (Every 4 years, next: Australia 2025) – British & Irish Lions vs. Southern Hemisphere teams.
American Football
- Super Bowl (February, USA) – The biggest event in American sports.
- College Football Playoff National Championship (January, USA) – The biggest game in college football.
Baseball
- World Series (October, USA) – The championship of Major League Baseball.
- MLB Opening Day (March/April, USA) – The start of the baseball season.
- World Baseball Classic (Every 4 years, next: 2026) – International competition featuring top baseball nations.
Cricket
- ICC Cricket World Cup (Every 4 years, next: 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe & Namibia) – The biggest event in one-day cricket.
- ICC T20 World Cup (Every 2 years, next: 2024 in USA & West Indies) – The top event for T20 cricket.
- The Ashes (Every 2 years, England & Australia) – One of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
- Indian Premier League (IPL) (March-May, India) – The world’s richest T20 cricket league.
Cycling
- Tour de France (July, France) – The biggest cycling race in the world.
- Giro d’Italia (May, Italy) – A major cycling event with challenging mountain stages.
- Vuelta a España (August-September, Spain) – Another major Grand Tour.
Sailing
- America’s Cup (Every 4 years, next: 2024 in Spain) – The most prestigious sailing race.
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (December, Australia) – A famous long-distance yacht race.
Winter Sports
- Ice Hockey World Championship (Annual, usually in May)
- Stanley Cup Finals (June, North America) – The NHL’s championship series.
- X Games (Winter & Summer) (Annual, USA) – Extreme sports competition.
Plan Your Festival Adventure with JLW Travel
The best festival experiences don’t happen by chance—they’re planned well in advance! Popular events like Holi, Oktoberfest and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe attract visitors from all over the world, so securing the right accommodation, event tickets and exclusive experiences is key. That’s where JLW Travel comes in.
With carefully designed itineraries and insider knowledge, we take the stress out of festival travel so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Whether you’re looking for a small-group tour, a luxury escape, or a tailor-made adventure, let’s turn your festival wish list into an incredible journey.
Start planning today! Browse our exclusive festival tours under
JLW Holidays or
contact us to create a customised festival experience just for you.