10 Best Summer Festivals all Around the World

Summer is the best time of year for experiencing all sorts of colorful cultures, deliciously cuisines, and lively festivals no matter where you are in the world. But those that specifically cater to music, arts, and entertainment have this certain magical charm like nothing else. They draw thousands of people from all walks of life, each gathering offering its own distinct flavor as part of a shared experience packed with wonderful memories. To help you squeeze out as much enjoyment as possible from your summer travels, we’ve rounded up 10 unforgettable festivals celebrated across multiple continents that are well worth attending!

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10 Best Summer Festivals in Europe

Wianki Festival – Krakow, Poland

Every June, the enchanting city of Krakow in Poland comes alive with the energetic Wianki Festival. This is a celebration of midsummer, and it features a spectacular display of fireworks, concerts, and cultural activities that attract visitors from different parts of the world. During the festival, thousands of people are seen walking around the scenic Wisla River, carrying wreaths made of flowers and herbs. These wreaths are then released into the water, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the ushering in of a new, brighter beginning. Apart from the traditional customs, the festival also showcases modern performances such as fire shows and acrobatics, which add to its appeal. Overall, the Wianki Festival is one of the most exciting events in Krakow, and a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city’s culture and energy.

Naadam – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Naadam is an annual festival that takes place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This three-day event is also known as “the three games of men” and celebrates Mongolian culture, history, and sportsmanship. Naadam features traditional Mongolian sports, which include wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These sports have deep roots in Mongolian history and showcase the strength and stamina of the Mongolian people. Visitors can also enjoy traditional food, music, and dance during Naadam. This festival is a significant event in Mongolia and attracts both locals and tourists from around the world.

Elvis Week – Memphis, USA

If Elvis Presley is the king, then Memphis is his palace. Every year, fans from all over the world make the pilgrimage to the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. And every August, Memphis gears up for Elvis Week, a celebration of the life and legacy of the man who put the city on the musical map. From concerts and tribute shows to film screenings and panel discussions, there’s no shortage of ways to pay homage to the one and only Elvis. Take a tour of Graceland, Elvis’s beloved home and final resting place. Visit Sun Studio, where he recorded his first single or simply soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the festivities. Whatever your level of fandom, Elvis Week is not to be missed.

Tango Festival – Buenos Aires, Argentine

Buenos Aires, the passionate hub of Argentine culture, comes alive every year during the Tango Festival, where locals and tourists alike flock to revel in the all-consuming music, dance, and romance of this sultry art form. The streets are filled with the rhythmic tapping of feet and the intoxicating sounds of the bandoneón. Enthusiasts from all over the world gather in this likely city to take part in workshops, watch spectacular performances, and immerse themselves in the tango lifestyle. No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, the festival offers events for anyone who wants to experience the authentic spirit of Buenos Aires. The Tango Festival is a celebration of passion, tradition, and creativity that will leave you mesmerized and wanting more.

Wife-Carrying World Championships, Sonkajarvi, Finland

Every year in the small town of Sonkajarvi, Finland, thrill seekers gather from all over the world to compete in the Wife-Carrying World Championships. While the event may sound bizarre to some, it has become a beloved tradition for both participants and spectators alike. Men must carry their wives, or female teammates, through a grueling obstacle course featuring mud pits, water traps, and even a jump. The team with the fastest time wins the competition, along with the wife’s weight in beer. The event draws in crowds of people who come to witness the sheer strength and determination of the competing couples. It’s a blend of athleticism, humor, and beer-drinking, and it’s definitely not something you’ll see at the Olympics.

World Bodypainting Festival – Seeboden, Austria

Every year in Seeboden, Austria, the World Bodypainting Festival transforms the small lakeside town into an energetic hub of creativity and self-expression. For several days, the world’s most renowned body painters, makeup artists, and creators converge onto one platform to showcase their incredible talents. It’s a spectacle unlike any other, where the human body becomes the canvas for a variety of whimsical and eclectic designs. The resulting works of art are truly stunning and breathtaking. And while it’s definitely an event for the visually inclined, the festival isn’t just about body painting. It’s a celebration of individuality, inclusivity, and the transformative power of art.

Inti Raymi Festival – Cusco, Peru

The Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco, Peru is a celebration of the Incan sun god, Inti. This extravagant festival takes place on the winter solstice and signifies the beginning of a new year. It’s a display of traditional dress, dance, music, and dramatic reenactments of Incan rituals. The festival’s main event takes place at the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where thousands of people gather to witness the sun’s first rays of the new year’s sun. This is one of the best cultural experiences that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the Andean culture and witness colorful performances that date back to the Incan Empire. If you’re looking to explore the traditions of Peru, the Inti Raymi Festival is a must-see event.

Dragon Boat Festival – Hong Kong

Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most eagerly-awaited events in Hong Kong. This annual festival takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which usually falls around June. Locals and tourists flock to the docks to witness the thrilling boat races and colorful traditions that mark this occasion. The boats are traditionally decorated with dragon heads and tails, and the paddlers don long, colorful robes. But there’s more to the Dragon Boat Festival than just the boat races. This special day is also celebrated by feasting on traditional food, such as sticky rice dumplings, and drinking rice wine. The festival is a time for families and friends to come together, revel in the spectacle of the boat races, and indulge in delicious food in the midst of a lively atmosphere. If you’re in Hong Kong during the Dragon Boat Festival, be sure to join in the festivities and experience the exhilarating traditions firsthand.

Heiva i Tahiti – Pape’ete, Tahiti

The annual festival of Heiva i Tahiti takes place in the city of Pape’ete, located on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. This exciting event celebrates Tahitian culture with a range of activities, including traditional dance performances, singing competitions, and sports competitions like canoe races. The festival offers an opportunity to experience the lively and colorful atmosphere of Tahiti, with local artisans selling handicrafts like woven baskets and colorful pareos. Visitors can also sample delicious local food and drinks, like poisson cru (raw fish salad) and refreshing coconut water. Heiva i Tahiti is a must-see for anyone interested in experiencing the rich culture of French Polynesia.

Haro Wine Festival – Haro, Spain

Located in the heart of the Rioja region, Haro, Spain is home to one of the most exciting wine festivals in the world. The Haro Wine Festival is a true celebration of the region’s most famous export, with locals and visitors alike coming together to indulge in an array of delicious wines. Spanning over four days in June, the festival features everything from traditional grape stomping to elaborate parades, live music, and, of course, plenty of wine tastings. It’s a truly unforgettable experience, with the streets of Haro transforming into a vibrant sea of red and white as people come together to relish in the unique spirit of Spanish culture and enjoy some of the world’s best wines.