One of the greatest wonders of travelling the world is getting to experience the lives, locations, and ways of different people and cultures. We travel to see the amazing sights of the world, but also to enrich our cultural experiences through different forms of art, architecture and music. From Europe to Africa, Australia to Asia, the world is a cultural tapestry waiting to be explored! But where to go and when?
If you’re interested in exploring the world through various arts and culture events, read on! Expat Explore has compiled this list of the top arts and culture events around the world, so you can make the most of your cultural experience in each destination.
Here are our top cultural events around the world to take note of:
European Arts & Culture Events
Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Scotland, UK)
2-26 August 2024
This festival is one you can’t miss. With thousands of artists and art lovers flocking to the various non-traditional pop-up locations every year since 1947, Edinburgh Festival Fringe has earned the reputation of one of the biggest in the world while being known to give many big stars their first big break. Be sure to check it out if you’re in Scotland around August.
Related: Read up some more on Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
Latitude Festival (Henham, UK)
25-28 July 2024
Taking place in England’s Henham Park, Latitude showcases the very best in a variety of arts and cultural categories such as comedy, music, dance, theatre, podcasts and wellness. It’s the perfect summer festival for families or individuals looking to create unforgettable memories! Plan your UK trip around this festival and take in all the arts and culture Latitude has to offer.
Related: Discover what makes a UK trip life-changing!
Munich Opera Festival (Munich, Germany)
28 June – 31 July 2024
Every year, the Bavarian State Opera utilises the Munich Opera Festival to showcase the season’s main work and premiere new productions. If orchestra and opera sum up your musical taste, this festival is one you can’t miss. And even if you’re not an opera fan, you might just become one after attending!
Related: There are more reasons to visit Munich!
South American Arts & Culture Events
Carnival (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
28 February – 8 March 2025
Saying that the Rio Carnival should be on your bucket list is an understatement. This vibrant event, first introduced in 1723, is considered the biggest carnival in the world with an incredible crowd of around two million in the streets per day. Consisting of shows, entertainment and non-stop parties, the Rio Carnival has become iconic for a reason. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this colourful cultural experience!
Related: Take part in all of the festivities on our Rio Carnival Tour!
North American Arts & Culture Events
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (New Orleans, USA)
24 April – 4 May 2025
Consisting of music, crafts, culture and food, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is one of America’s largest and most eclectic cultural events. With thousands of annual visitors appreciating the art of jazz and the culture of New Orleans, it’s easy to see why. Be sure to include this festival in your USA trip itinerary for a well of memories you’ll cherish forever!
Lollapalooza (Chicago, USA)
1-4 August 2024
What originally started as a touring festival, going from one city to the next each year, this music festival eventually settled in Chicago to become the iconic Lollapalooza we know today. Countless of the biggest names in the industry showcase their musical abilities for crowds of hundreds of thousands of international music enthusiasts. Add this to your list of must-visit arts and culture experiences in America!
Related: Make the most of your trip with more American events and festivals!
African Arts & Culture Events
AfrikaBurn Art Festival (Tankwa, South Africa)
28 April – 4 May 2025
Think Burning Man in Africa… AfrikaBurn is truly an unforgettable experience of the arts. While many larger-than-life artworks are displayed across the dusty plain in Tankwa, the real highlight of the festival is when all these artworks are set ablaze! That’s right, AfrikaBurn revolves around the annual art-burning ceremony. While undoubtedly a unique experience, this event is something you won’t want to miss out on!
Cape Town Jazz Festival (Cape Town, South Africa)
Dates to be announced at the time of publishing
As the fourth largest jazz festival in the world, the Cape Town Jazz Festival hosts some of the globe’s most prolific and professional jazz artists for a festival like no other. A true celebration of the art of jazz music, you’ll surely return from this festival with a newfound respect for the genre. You’ll also get to soak up the fun and communal spirit of the country.
Related: Explore even more sights and sounds of South Africa!
Asian Arts & Culture Events
Bali Arts Festival (Bali, Indonesia)
15 June – 13 July 2024
This annual Indonesian festival is a true celebration of Balinese art. With the sole aim to preserve and develop Balinese art forms, the Bali Arts Festival has become Indonesia’s longest-running festival of this kind. And with good reason! Give it a visit, and experience the daily performances, exhibitions and other art-related activities.
Chinese Opera Festival (Hong Kong)
June – September 2024
Theatre-goers around the globe will be delighted to attend this showcase of Chinese opera and culture in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park. With various programmes, each highlighting a different genre of Chinese opera, this event will give guests an unmatched look into the arts and culture of this country. Explore the quality operatic programmes and get a true reflection of Chinese arts and culture.
Related: Trust Expat Explore for unbelievable Asian tours!
Oceania Arts & Culture Events
Adelaide Fringe (Adelaide, Australia)
21 February – 23 March 2025
Founded in 1960, Adelaide Fringe is an annual 31-day summer festival comprising cabaret, comedy, music, circus, visual arts and theatre. Attracting over 6,000 artists around the world, this festival has become an Aussie institution. Make sure to visit on your trip to Australia!
Antarctica Arts & Culture Events
Antarctic Film Festival (Antarctica)
2-4 August 2024
The festival rounding out our top events is a little different from the others. While it’s still undoubtedly a cultural experience worthy of the list, it doesn’t draw the same masses as its international counterparts. The Antarctic Film Festival is an annual challenge where participants have 48 hours to create a 5-minute film featuring 5 predetermined elements, which participants receive at the start of the 48 hours. Though not huge in numbers, this unique festival is an opportunity for winterers in Antarctica to put their artistic skills to the test!
That wraps up our list of the top arts and culture events across the globe! If you ever find yourself at these destinations during their festival times, make an effort to try and attend as a look into a country’s culture is an invaluable part of global travel.
If these arts and culture events sound like something you’d like to experience, Expat Explore has a tour for you! Book your next vacation, and tick off some of these unmissable cultural events in the countries you visit.