Held over the next three months, these international events offer the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the local culture of their host countries. Unique sights, sounds and tastes are just part of the festival experience, each one remarkable in its own way.
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SEPTEMBER
Barossa Gourmet Weekend: 2nd – 4th September 2016
Food, wine and music come together over this delicious weekend. A celebration of all things gourmet, epicureans can expect great feasts, wine tastings, masterclasses and more.
Birdsville Races: 2nd – 3rd September 2016
Over 6,000 racegoers converge on the tiny outback town for quality racing, live entertainment and events such as Fashions on the Field and the RFDS Fun Run.
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Regata Storica, Venice: 4th September 2016
The main event on the Italian city’s ‘Voga alla Veneta’ rowing calendar is renowned for its pre-race water pageant, a parade of 16th-century-style boats and gondoliers.
Design Festival, London: 7th – 25th September 2016
From events at Somerset House to large-scale exhibitions across the city, this annual event promotes creative thinking and celebrates all-things design.
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F1 Grand Prix, Singapore: 16th – 18th September 2016
It’s high-energy, high-octane fun both on and off the track. This year’s entertainment line-up includes the likes of Kylie Minogue and Queen.
Oktoberfest, Munich: 17th September – 2nd October 2016
Don your dirndl or lederhosen for one of the world’s most beloved festivals. Munich bursts to life as part of a larger-than-life Bavarian celebration. Think amusement rides, a wide variety of traditional German foods and of course, those iconic beer halls. Prost!
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Floriade, Canberra: 17th September – 16th October 2016
With more than a million bulbs planted in inner city parklands and a diverse program of music, culture, food and wine, Floriade is much more than just a flower show.
Riverfire, Brisbane: 24th September 2016
The Brisbane River lights up in every shade of the rainbow as part of the final event of Brisbane Festival. Riverfire draws spectators with its dazzling fireworks and aerobatics display from the Australian Defence Force.
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OCTOBER
AFL Grand Final, Melbourne: 1st October 2016
Footy fans converge at the MCG (and in Melbourne) to see who will take out this year’s premiership.
Concurs de Castells, Tarragona, Spain: 1st to 2nd October 2016
Large colour-coordinated teams defy gravity as they pile skilfully on top of one another to form tall human towers at this bi-annual event.
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Melbourne Festival: 6th – 23rd October 2016
This cultural city amps up its cosmopolitan cool with this arts festival that encompasses everything from dance and theatre to multimedia and visual arts.
Road World Cycling Championships, Doha: 9th – 16th October 2016
Over 1,000 racers from 75 countries compete in this iconic bicycle race. Some 30,000 fans and spectators flock to Doha to join the celebrations set within the surroundings of the Arabian Gulf, Katara Cultural Village and Pearl.
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Masskara Festival, Bacolod, Philippines: 14th – 18th October 2016
Go for the smiles, stay for the merriment. The Philippines’ City of Smiles transforms into a major masquerade party every October. Bring your own bejewelled mask and vibrant costume.
Diwali, India: 30th October 2016
Diwali is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. Right across the country millions of glowing candles light up homes, temples and rivers to signify the victory of light over darkness, good over evil.
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Halloween, USA: 31st October 2016
Ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night; it must be Halloween. All Hallow’s Eve is an especially festive occasion in the US no matter which city you visit. Get swept up in the magic and mayhem of All Hallow’s Eve by donning a costume and joining in ghostly parades and parties.
NOVEMBER
Melbourne Cup: 1st November 2016
Australia stops dead in its tracks to watch the Melbourne Cup. Held at Flemington, this iconic race is bookended by a host of events, including Derby Day and Crown Oaks Day.
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Day of the Dead, Oaxaca: 1st November 2016
While the occasion is celebrated all over Mexico, Oaxaca has become known for its outlandish festivities commemorating deceased loved ones, from elaborate sugar skulls to beautiful, intricate altars.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: 6th November 2016
Move over Formula 1; this UK race is the world’s longest running motoring celebration. Today, hundreds of participants drive their extraordinary pre-1905 vehicles on the historic 60-mile journey between Hyde Park and Brighton, the popular Susses seaside resort.
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Yi Peng & Loy Krathong Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai: 14th November 2014
A spiritual affair that invites new beginnings, witness the ethereal sight of thousands of lanterns released into the night sky and glowing floating vessels sent downstream.
Golf World Tour Championship, Dubai: 17th – 20th November 2016
The world’s top 60 golfers hit the green of the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the final event of the European Tour Race to Dubai.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York: 24th November 2016
Immortalised in television and film, this world-famous parade sees giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, live performers and celebrities glide right through Manhattan.
