Back to Travel Notebook There is a particular pleasure in traveling for a festival. Soaking up a place, is part of it, yes, but it’s also about catching it in motion – alive, expressive, and shared with the people who call it home. The streets are fuller, yet instead of feeling oppressive, they feel celebratory and unifying. This is when a destination reveals the parts of itself that rarely appear on an ordinary itinerary.
A summer evening in Sussex might mean opera, black tie and champagne on a lawn; in Nepal, it could mean ancient chariots moving through packed medieval streets. Elsewhere, there are vineyard walks, art-world conversations, candlelit façades, apple orchards, sailboats, cinema, fire, flowers, and more.
These experiences are for those who seek out-of-the-box journeys. What these trips ask in return of the traveler is a sense of curiosity and intrigue, a willingness to plan around a particular time and place, and a trust that the rewards will be many. Read on to find living culture you can carry home with you.
Taking a Bite Out of Apple Day Weekend
The Newt in Somerset, Somerset, United Kingdom – Taking a Bite Out of Apple Day Weekend
At The Newt, Somerset’s apple heritage and cider-making craft is celebrated in full swing at the annual Apple Day Weekend, held this year on October 17th and 18th.
Before they head out to enjoy the day, suggest your clients stop by the Boot Room for a pair of wellies: British autumn is unpredictable – best to prepare for a little sun and a little drizzle.
Next, they can head to the gardens for a warm drink at the Cyder Bar and try their hand at Tin Can Alley, Apple Toss, or a game of Apple Skittles. Pro tip: Collect three stamps to earn a bottle of apple juice or a half-pint of Orchard Amble Cyder.
Next, it’s on to a tractor tour through the orchards to see where the local cider starts its life. There are over 70 varieties and over 3,000 trees! Favorites include Somerset classics like Kingston Black to rarities like Slack-Ma-Girdle.
Pro tip: Book your clients a spot in advance at the cider tasting before the crowd peaks.
As the sun sets, it’s time to wind down and warm up at the Hadspen Bar for a pre-dinner mulled cider beside the fire. In a weekend as much about play as it is about produce, autumn doesn’t get much better here at The Newt.
Two French Festivals Not to Miss
Découvertes DMC France – Two French Festivals Not to Miss
Some events don’t just happen in a city; they become the city. France offers two such moments, worlds apart in feeling, united in their power to leave a lasting impression.
Every May, Cannes surrenders itself to cinema. The Croisette transforms into a living film set: the scent of salt air mingling with haute parfumerie, the distant thrum of yacht parties, the electric hush of a crowd parting for a red-carpet entrance.
Cannes: Where cinema, glamour, and Mediterranean charm intertwine.
Secure your clients a suite overlooking the Croisette, timing their arrival for the second week when the energy peaks and the chaos settles; Découvertes can arrange terrace access where the real conversations and the real deals happen.
Then, in December, Lyon rewrites the rules of light itself. For four nights, the entire city becomes a canvas: façades dissolve into moving installations, bridges shimmer, and a million soft flames flicker in windows citywide.
Bridges shimmering and installations moving: experiencing the
pure magic of light in Lyon, France.
Arrange for your travelers to arrive on the 7th to experience the intimate neighborhood ritual before the crowds descend on the 8th. Pro tip: Book 12 to 18 months ahead. Private transfers are essential for both.
Summertime in Vienna: Experience the magic of the Film Festival at Rathausplatz, where world-class performances come to life on the big screen beneath the city’s illuminated Gothic towers. Credit: Wien Tourismus, Christian Stemper
Vienna’s Festival Season: From Open-Air Opera to Vineyard Celebrations
The Amauris Vienna, Austria – Vienna’s Festival Season: From Open-Air Opera to Vineyard Celebrations
Some destinations save their best experiences for behind museum walls. Vienna brings them outdoors. From the grand stages of the city center to the vine-covered hills at its edge, summer and early autumn reveal a side of Austria’s capital that even seasoned travelers rarely forget.
From July 4th to September 6th, 2026, Vienna’s iconic Rathausplatz transforms into Europe’s most elegant open-air cultural venue. The Film Festival at Rathausplatz invites visitors to spend warm evenings beneath the illuminated Gothic towers of City Hall, enjoying world-class opera, ballet, jazz, and classical performances on a giant outdoor screen. The atmosphere is distinctly Viennese: sophisticated yet relaxed, with locals and visitors lingering over international cuisine as music drifts through the square. Arrive just before sunset for the most magical views as daylight fades and the city begins to glow.
Panoramic views from Mischpoche, Nussberg (left) offer a stunning perspective of Vienna’s skyline.
By late September, the scene shifts dramatically. On September 26th and 27th, 2026, during Vienna Wine Hiking Day, the city reveals one of its best-kept secrets: It is the world’s only capital with significant vineyards within its city limits. Thousands of residents and visitors follow scenic trails through the hills of Nussberg, Bisamberg, and the Vienna Woods, stopping at family-run wine estates and traditional Heurigen along the way. The scent of ripening grapes fills the air, live folk music echoes across the vineyards, and panoramic views stretch from the Danube to the city skyline. Unlike many wine festivals, this is not a spectator event — it’s an invitation to become part of a centuries-old local tradition.
Pro tip: For Wine Hiking Day, begin early and head to Nussberg before the midday crowds arrive. Dress smart-casual with comfortable walking shoes and embrace the local custom of leisurely tasting rather than rushing from stop to stop.
A Collector’s Weekend at Frieze London
The Hari, London, England – A Collector’s Weekend at Frieze London
Each October, Frieze London transforms Regent’s Park into the center of the contemporary art world. Beneath its iconic pavilion, leading international galleries gather alongside collectors, curators, and artists, creating an atmosphere that feels both global and distinctly London.
The experience is as much about discovery as it is about art. Conversations flow in multiple languages, new talent sits alongside established names, and every edition offers a completely fresh perspective. For cultural travelers, it is a rare opportunity to experience the international art scene in one place.
Pro tip: Visit during the afternoon of the second day, when the opening rush has eased, but the energy remains high. Between gallery visits, visitors can take a stroll through Regent’s Park for a quieter moment away from the buzz of the fair.
Frieze is one of London’s most anticipated cultural events, so booking accommodation at least three months in advance is recommended. The Hari offers a dedicated Frieze package with complimentary tickets, while its concierge team can assist with transport to and from the fair. After a day immersed in contemporary art, continue the client experience with The Hari’s collaboration with A Space for Art or unwind with an art-inspired cocktail at The Hari Bar.
From contemporary masterworks to creative mixology: Guests immerse themselves in the inspiring world of the Frieze Art Fair, then continue the exhibition back at The Hari Bar with a theatrical, art-inspired signature cocktail.
For those seeking a quieter counterpoint to the excitement of Frieze, consider extending their stay with a few restorative days in the English countryside. The rolling landscapes of Somerset and Cornwall provide the perfect antidote to a week of artistic stimulation, offering a gentler pace before the journey home.
Beyond the Spectacle: An Insider’s Guide to Italy’s Soul
Vakay in Tuscany, Italy – Beyond the Spectacle: An Insider’s Guide to Italy’s Soul
Italy’s rich history breathes through its vibrant festivals, where ancient traditions awaken. Vakay ensures these are not mere spectacles, but invitations to discover the soul of the country’s heritage. With a connoisseur’s touch, immerse your clients in the enigmatic atmosphere of the Venice Carnival, allowing them to experience the event by wearing a costume or mask as the Venetians did in the 1700s.
Walking through living art: In Spello, Umbria, the ancient stone alleys become a vibrant, fragrant stage during Le Infiorate, where streets are blanketed in intricate carpets of fresh petals.
Your clients will feel the earth tremble at the historic Palio di Siena, viewed from the private balcony of an ancient palace, witness the medieval intensity of the Saracen Joust in Arezzo, and behold Umbria’s Le Infiorate di Spello, where streets are blanketed in fragrant tapestries of fresh petals. For these city-wide events, Vakay meticulously manages local access, ensuring the journey remains effortless.
Because taste plays a vital role, Vakay unlocks the delightful wonders of the International White Truffle Fair of Alba each fall and secures access to elite wine gatherings in Chianti. They pair these occasions with luxury stays, coordinating logistics for absolute comfort. Due to such exclusivity, a 12-month lead time is essential.
Immerse in the enigmatic atmosphere of the Venice Carnival, where every canal becomes a stage, and every costume tells a story of the Serenissima’s grand history.
This is the “Vakay difference” — not merely visiting, but living alongside the locals, becoming part of the celebration, and deeply involved in the regional pulse and creating memories to treasure forever.
A Window into History at Croatia’s Sinjska Alka
Dinaric, Croatia – A Window into History at Croatia’s Sinjska Alka
Some festivals celebrate culture; Sinjska Alka celebrates identity. Held each August in the historic Dalmatian town of Sinj, this UNESCO-recognized knightly tournament has commemorated the town’s victory over Ottoman forces since 1715, making it one of Europe’s most enduring living traditions.
The experience is unforgettable. Hooves thunder along the racecourse, lances glint in the Mediterranean sun, and the crowd falls silent as riders dressed in elaborate 18th-century uniforms charge toward the suspended iron ring known as the alka. Throughout the town, brass bands, ceremonial processions, and the aromas of grilled lamb and wood-fired specialties create an atmosphere that is both festive and deeply rooted in history.
A test of precision and pride: At the Sinjska Alka, riders don authentic 18th-century uniforms as they charge at full gallop toward the alka—a suspended iron ring divided into sections worth different points.
Only the most skilled riders successfully pierce the center, earning the highest score in this historic celebration of Dalmatian heritage.
What makes Sinjska Alka worth the journey is its authenticity. This is not a reenactment staged for visitors, but a fiercely protected tradition woven into the identity of the local community. For a few days, Sinj becomes a living museum of Croatian heritage and pride.
Pro tip: Arrive two days early for the Bara and Čoja competitions, when local excitement is at its highest, and crowds remain manageable. Respectful summer attire is appreciated.
Book your clients’ accommodation in Sinj or Split well in advance, as availability is limited during festival week. If they are driving, they should expect road closures near the racecourse. After the festivities, recommend they unwind along the emerald Cetina River or in the tranquil villages of the Dalmatian hinterland.
Discover Australia’s Festival Calendar
Southern Crossings, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji – Discover Australia’s Festival Calendar
Whenever your clients are traveling, Australia hosts a collection of colorful local festivals to suit every interest: food, music, Indigenous culture, cycling, flowers, and more. There’s even a festival for dedicated Elvis fans! The below is just a small sampling of some of the annual highlights.
The Australian Open in Melbourne is more than a Grand Slam; it’s a three-week summer festival that blends world-class tennis with live
music, entertainment, and vibrant city-wide celebrations. Credit: Tourism Australia
Australian Open Tennis: January 17th – 31st, 2027
Australian Open tennis is accompanied by a three-week festival of events. Beyond the on-the-court action, the Australian Open is famous for its festival atmosphere, with the accompanying AO LIVE music festival regularly attracting global A-listers; meanwhile, live screens at Federation Square (complete with deck chairs and food trucks) attract a local crowd each evening. Visit the week prior to the Grand Slam event (January 11th – 16th) to also enjoy a collection of warm-up and special exhibition matches, the AO 1 Point Slam, and the star-studded Legends Cup. Pro tip: For those visiting the Grand Slam itself, the insider tip is to book Champions Rooftop tickets to beat the crowds, mingle with tennis greats, and enjoy elevated dining experiences.
Spectator or participant, other events that regularly attract international visitors include: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras (annually in February), Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne (annually in March), Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (annually March/April), Vivid Sydney (annually May – June) and the Sydney World Abbot Major Marathon (annually in late August), together with special events such as the NRL in Melbourne, Rugby World Cup in October – November 2027 and the President’s Cup golf at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath sandbelt course in late 2028.
Annual Events
A vibrant showcase of pride, diversity, and community on Oxford Street.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Mid-February – March (Mardi Gras Parade March 6th, 2027)
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the world’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations, transforming Sydney into a vibrant showcase of pride, diversity, and community each summer. The festival culminates in the glittering Mardi Gras Parade, where dazzling floats, performers, and thousands of marchers light up Oxford Street in an unforgettable display of visibility and inclusion. Beyond the parade, visitors can enjoy weeks of parties, arts events, live performances, and cultural experiences that attract travelers from around the globe.
Pro tip: Book early, choose to stay in Surry Hills or Potts Point to soak up the atmosphere, and keep a close eye on the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Official Website for early-bird ticket releases.
Australia’s largest festival of light transforms Sydney Harbour into a spectacular,
illuminated canvas each winter. Credit: Destination NSW.
Vivid Sydney – Late May to mid-June
Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest festival of light, music, ideas, and food, transforming the Harbour City into a spectacular open-air canvas each winter. Iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay, come alive with immersive light installations, projections, and interactive experiences that attract visitors from around the world. Beyond the spectacular light shows, Vivid also offers a fabulous program of live music and food. Beyond the stunning visuals, Vivid offers a diverse program of live music events, food trucks, and special culinary events that showcase Sydney’s creativity and innovation.
Pro tip: Visit popular light precincts (around Circular Quay) early in the week to avoid the crowds and book a harbor cruise to enjoy a relaxed vantage point from which to view the city lights.
Dark MOFO – Typically two weeks in mid-June, ending on the winter solstice
Dark Mofo is Tasmania’s provocative festival that celebrates the strange beauty of the dark season and transforms Hobart into a moody mid-winter celebration of art, music, fire, food and ritual. Created by MONA (Tasmania’s thought-provoking Museum of Old and New Art), the festival is known for immersive installations, boundary-pushing performances, fire feasts, and bacchanalian events that embrace mystery, creativity, and the chill of winter. It offers travelers a completely different side of Australia, where rugged landscapes, bold contemporary art, and Hobart’s food and wine scene come together in unforgettable ways.
Pro tip: Book early to secure waterfront accommodation and tickets. Make time to visit Bruny Island or the Freycinet Peninsula, where one can enjoy spectacular stargazing at this time of year – and the lucky may even be treated to the dancing Southern Lights. A visit to Vivid Sydney can usually be combined with a visit to Dark MOFO.
Hamilton Island Race Week: 14th – 21th August 2027
Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s premier offshore sailing regatta, combining world-class yacht racing with the laid-back luxury of the Whitsundays. Held each August, the event attracts elite sailors, superyachts, and spectators from around the globe, creating a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the water. Against the backdrop of turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, and tropical islands, Race Week blends competitive sailing with a collection of colorful island-based events for non-sailors: music, fashion, and food (from celebrity chef dinners to exclusive beach parties).
Pro tip: Book accommodation and tickets well in advance before you travel.
Special Event in 2026
Horizontal Festival, October 2th – 4th, 2026
In October, the Southern Highlands will host the Horizontal Festival – a three-day celebration of local produce and world-class dining at Centennial Vineyards with special dining and workshops hosted by acclaimed local and international chefs, including Mindy Woods, Mark Best, and Argentine legend of fire cooking, Frances Mallmann. Southern Crossings has special access to VIP experiences and exclusive dining events.
The Nine Days of Bisket Jatra
Dwarika’s Sanctuary, Dhulikhel, Nepal – The Nine Days of Bisket Jatra
Every April, the ancient city of Bhaktapur wakes up differently. For nine days, one of Nepal’s oldest street festivals takes over the city completely. Narrow medieval lanes fill with tens of thousands of people. Music echoes off temple walls. The air turns orange with clouds of vermillion powder thrown into the crowd.
At the center of it all are two enormous wooden chariots — intricately carved, three stories tall — pulled through the streets by thousands of hands. Two neighborhoods compete in a dramatic tug-of-war, each pulling in opposite directions, the outcome cheered like a contest that has been running for centuries. Because it has. A towering ceremonial pole is raised in the main square, its eventual fall greeted with a roar from the crowd. In one part of the city, a single participant walks through the streets with his tongue pierced — an act of devotion that has to be seen to be understood.
What makes Bisket Jatra worth the journey is its authenticity. This is not a spectacle arranged for visitors, but a city celebrating itself, exactly as it has done for hundreds of years.
Following the vibrant energy of Nepal’s ancient festivals, Dwarika’s Sanctuary in
Dhulikhel provides a natural counterpoint, offering space for renewal
amidst the quiet majesty of the Himalayas.
Beyond the festival, Dwarika’s Sanctuary in nearby Dhulikhel offers space for reflection and renewal — a natural counterpoint to nine days of living history.
An Evening at Glyndebourne: Sussex’s Most Elegant Summer Tradition
Gravetye Manor, Sussex, United Kingdom – An Evening at Glyndebourne: Sussex’s Most Elegant Summer Tradition
Some events are worth planning an entire journey around, and Glyndebourne Festival Opera is undoubtedly one of them. Each summer, this celebrated opera festival transforms the Sussex countryside into one of the world’s most enchanting cultural stages.
Set within the rolling South Downs, Glyndebourne is as much about the experience as it is the performance. Guests arrive dressed in black tie and evening gowns, wandering through immaculate gardens as the sound of a distant orchestra drifts from the opera house. During the famously long interval, champagne corks pop across the lawns as picnics unfold beneath ancient trees, creating a uniquely British spectacle of elegance and tradition.
Founded in 1934, Glyndebourne has earned an international reputation for artistic excellence, attracting world-class performers and audiences from across the globe. What makes it truly worth the journey is the seamless blend of culture, countryside, and ceremony. Few events offer such a refined sense of occasion.
During the famously long interval, guests enjoy picnics on the lawns creating a uniquely British spectacle of elegance and tradition. Photo credit Mike Hoban.
Pro tip: Opt for a weekday performance and arrive early to enjoy the gardens before the crowds gather. The festival season runs from May to August, and accommodation should be secured many months in advance. As a long-standing supporter of the festival, Gravetye Manor can assist guests in securing Glyndebourne tickets, as well as arranging private transfers and bespoke itineraries to make the experience as seamless as it is memorable.
World-class opera comes to life at Glyndebourne during a performance of La Traviata. Photo credit: Richard Hubert Smith
After an evening of opera and celebration, guests retreat to the tranquillity of Gravetye Manor, where they can unwind in the historic gardens and the peaceful landscapes of the High Weald. Combined with easy access to Glyndebourne and the wider cultural and wine-producing regions of Sussex, it provides the perfect base from which to experience one of England’s most extraordinary summer traditions.
