Discover the Best Events and Festivals to Attend in 2024
There is nothing more thrilling than the prospect of planning an unforgettable trip for the year ahead. If travel is on your bucket list for 2024, you’re not alone. Get inspired with these unique events happening across the globe worth traveling for.
Festivals
Carnival, Brazil
Key dates: February 9–17
If you’re looking to kick off the year with excitement, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is a celebration not to be missed. During the week leading up to Lent, locals don colorful, shimmering costumes and celebrate in Rio’s lively streets every night. Expect samba dancing, music until dawn, and unparalleled cultural experiences.
Afrika Burn
Key dates: April 29–May 5
For those seeking a desert escape filled with creativity, AfrikaBurn is a six-day event in the arid landscapes of Quaggafontein, South Africa. This gathering, inspired by Burning Man in the US, promotes radical inclusivity and boundless opportunities for artistic expression.
Lavender Festival
Key dates: Mid-July (2024 dates yet to be announced)
If Croatia had a national scent, it would undoubtedly be lavender, famed for its mesmerizing purple fields. Each year, the island of Hvar celebrates this beautiful plant with a festival dedicated to the cultivation of lavender. Experience sampling perfumes, indulging in lavender-flavored pastries, attending concerts, and exploring exhibitions on the history of this remarkable flower.
Fiesta de la Vendimia
Key dates: First week of March
Attention wine enthusiasts: the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia transforms the otherwise tranquil city of Mendoza, Argentina, into a vibrant hub of celebration every grape-harvest season. Enjoy delicious samples of local wines, watch parades, and experience folk songs and dances that define Argentinian culture. The festival’s main events typically occur during the first week of March.
Mongolian Naadam Festival
Key dates: July 11–15
Mongolia is renowned for its expansive landscapes and rich traditions, and the annual Naadam Festival epitomizes this cultural heritage. Held primarily in Ulaanbaatar, the festival showcases competitions in wrestling, horse racing, and archery, alongside grand opening and closing ceremonies.
National Braai Day
Key date: September 24
In South Africa, National Braai Day celebrates the art of barbeque, known regionally as “braai.” Events take place nationwide, with locals gathering to enjoy grilled boerewors and various cuts of meat. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle with residents and experience South African culture in a flavorful way.
Music and Theatre Events
Primavera Sound
Key dates: May 29–June 2
If music is your passion, the Primavera Sound music festival in Barcelona, Spain, should be on your must-visit list. Renowned for its extensive lineup, this festival’s exciting atmosphere gives concert-goers a chance to see celebrated artists over three exhilarating days.
Festival of Voices
Key dates: June 28–July 7
Every winter, Tasmania in Australia comes alive with the Festival of Voices, inviting thousands to experience a week filled with captivating music. Attendees can enjoy choral performances, cabaret shows, and even participate in workshops to expand their musical talents.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Key dates: August 2–26
Every August, Edinburgh becomes a hub for creativity as the Fringe Festival takes over the city. Offering a mix of free and ticketed events, the festival showcases everything from comedy to performance art, allowing visitors to experience the arts in unique and inspiring ways.
Sporting Events
Superbowl LVIII
Key date: February 11
In 2024, the Superbowl LVIII will take place in Las Vegas, featuring a highly anticipated halftime show by Usher. Tickets are in high demand, and for those who can’t make it to the game, the atmosphere in the city during the event is just as charged with excitement.
Summer Olympic Games 2024, Paris
Key dates: July 26–August 11
2024 marks the return of the Olympic Games, this time in Paris, France. The City of Lights will host its opening ceremony in a groundbreaking new format on the River Seine, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
Africa Cup of Nations Soccer Tournament
Key Dates: January 13–February 11
The Africa Cup of Nations serves as an exhilarating soccer tournament featuring 24 teams across five cities in Côte d’Ivoire, promising to deliver thrilling matches as nations compete for glory.
Exhibitions and Museum Openings
Biennale Arte 2024 – 60th International Art Exhibition
Key dates: April 20–November 24
The Biennale Arte in Venice, Italy, is a remarkable showcase of global artistic talent. This extensive exhibition is a must-see for art lovers and promises to engage visitors from April to November 2024.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County New Commons
Key date: Opening date in 2024 yet to be announced
The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles will unveil a new wing aimed at deepening connections with visitors. This new space will include an amphitheater, indoor theater, and event space, blending culture, history, and science in innovative ways.
Pan African Heritage Museum
Key date: December 2024
The Pan African Heritage Museum in Accra, Ghana, will open in December 2024. It will be the first museum focused on exploring the origins and civilizations of Africa, providing an educational resource for individuals of African descent and beyond.
Nature Trips
Witness a Total Solar Eclipse
Key date: April 8
If witnessing a total solar eclipse is on your bucket list, 2024 is the year to fulfill that dream. The eclipse will traverse key locations in Canada, the US, and Mexico, with Mazatlán being one of the prime viewing spots.
Drive the Karakoram Highway
Key dates: April–October
Pakistan offers breathtaking mountainous landscapes, and the Karakoram Highway provides one of the best road trips in the world. The ideal time to embark on this journey is April through October.
Hit the Slopes in Hokkaidō
Key dates: Best snow conditions January and February
Hokkaidō, Japan, is the ultimate ski destination, renowned for its powdery snow and vibrant winter sports culture. January and February generally offer the best skiing conditions, making this an opportune escape for winter sports enthusiasts.
Hike the Baltic Trails
Key dates: Summer (northern hemisphere)
If hiking without elevation gain interests you, the Baltic Trails are two long-distance routes covering approximately 2000 miles through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Relatively flat yet stunning, these trails promise an unforgettable journey through captivating landscapes.
