Summer festivals from around the world will inspire your next vacation

With summer just around the corner, the time has come to have some fun. Put in a request for some vacation days and clean that funny smell out of your luggage. If you are like many of us you’ve probably been too preoccupied to put much thought into where you will spend those relaxing summer days. Summer festivals from around the world can provide a little bit of inspiration for your vacation.

Whether you are heading close – think road trip! – or venturing overseas, there is a cultural event that will entertain you. 

Elvis Week. Memphis, Tennessee

This is great week for die-hard fans of the king of rock n? roll and early rock music in general! There are music events and screenings of Elvis many films as well as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest which draws Elvis impersonators and tribute artists from all around the country! The festival lasts 10 days and the 2018 Elvis Week will kick off on August 9^th at the late singer’s famed Graceland estate.

Burning Man. Black Rock, Desert Nevada

Those seeking a truly adventurous summer festival experience need look no further than the Burning Man music festival held annually in Black Rock City, a temporary city erected once a year for the Burning Man festival. Every year this festival draws a unique blend of artists and artisans, culminating in the iconic Man Burn effigy. Just keep in mind that this event takes place in nearly 100 miles outside of Reno at an isolated desert location, so pack appropriately!

Glastonbury Festival. Pilton, England

This five-day long festival takes place in Pilton, Summerset, England and features not only music but a wide variety performing arts such as cabaret and live theatre. While traveling across the pond for this festival might prove costly, general admission with camping privileges costs a little less than the equivalent of five hundred American dollars, making it a fairly cost effective cultural excursion.

Pitchfork Music Festival. Chicago, Illinois

Every year Pitchfork hosts this two-day popular music event which draws some of the top acts from around the nation. With a wide variety of artists working in genres ranging from R&B to folk-rock this festival is sure to have something for everyone! The 2018 festival will be taking place between July 20 and the 22^nd.

Wireless Music Festival. Finsbury Park, London

This is a music festival not too different from the Pitchfork festival listed above, but it takes place in London. This means that in addition to attending one of the world’s premier pop music festivals, you will have the opportunity to visit all the great sites of historical and cultural significance that this great city has to offer!

Worldfest. Houston, Texas

Up until this point we have covered mostly music-centric summer festivals. But those of us seeking a different kind of artistic engagement this summer might consider the Worldfest International Film Festival. This annual festival, held in Houston Texas, celebrates a variety of films. Films such as including shorts, animation, drama, comedy, the avant-garde, and anything else you can imagine.

Pompano Beach Seafood Festival. Pompano Beach, Florida

This is an annual event held near the end of April in Pompano Beach Florida. It is a three-day-long festival that features musical acts, local artisans, and of course lots and lots of seafood. Vendors from all around Florida come to offer a variety of delicious seafood dishes. They also provide festival-goers with a uniquely Floridian experience. Proceeds benefit several charitable organizations and causes such as the local high school boosters and the Kiwanis Club.

Spoleto Festival USA. Charleston, South Carolina

This huge, more than two weeks long, arts festival celebrates dance from many different cultures. It often features top dance performers displaying new works of choreography. This festival generally attracts more than one hundred acts including dancers, musical theatre, and jazz.

Crafted Vancouver. Vancouver, B.C., Canada

This festival is a celebration of all things craft and artisanal, but the fun does not end with the unique opportunity to purchase high-quality homemade goods. This festival also includes documentaries and films dedicated to various crafts as well as talks and tours, making this festival an exciting, international symposium for artisans, craftspeople, and enthusiasts! 

Lollapalooza. Grant Park, Illinois

This one is the granddaddy of all summer music festivals, a legend in its own right. Lollapalooza offers guests the finest in entertainment with four days of the most popular contemporary acts. This festival is also famous for its lively atmosphere and numerous side attractions which have been known to include everything from fire-eaters to contortionists. It’s the kind of thing that every music fan should experience once in their life.

These are some of the most exciting opportunities for entertainment this summer. From the musical to the gustatory summer is the perfect season to gather for festival fun!