August is a terrific month to travel and celebrate across the world. Festivals are the best way to experience local culture. Your memories will last forever.
15 top August events
that you can attend regardless of your hobbies or interests.Boomtown Festival, Winchester, UK
- Location: Matterley Estate in Winchester’s South Downs National Park
- When: August 7 to 11, 2024
- Timespan: Five days
Boomtown is a 4- or 5-night festival held in August in Winchester, UK. It features varied music, décor, and dramatic exhibits. Boomtown is an event intended as a pop-up city. Uptown and downtown are divided into a yearly plot. Expect walkabout theatricals and every type of music. Swing, jazz, and drum and bass blast from huge, distinctive stages, putting other UK events to shame.
Secret organizations, hints, and actors place revelers in a socially pertinent plot. You may ignore it and enjoy the festival vibe. Boomtown’s founders prioritize environmental problems in their plot and event promotion. If you can handle a longer event, buy an early-bird Wednesday ticket. Besides applying for a UK visa online and reserving your flight tickets.
Boomtown is a place you’ll visit again and again.
Nevada’s Burning Man Festival
- Location: Black Rock Desert, Nevada
- When: August 25 to September 2, 2024
- Timespan: Nine days
Burning Man is hard to convey to first-timers. Burning Man is a part music event, half art festival, and part experimental temporary community. Burning Man is participant-driven. Most guests join theme camps, and each camp provides something free to the community. Burning Man has everything from dance parties to Ted Talks to a Mad Max-style Thunderdome. Nothing is for sale during the event.
After touring theme camps, attendees can stroll the salt flats and view art installations. The Man and The Temple are notable playa constructions. In a moving ceremony, most structures are torched before the week’s end.
Burner’s practices radical self-reliance. They must carry food, drink, and shelter for a week. Desert temperatures and the countercultural ambiance aren’t for everyone. It is a life-changing experience for those who return year after year. Burning Man takes place in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert the week before Labor Day.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
- Location: Edinburgh
- When: August 2 to 26, 2024
- Timespan: Three-week duration
Edinburgh’s Fringe Event is the world’s largest arts festival. It was founded in 1947 by young theatre and opera artists who wished to present fresh work outside London. The three-week event occurs in August. The festival features approximately 3,000 music, theater, opera, and dance acts. 500 are free.
The event gives artists a place to present their work and experiment. It’s a place for art lovers to gather. Edinburgh has many major festivals throughout August. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival, Cowal Highland Games, and Edinburgh Foodies Festival include spectacular acts.
Elvis Week, Memphis, USA
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- When: August 9 to 17, 2024
- Time span: Nine days
Elvis Week celebrates Elvis’ life, legacy, and influence. Memphis named August 16-22, 1977, “Elvis Week” after his death on August 16, 1977. Elvis Presley was a popular American singer and actor. His singing and acting are recognized, but he also represents 1950s and 1960s America. Elvis’ songs represented revolt and freedom, which people continue to adore and celebrate. As a musician and actor, he was a big star.
Elvis Presley was an American icon because he personified rebellion, individualism, optimism, and entertainment. More than 10,000 people visit Graceland during this period. There is an annual Candlelight Vigil at Graceland and an Elvis Concert on his death anniversary (August 16). In the “Walk of Fame” event, people are honored for their contribution to Elvis’ legacy. There are also panel talks with Elvis’ family and friends and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
Make sure you obtain your US visa online and have all the travel staples ready, as you plan to attend this August festival.
Hungry Ghost Festival, China
- Location: All across China
- When: August 18, 2024
- Timespan: One day
Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival honors the deceased. This holiday, also named Yu Lan Jie, is held in mid-to-late August or early September. During this season, hungry ghosts and spirits are thought to prowl the earth.
The Hungry Ghost Festival started in ancient China, where people thought there were more hungry spirits than normal, and they must be fed. This ritual began to offer appreciation to the dead and ensure they weren’t forgotten.
People buy sacrifices and erect altars to honor ancestors and placate wandering spirits. They make meals and other stuff for poor people. Fruit, flowers, Joss paper, candles, etc. are offered. Many Asian communities commemorate the Hungry Ghost Festival with distinct cuisines. Some individuals provide food to pacify ghosts, while others believe it would bring them or their family luck. Cakes, soups, fruits, and noodles are typical delicacies during this festival.
Apply for a China visa online in a few easy steps with our convenient international visa services.
La Feria de Flores / Festival of Flowers – Medellin, Colombia
- Location: Colombia’s Medellin
- When: August 2 to 11, 2024
- Timespan: Two weeks
Medellin, Colombia, celebrates La Feria de Flores in early August is one of the great festivals in the world you should attend. The event honors centuries of history in Antioquia, a major exporter of flowers. The winners of the Silleta Contest are paraded. Silleteros hoists huge floral sculptures on wooden platforms. Silleteros carried a chair-like device hundreds of years ago. Today’s Silletas are 8-foot-diameter wonders filled with flowers and foliage. Some are abstract, while others utilize flowers to create a social statement or company branding.
During the festival, visitors visit Santa Elena to observe flower fields and Silleteros at work. You may also see it at city festivals. Food, craft stalls, and stages with entertainment are available. The venues include “troubadors” or improv singers. This fan favorite features dueling vocalists. There’s also a flower-decorated vintage automobile procession.
La Tomatina, Bunol, Valencia, Spain
- Location: Bunol, Valencia, Spain
- When: August 28, 2024
- Timespan: Day-long
Tomatina a must-see, is one of the top festivals around the world. This wacky Spanish celebration includes parties, festivities, and tomato-throwing. The celebration began in 1945 when residents of Bunol fought outside a fruit stand. People nearby picked up the tomatoes, causing a food brawl that the cops had to stop. Despite the older generation’s protests, the food fight became a local tradition. La Tomatina became an official celebration after a protest in 1957.
In late August, locals and visitors in Bunol enjoy a food war with tomatoes. The fight ends with players wading through tomato juice. After an hour of fighting, you may clean up, eat, drink, and party in the streets.
Getting to Tomatina from Valencia is the simplest. Buses, railways, and car rentals are available. Some buses include admission. The entrance fee costs 10 euros ($15). Bunol may also be reached from Barcelona.
Wear throwaway clothing since you will get tomato juice on them.
Notting Hill Carnival, London, UK
- Location: Notting Hill, West London, UK
- When: August 25 to 26, 2024
- Timespan: Two days
London’s Notting Hill has hosted a free carnival every August since 1964. More than a million people from across the world attend this street event, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. Two Trinidadians and a group of Londoners interested in West Indian music and dance started the carnival. They organized a Caribbean Street celebration for the community.
London Notting Hill Carnival Limited has been administered by volunteers ever since its inception. It highlights BWI culture and promotes togetherness. It ends in the summer.
Caribbean, African, Indian, and other cuisines are enjoyed on this day. Some live performances are free, while others cost £5 or £10. Dancing is the most popular carnival activity. Thousands of people will be dancing to great music.
Rock en Seine, Paris, France
- Location: Paris, France
- When: August 21 to 25, 2024
- Timespan: Five days
Parisians’ summer vacations finish with Rock en Seine. It’s the last weekend in August before the daily grind begins. Unlike many Paris festivals, Rock en Seine is for everyone. All ages rejoice. The Cure, Arctic Monkey, and Foo Fighters, among others, perform at Rock en Seine. Other cultural events include art projects, talks, exhibitions, and sports.
Good cuisine, beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere are also important in Paris. You can expect to savor Fois Gras, champagne, and excellent wines at this rock festival. If you don’t like the pit, bring your food and a picnic blanket, and relax. The festival is held in St. Cloud’s castle gardens, which offer peaceful, shaded settings.
The festival welcomes families. Children under 10 get free admission and hearing protection in a secluded zone.
Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary
Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org
- Location: Budapest
- When: August 7 to 12, 2024
- Timespan: Six days
Hungary’s Sziget Festival is held in August. It’s one of Europe’s major music events, with 500,000 people annually. Óbudai Island, near Budapest, was originally a Red Army camp. The area’s stages range from massive (Main Stage) to tiny (Gay Bar) and from closed (A-38) to open (Colosseum). You may camp anywhere on the grounds or in the trees with hammocks.
Rock, indie, electronica, hip-hop, jazz, and world music will be performed by foreign and Hungarian bands. You may also attend an open-air cinema, exhibitions, and seminars about music, art, film, and other themes or food stalls with diverse cuisines. Find the Gaybar, kiss the bartender for a beer, or drink your cocktail 80 meters up at the Skybar.
Creamfields- Daresbury, UK
- Location: Daresbury, England
- When: August 22 to 25, 2024
- Timespan: Four days
Creamfields is a must-attend festival. DJ Mag named it the World’s Best Festival in 2019. Creamfields is known for EDM but also has trance, drum and bass, and techno DJs. Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Marrying Garrix, and Armin Van Buuren perform regularly.
Camping tickets are available. Standard and Gold Day tickets are available. Standard has no showers, Bronze has rudimentary ones, and Silver has better ones. A Gold ticket provides you the same access as a Silverticket and a ‘Pamper Tent’ to get ready for the event. Gold ticketholders get a daily lunch.
Creamfields is near Liverpool and Manchester in Daresbury. The event falls on the August bank holiday weekend (25th-28th, 2023). Thursday is designated for campers, while day tickets are available from Friday through Sunday. Cream has international variants. Cream evenings are held in Ibiza, and Creamfields Steelyard events are held globally.
Lollapalooza, Chicago
- Location: Grant Park, Chicago
- When: August 1 to 4, 2024
- Timespan: Four days
Started in the 1990s, it continues to be one of the top festivals for music lovers to attend in August. The brand-new version features an extensive line-up of music extravaganza by Megan Thee Stallion, Future X Metro Boomin, Stray Kids, SZA, and the Killers. It allows you to catch with some of the music legends performing live, such as Renee Rapp and Victoria Monet. There are diverse ticket options, including VIP and Platinum tickets, to elevate your music experience.
Apart from music, it offers experiences for every interest, from American Apparel Tee Lab, Bonus Tracks, Liquid Death Country Club, and Casa Bacardi to Owen’s Craft Mixers, Chow Town, Coke Studio, Dessert Island, and House of Dunkin’.
Obon Festival, Japan
- Location: Across Japan
- When: August 13 to 16, 2024
- Timespan: Four days
It is probably the most looked-forward-to Japanese event this month. This Buddhist festival has remained one of the region’s fascinating events for over 500 years. It is mainly celebrated to honor the dead. But don’t mistake it for a somber festival; it is full of life with energetic dance, music, endless food, and plenty of exciting activities for all age groups.
You can also watch boats with lanterns. Which is believed to carry deceased’s’ spirits. Another popular tradition is a bonfire display, where people visit their loved ones’ graves, clean them, and offer gifts, fruits, incense, etc.
Banff Summer Arts Festival, Canada
- Location: Canada Rockies
- When: June 1 to September 7, 2024
- Timespan: Three Months
Canada’s Banff Centre turns into a hub of exceptional artsy activities and experiences from June to September, making it a must-attend for art and music lovers. Things to see and do here are as unique and diverse as classical musical performance, visual art representation, dance shows, watching movies, fantastic exhibitions, catching with the country’s best artists, and enjoying traditional cuisine with local ingredients.
Venice International Film Festival
- Location: Venice
- When: August 28 to September 7, 2024
- Timespan: 11 days
Started in the 1930s, the Venice International Film Festival continues to be a much-awaited event among the film fraternity for over eight decades. La Biennale di Venezia, one of the region’s most celebrated cultural institutions, is all set to host its 81st edition from August 28 to September 7. Not to mention, you can look forward to watching some world-class movies, including Maria, Joker: Folie A Deux, Modi, Wolfs, Conclave, the Order, and Chocobar.
FAQs
What are some of the surefire festivals to attend in August?
August is when you can attend some of the most celebrated and classic festivals, such as:
- La Tomatina, Spain
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland
- Notting Hill Carnival
Does August have events and festivals for art and culture lovers?
Some of August’s events are a treat for art and culture lovers, including Nevada’s Burning Man Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Elvis Week, and Rock en Seine.
What are the top festivals for music enthusiasts in August?
They include Boomtown Festival, Sziget Festival, Lollapalooza, and Banff Summer Arts Festival.
Which August festivals promise the ultimate blend of distinctiveness, spirituality, and entertainment?
There are quite a lot, but festivals like Japan’s Obon Festival stand out among all.
Is there any exclusive event for movie lovers in August?
Yes, movie lovers shouldn’t miss the Venice International Film Festival, with a longstanding history of over 80 years.
With more festivals coming up, take inspiration from our exclusive guide on the top festivals to celebrate in October around the world.
Did You Know?
- The August name is derived from the Roman emperor Augustus.
- The sixth month of the year used to be August. The month was known as Sextilis in the old ten-month Roman calendar, which in Latin means “the sixth month.” Not until King Numa Pompilius added January and
- February to the beginning of the year, about 700BC did August be cruelly pushed back in the list of months.
- When the Earl of Sandwich asked for meat between two pieces of bread in August 1762, the sandwich which we know today was born.
- August has lots of days to celebrate International Cat Day on the 8th, National Bacon Lovers Day on 20th, Red Wine Day on 28th, and Eat Outside Day on 31st.
