Looking for fun ways to enjoy your summer? Whether you love music, art, or just having a good time, summer festivals are a great way to make the most of the season.
You deserve a fun summer, and we know it can be hard to find the right festival. But don’t worry—you’re not alone!
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- The best music and art festivals
- Fun cultural celebrations
- Exciting festivals around the world
Keep reading to find the perfect festival for your summer. Picture yourself dancing, trying new foods, and making unforgettable memories.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to plan your perfect summer adventure.
Let’s get started!
Summer Festivals in the UK
The UK has many summer festivals that celebrate music, art, and culture. These festivals are fun and attract a lot of people. They offer great performances, from music to plays, and bring together both locals and tourists.
1. Glastonbury Festival
Time & Location: The Glastonbury Festival takes place every year for five days in late June, near Pilton, Somerset, England. It began in 1970 and has become one of the biggest festivals in the world.
Some years, like 2018 and 2020, it takes a break. The last festivals were in 2022 and 2023, with big stars like Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, and Elton John.
Event Details: The Glastonbury Festival (or Glasto) is a large event held on 1500 acres of farmland. It has music, dance, comedy, theatre, and much more. The festival started with the ideas of the 1960s counterculture, and you can still see these values today in areas like the Green Fields and Stone Circle.
Around 200,000 people attend each year. The Pyramid Stage features famous artists, and smaller stages offer other performances. The festival also supports the environment, charity, and creativity. Art, installations, and peaceful moments can be found at the Glastonbury Tor.
Glastonbury raises millions for charity. It also has a special ticket system to stop people from reselling tickets for higher prices. The festival is a key part of British culture and an important event in the world’s festival scene.
2. Notting Hill Carnival
Time & Location: The Notting Hill Carnival takes place every August Bank Holiday weekend in Notting Hill, London. It begins on Saturday with a steelpan competition. Sunday is family day, and the main parade happens on Monday. About two million people join each year, making it one of the biggest street festivals in the world.
Event Details: The Notting Hill Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with parades, dancing, and music. You’ll hear steelpan, calypso, and soca music. Sound systems play reggae and ska. You can also enjoy Caribbean food like jerk chicken.
The carnival began in 1959 to respond to race issues and moved to Notting Hill in 1966. It’s known for five main parts: masquerade, calypso, soca, steelpan, and sound systems.
Today, the carnival honors Caribbean culture and brings people together from all backgrounds. Even with some challenges in the past, it remains a major part of London’s culture.
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Summer Festivals in the USA
Summer festivals in the USA feature many types of events, like music, arts, food, and culture. These festivals bring together local and global talent. People come together to enjoy creativity and celebrate different cultures.
3. Burning Man
Time & Location: Burning Man is a large event that happens every year in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada. It lasts for a week and ends on Saturday night when a big wooden figure called “the Man” is burned. This happens just before Labor Day.
Event Details: Burning Man is a unique event where there are no famous performers. Instead, the attendees are the creators. They make art, organize activities, and hold events like sculptures, performances, and creative projects. Each year, Burning Man has a new theme.
The first Burning Man event took place in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco. Since then, it has grown, and by 2019, nearly 79,000 people attended.
The event is organized by the Burning Man Project, which encourages everyone to join in, share, and be creative. People from many different backgrounds come, including celebrities and social media stars.
4. Coachella
Time & Location: Coachella happens every April at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. It lasts for two weekends, with the same artists performing each weekend. Gates open in the morning, and music plays all day and night.
Event Details: Coachella is a famous music and arts festival. It features rock, pop, indie, hip-hop, and electronic music. The event is known for big art displays and a stylish crowd.
The festival began after a 1993 Pearl Jam concert showed the venue could hold large events. Since 1999, Coachella has grown into a major festival with fans from around the world. Many stages feature well-known and new artists. People can also see creative art exhibits. Camping makes the experience more fun.
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Summer Festivals in Spain
Spain is known for its exciting summer festivals. These festivals celebrate traditional music, dance, and local customs. They often have big crowds and colorful costumes, making them enjoyable for everyone.
5. La Tomatina
Time & Location: La Tomatina takes place every year on the last Wednesday of August in Buñol, Spain.
Event Details: La Tomatina started in 1945 when a group of young people threw tomatoes during a parade. The next year, they brought tomatoes from home to continue the fun. More people joined each year.
In the 1950s, the festival was banned because it wasn’t a religious event. People protested by holding a “tomato funeral” in 1957, and the government allowed the festival to continue.
The event gained attention after it was featured on TV in Spain. In 2002, it was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest. The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. The 2024 edition had over 23,000 people from 51 countries.
6. San Fermin (Running of the Bulls)
Time & Location: The San Fermín festival takes place every year in Pamplona, Spain. It starts at noon on July 6 and ends at midnight on July 14. The festival kicks off with a fireworks display called Chupinazo. The main event, the Running of the Bulls, happens at 8 am every day from July 7 to July 14.
Event Details: San Fermín celebrates Saint Fermín, the co-patron of Navarre. The most famous event is the Running of the Bulls, where people run in front of bulls down the streets to the bullring.
The festival also includes parades, music, and dances. It started in 1591 when religious ceremonies were moved to July 7. This made it the festival we know today as Sanfermines. Bullrunning started in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Parade of Giants began in the mid-1800s, and the first official bullring was built in 1844.
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Summer Festivals in France
Summer festivals in France focus on music, theater, and art. They are often held outdoors and feature both old and new styles of art. People enjoy them for the creativity and beauty they offer.
7. Bastille Day
Time & Location: Bastille Day happens every year on 14 July in France. It marks two key events: the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the unity of the French people in 1790. The celebrations last all day.
Event Details: The main event is a big military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The President and other leaders watch the parade. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky near the Eiffel Tower. There are also concerts, parties, and dancing.
Bastille Day started in 1789 when a crowd stormed the Bastille, a prison. They wanted weapons to protect themselves. This event began the French Revolution, which led to the Rights of Man and the Citizen and the fight for freedom.
Summer Festivals in Scotland
Scotland’s summer festivals celebrate the country’s culture and music. They mix old traditions with new ideas. These festivals are held in beautiful locations, attracting both locals and visitors from all over.
8. Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Time & Location: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe happens every year in August. In 2024, it will last for 25 days, starting in early August and ending at the end of the month.
Event Details: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. It has thousands of performances, including comedy, theatre, dance, music, and more. In 2024, over 2.6 million tickets will be sold, with shows from 60 countries.
Anyone can take part in the festival. There is no special selection process, so anyone can perform. The shows are divided into categories like comedy, theatre, and musicals. Comedy is the most popular, making up nearly 40% of all performances.
The festival is run by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. They help with ticket sales, offer advice, and support performers. The Fringe is a place where people come together to enjoy art. Many famous performers, like Phoebe Waller-Bridge (creator of Fleabag), have shown their work here.
Summer Festivals: A Recap
Summer festivals are a great way to enjoy the season. You can listen to music, try new foods, and experience different cultures. Whether it’s a music festival, a food fair, or a local celebration, there’s something for everyone. These events bring people together and create fun memories.
From big-city festivals to small-town events, each one has its special feel. It’s not just about the activities, but also about having fun with friends and family. Summer festivals are a perfect way to enjoy the weather and make the most of your summer days.