“6 Unforgettable Summer Festivals Recommended by Travel Experts”
Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration. Across the globe, cities, villages, and countrysides come alive with festivals that unite music, dance, food, culture, and shared human joy. From centuries-old traditions to contemporary music spectacles, summer festivals offer an unforgettable way to connect with local spirit, meet new people, and experience a place at its liveliest.
We spoke with global travel experts and cultural researchers to identify six of the best summer festivals in the world—each uniquely immersive and worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
1. Glastonbury Festival – England
Where: Pilton, Somerset
When: Late June
Glastonbury is not just a music festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Founded in 1970, it has grown into the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. With over 200,000 attendees, it’s famed for its massive stages, legendary performances, and eclectic lineup that spans rock, pop, electronic, folk, and world music.
But Glastonbury is more than music. It includes comedy tents, circus acts, poetry readings, political debates, healing fields, and more. Despite its enormous scale, the festival remains rooted in environmentalism and counterculture spirit.
Expert Insight: “Glastonbury is wild, muddy, and magical. It’s a rite of passage for music lovers and creatives across generations.”
2. Obon Festival – Japan
Where: Throughout Japan
When: Mid-August (varies by region)
The Obon Festival is a beautiful blend of celebration and remembrance. Rooted in Buddhist beliefs, it honors the spirits of ancestors who are believed to return to the earthly realm during this time. Families clean their homes and visit graves, but also take part in Bon Odori—traditional group dances performed in public squares.
Cities and rural towns alike glow with lanterns, parades, and ceremonial floats. The festival ends with floating lanterns sent down rivers or into the sea, symbolizing the spirits’ return to the afterlife.
Expert Insight: “Obon offers a deeply emotional and spiritual connection to Japanese heritage—one of the most meaningful festivals to witness.”
3. La Tomatina – Spain
Where: Buñol, Valencia
When: Last Wednesday of August
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the world’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina is your chance. Held annually in the small town of Buñol, this one-day event draws tens of thousands of participants who pelt each other with overripe tomatoes in a chaotic, slippery, and hilarious celebration.
Originally started as a prank in 1945, it became an official festival in the 1950s. Today, safety rules and ticketing are enforced, but the spirit of playful absurdity remains.
Expert Insight: “La Tomatina is absurd, exhilarating, and unlike anything else. Just don’t wear white.”
4. Montreux Jazz Festival – Switzerland
Where: Montreux, on Lake Geneva
When: Early to mid-July
Founded in 1967, this lakeside gem is considered one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. While jazz remains central, the Montreux Jazz Festival has expanded to include rock, blues, soul, and electronic music, attracting top-tier global artists like Miles Davis, David Bowie, and Radiohead.
Its setting is as stunning as its sounds: the stages overlook the serene Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, offering both intimacy and grandeur. Smaller jam sessions and workshops also allow deep musical immersion.
Expert Insight: “Montreux is pure elegance and innovation. It’s for those who truly appreciate artistry.”
5. Inti Raymi – Peru
Where: Cusco, Peru
When: June 24
Inti Raymi, or the Festival of the Sun, is an awe-inspiring reconstruction of an Incan solstice celebration. Held during Peru’s winter solstice (southern hemisphere), it honors Inti, the sun god, and marks the Incan New Year.
The festival kicks off in Cusco with costumed parades, traditional music, and symbolic offerings. A dramatic reenactment at the ancient site of Sacsayhuamán features Incan priests, llamas, and rituals performed in Quechua. It’s a living tribute to indigenous Andean culture.
Expert Insight: “Inti Raymi brings history to life. It’s a majestic cultural performance like no other.”
6. Calgary Stampede – Canada
Where: Calgary, Alberta
When: Early July (10 days)
Dubbed “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede blends rodeo, carnival, music festival, and cultural fair into a vibrant celebration of western heritage. It features bull riding, barrel racing, chuckwagon races, and a midway of food, games, and amusement rides.
The city of Calgary embraces full cowboy mode with daily pancake breakfasts, parades, and denim on every corner. For international travelers, it’s a window into North America’s frontier culture with modern flair.
Expert Insight: “It’s more than a rodeo—it’s a Western cultural explosion with heart, grit, and adrenaline.”
🌍 Why These Festivals Matter
These festivals show how summer celebrations go beyond entertainment. They are expressions of cultural identity, community spirit, historical memory, and artistic brilliance. Whether you’re dancing with strangers in the mud of Somerset or witnessing the quiet grace of floating lanterns in Japan, each of these festivals tells a story—and lets you be part of it.
So whether you’re a cultural explorer, a music fan, or simply curious, mark your calendar. The world’s most unforgettable summer festivals await.
