Festival travel: combine culture and holidays

Planning your holidays around world-class festivals is one of the best ways to experience authentic culture, connect with locals, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're drawn to music, food, art, or traditional celebrations, 2026 offers incredible opportunities to align your annual leave with unforgettable cultural experiences.

Winter and early spring festivals (January–March 2026)

Rio Carnival, Brazil (February 7–17, 2026): The world's largest carnival celebration, featuring samba parades, street parties, and vibrant costumes. Book accommodation months in advance.
Venice Carnival, Italy (February 13–March 1, 2026): Elegant masquerade balls and gondola parades in one of Europe's most romantic cities.
Holi Festival, India (March 14, 2026): The Festival of Colours, celebrated with vibrant powder throwing and water fights across India.
St. Patrick's Day, Ireland (March 17, 2026): Dublin's week-long celebration with parades, music, and cultural events.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan (Late March–Early April 2026): Hanami season when cherry blossoms bloom, celebrated with picnics and traditional events.

Spring festivals (April–May 2026)

Coachella, USA (April 10–12 & 17–19, 2026): One of the world's premier music festivals in California's desert. Perfect for combining with a West Coast road trip.
Songkran, Thailand (April 13–15, 2026): Thai New Year celebrated with the world's largest water fight. Expect city-wide celebrations and traditional ceremonies.
King's Day, Netherlands (April 27, 2026): Amsterdam transforms into an orange-themed street party with markets, music, and celebrations.
Feria de Abril, Spain (April 19–26, 2026): Seville's spring fair featuring flamenco, bullfighting, and traditional Andalusian culture.
Cannes Film Festival, France (May 13–24, 2026): The world's most prestigious film festival on the French Riviera.

Summer festivals (June–August 2026)

Glastonbury Festival, UK (June 24–28, 2026): The UK's most iconic music festival. Tickets sell out within hours, so plan well in advance.
Roskilde Festival, Denmark (June 27–July 4, 2026): Northern Europe's largest music festival, known for its diverse lineup and camping experience.
Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland (July 3–18, 2026): World-class jazz on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Running of the Bulls, Spain (July 6–14, 2026): Pamplona's San Fermín festival, famous for its daily bull runs through the city streets.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, UK (August 7–31, 2026): The world's largest arts festival with thousands of performances across Scotland's capital.
La Tomatina, Spain (August 26, 2026): Buñol's massive tomato fight—a unique and messy cultural experience.
Notting Hill Carnival, UK (August 30–31, 2026): Europe's largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture in London.

Autumn festivals (September–November 2026)

Oktoberfest, Germany (September 19–October 4, 2026): Munich's world-famous beer festival. Book accommodation and tent reservations early.
Diwali, India (October 20, 2026): The Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks, lamps, and family gatherings across India.
Day of the Dead, Mexico (November 1–2, 2026): Día de los Muertos celebrations with colourful altars, parades, and traditional ceremonies.
Loy Krathong, Thailand (November 15, 2026): The Festival of Lights where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky in Chiang Mai.
Melbourne Cup, Australia (November 3, 2026): Australia's most prestigious horse race, celebrated as a public holiday in Victoria.

Planning your festival holiday

Festival travel requires more planning than a typical holiday:

Book early: Accommodation near festivals sells out months in advance, and prices surge dramatically
Ticket strategy: Many festivals have ballot systems or sell out within minutes—research registration dates
Combine with travel: Extend your trip to explore the region beyond the festival
Budget accordingly: Festival periods often have premium pricing for everything from flights to food
Check visa requirements: Some festivals are in countries requiring advance visa applications

Maximising your festival experience

Research the culture: Understanding local customs enhances your experience
Pack appropriately: Festival attire varies—research what's expected or traditional
Stay flexible: Festivals can be unpredictable—build buffer time into your itinerary
Connect with locals: Festivals are perfect opportunities to meet people and learn about local culture
Document your experience: Capture memories but also be present in the moment

Using annual leave strategically

Many festivals align perfectly with bank holidays or can be extended with strategic bridge days. For example, combining the August Bank Holiday with a few days of leave can create a perfect window for Edinburgh Festival Fringe or Notting Hill Carnival. Use My Holiday Planner to map out festival dates against your available leave and identify the best opportunities.

Start planning now

The best festival experiences start with early planning. Research your must-see festivals, check ticket release dates, and begin coordinating your annual leave. Use My Holiday Planner's Year Calendar to visualise how festivals fit into your 2026 schedule, and start building the cultural adventure of a lifetime.