Festivals are the purest expression of a culture's soul. They compress centuries of tradition, belief, and creativity into days or weeks of shared celebration. Attending a festival is not just watching — it is being absorbed into a collective experience that transcends the usual tourist-local divide.

These 25 festivals span every continent and every month of 2026. Some are ancient rituals. Others are modern mega-events. All of them will reshape your understanding of what celebration means. Dates listed are for the 2026 editions where confirmed; check locally for final scheduling.

January

1. Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival — Harbin, China

Dates: January 5 - late February 2026

The world's largest ice festival transforms Harbin into an illuminated frozen city. Full-scale buildings, castles, and sculptures are carved from blocks of ice harvested from the Songhua River and lit from within by colored LEDs. The scale is staggering — ice towers reach 40+ meters.

Tickets: Sun Island park entrance approximately 240 CNY. Ice and Snow World approximately 300 CNY. Combined tickets available.
Where to stay: Central Harbin near Zhongyang Pedestrian Street. Budget on 200-500 CNY/night for decent hotels.
What to wear: It is brutally cold — temperatures regularly drop to -30C. Bring serious winter gear: thermal base layers, down jacket, insulated boots, hand warmers, and a face mask. Cameras and phone batteries drain rapidly — keep batteries in an inside pocket.
Safety: Stick to designated paths (ice is slippery). The festival is well-organized with clear signage.

February

2. Carnival — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dates: February 13-18, 2026 (Friday before Ash Wednesday through Fat Tuesday)

The biggest party on earth. Rio Carnival is a city-wide explosion of samba, costumes, dance, and music. The centerpiece is the Sambodromo parade, where samba schools compete with elaborate floats and thousands of dancers, but the real energy is in the street parties (blocos) that take over entire neighborhoods.

Tickets: Sambodromo grandstand tickets range from 150-500 BRL for regular sections to 1,000-5,000 BRL for premium seating. Blocos (street parties) are free.
Where to stay: Copacabana and Ipanema for beach access and blocos. Lapa for nightlife. Book months in advance — prices triple during Carnival.
What to wear: Costumes, glitter, and minimal clothing are the norm. Wear comfortable shoes — you will dance for hours. Leave jewelry and valuables at the hotel.
Safety: Pickpocketing spikes during Carnival. Carry only cash and a cheap phone. Stay in groups. Use Uber rather than walking through quiet areas at night.

3. Venice Carnival — Venice, Italy

Dates: February 7-17, 2026

Venice Carnival dates back to the 12th century, and the tradition of elaborate masks and costumes transforms the city into a living theater. Masked figures pose in St. Mark's Square, private masquerade balls take place in palazzos, and the narrow streets become a continuous parade.

Tickets: Many events are free (street celebrations, costumed processions). Private masquerade balls at historic palazzos cost 200-500 EUR and must be booked well in advance.
Where to stay: Venice proper for the atmosphere (expensive during Carnival — budget 200-400 EUR/night minimum). Mestre on the mainland is a budget alternative with easy train access.
What to wear: A mask is expected. Simple masks can be purchased from 10 EUR at shops throughout Venice. Full historical costumes are rented for 200-500 EUR.
Tip: Visit Burano (the colorful fishing island) during Carnival for a less crowded celebration with a local flavor.

March

4. Holi — India (nationwide, particularly Mathura and Vrindavan)

Dates: March 14, 2026 (full moon day of Phalguna)

The Festival of Colors celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Participants throw colored powder (gulal) and water at each other, transforming streets, faces, and clothes into a kaleidoscope. It is joyous, messy, and profoundly egalitarian — everyone is covered in color equally.

Tickets: Free — Holi is celebrated in the streets, parks, and neighborhoods. Some hotels and event companies organize "Holi parties" for tourists (500-2,000 INR).
Where to stay: Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) are the spiritual epicenters of Holi — this is where Krishna is said to have played Holi. Jaipur and Varanasi also have major celebrations.
What to wear: White clothes (to show the colors). Wear clothes you do not mind discarding — some synthetic colors do not wash out. Protect your eyes and apply coconut oil to exposed skin beforehand (makes color easier to remove). Do not wear contact lenses.
Safety: The celebration is overwhelming. Stay with your group. Politely but firmly decline bhang (cannabis drink) offered by strangers unless you know what you are getting into.

5. Las Fallas — Valencia, Spain

Dates: March 15-19, 2026

Valencia's Las Fallas is an extraordinary five-day festival of fire. Neighborhoods spend an entire year building enormous papier-mache and wooden sculptures (fallas), some several stories tall, which are then burned in a massive bonfire on the final night (La Crema). The combination of art, fireworks, street food, and controlled destruction is intoxicating.

Tickets: Free to watch the fallas and the Mascleta (daily firecracker display at 2 PM in Plaza del Ayuntamiento). Viewing spots for La Crema (March 19) require arriving hours early.
Where to stay: The Ruzafa neighborhood is central and lively. Book early — Valencia fills up completely. Budget 100-250 EUR/night.
What to wear: Casual clothes that can handle smoke and sparks. The fires are enormous and you will smell like bonfire for days. Comfortable shoes for walking.
Safety: The fires are real and large. Follow crowd barriers. Keep children close during La Crema.

April

6. Songkran — Thailand (nationwide, particularly Chiang Mai and Bangkok)

Dates: April 13-15, 2026

Thailand's New Year celebration has evolved into the world's biggest water fight. What began as a Buddhist tradition of gently sprinkling water for purification has become three days of full-scale aquatic warfare with water guns, hoses, and buckets. Everyone — locals, tourists, monks, grandmothers — gets soaked.

Tickets: Free — the entire country participates.
Where to stay: Chiang Mai has the most intense celebrations (the moat becomes a water-war arena). Bangkok's Silom Road and Khao San Road are the main tourist battlegrounds.
What to wear: Quick-dry clothing. Waterproof phone pouch (essential). Sandals or water shoes. Leave electronics that are not waterproof at the hotel.
Safety: The water often contains ice (a shock when it hits your back). Talcum paste is mixed with water and smeared on faces — it washes off. Roads are dangerous — many people drink and drive. Avoid motorbikes during Songkran.

7. Cherry Blossom Season — Japan (nationwide)

Dates: Late March through mid-April 2026 (varies by region; Tokyo typically peaks late March to early April)

Cherry blossom season (sakura) is not technically a single festival but a national celebration that unfolds as the "cherry blossom front" moves north through Japan over several weeks. Hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the blossoms are a centuries-old tradition that transforms parks into outdoor parties.

Tickets: Free — blossoms are in public parks, along rivers, and throughout cities.
Where to stay: Tokyo (Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River), Kyoto (Philosopher's Path, Maruyama Park), and Yoshino (mountain of 30,000 cherry trees). Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance — this is Japan's most popular travel season.
What to wear: Layers — spring weather in Japan is changeable (10-20C). A blue tarp for hanami picnics is traditional.
Tip: Track the cherry blossom forecast (updated daily by the Japan Meteorological Corporation) and be flexible with your dates. Peak bloom lasts only 7-10 days.

May

8. Cannes Film Festival — Cannes, France

Dates: May 12-23, 2026 (approximate)

The world's most prestigious film festival transforms the Riviera town of Cannes into a whirlwind of cinema, celebrity, and Mediterranean glamour. While the official screenings require accreditation, the atmosphere of the town — red carpet watching, beach screenings, parties — is accessible to everyone.

Tickets: Official screenings require industry accreditation (applied for months in advance). Cinema de la Plage (free beach screenings) shows classic films nightly. Various sidebar events are open to the public.
Where to stay: Cannes hotels quadruple prices during the festival. Consider staying in Antibes, Nice, or Mougins and taking the train. Budget 200-500 EUR/night minimum in Cannes proper.
What to wear: Evening events and the Croisette promenade demand elegance. Smart casual for daytime. The red carpet requires formal attire (tuxedo or evening gown).

9. Burning Man Preparation Reminder

While Burning Man itself takes place in late August/early September, tickets for 2026 typically go on sale in spring. If this is on your bucket list, register early.

June

10. Inti Raymi — Cusco, Peru

Dates: June 24, 2026

The Festival of the Sun recreates the Inca Empire's most important ceremony — a celebration of the winter solstice (in the Southern Hemisphere) honoring Inti, the sun god. Hundreds of performers in traditional Inca costume reenact the ceremony at the fortress of Sacsayhuaman above Cusco.

Tickets: The main ceremony at Sacsayhuaman requires tickets (130-200 PEN for grandstand seating, available through local agencies). The processions through Cusco's streets earlier in the day are free.
Where to stay: Cusco's historic center. Book at least 2-3 months in advance. Budget 150-400 PEN/night.
What to wear: Warm layers — Cusco is at 3,400 m and June is winter. The ceremony at Sacsayhuaman is exposed and cold in the afternoon.

11. Glastonbury Festival — Somerset, England

Dates: Late June 2026 (typically the last full weekend of June in non-fallow years)

The grand dame of music festivals. Five days, 200+ stages, and a lineup that spans everything from rock headliners to underground electronic, jazz, spoken word, and theater. Glastonbury is not just a music festival — it is a temporary city of 200,000 people built on a Somerset dairy farm.

Tickets: Approximately 355 GBP plus 5 GBP booking fee. Sold in a single release (usually October of the previous year) that sells out in under an hour. Register in advance with photo ID.
Where to stay: Camping is included in the ticket. Glamping options and pre-pitched tents available at additional cost. The nearby town of Shepton Mallet has B&Bs.
What to wear: Wellington boots (essential — Glastonbury and mud are inseparable). Layers. Waterproof jacket. Sun protection (weather can swing from blazing sun to torrential rain in hours).
Safety: The scale is overwhelming on day one. Get your bearings. Designate meeting points — phone signal is unreliable.

July

12. Running of the Bulls (San Fermin) — Pamplona, Spain

Dates: July 6-14, 2026

Eight mornings of running through narrow streets ahead of fighting bulls, preceded and followed by eight days of continuous celebration. San Fermin is one of the world's most famous (and controversial) festivals — exhilarating, dangerous, and deeply embedded in Navarrese culture.

Tickets: Running is free (and open to anyone willing to accept the risk). Bullfight tickets at the arena range from 6-100 EUR. The opening ceremony (Chupinazo) on July 6 at noon is free.
Where to stay: Nearly impossible to find affordable accommodation in Pamplona during San Fermin. Many locals rent rooms. Budget travelers sleep in parks (this is a tradition, not desperation). Book any available hotel 6+ months in advance.
What to wear: The traditional outfit is white clothing with a red scarf and red sash. Wear running shoes if you plan to run. No open-toed shoes.
Safety: The run is genuinely dangerous — injuries happen every year, and fatalities occur occasionally. If running, understand the route (800 m, lasting 2-4 minutes), never run drunk, do not stop or turn around, and stay to the edges if in doubt.

13. Tomorrowland — Boom, Belgium

Dates: Mid to late July 2026 (typically two weekends)

The world's most spectacular electronic music festival. Tomorrowland's production value is unmatched — a massive main stage that changes theme each year, elaborate set designs, fireworks, and a lineup of every major DJ in electronic music. The atmosphere is welcoming and genuinely international.

Tickets: Full weekend passes approximately 250-400 EUR. Global Journey packages (including transport and accommodation) from 500-1,500 EUR. Tickets sell out within minutes — register early and be ready.
Where to stay: Dreamville (on-site camping) is part of the experience. Nearby Boom and Antwerp have hotel options. Brussels is 30 minutes by train.
What to wear: Festival wear — creative costumes are encouraged. Comfortable shoes. Rain gear. Sunscreen.

August

14. La Tomatina — Bunol, Spain

Dates: Last Wednesday of August 2026 (August 26)

The world's largest food fight. For one hour, 20,000 participants hurl overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets of Bunol, a small town near Valencia. It is absurd, messy, and spectacularly fun. The entire event is over by 1 PM and the streets are hosed clean within hours.

Tickets: 12-15 EUR, sold online. Limited to 20,000 participants. Sell out weeks in advance.
Where to stay: Bunol has limited accommodation. Most participants stay in Valencia (40 minutes by train) and take the morning bus to Bunol.
What to wear: Old clothes you can throw away. Goggles protect your eyes. Closed-toe shoes (the streets become a river of tomato). Leave your phone in a waterproof bag or at the hotel.
Safety: Wear goggles. Squish tomatoes before throwing — hard throws are against the rules. The streets are slippery.

15. Edinburgh Festival Fringe — Edinburgh, Scotland

Dates: August 7-31, 2026 (approximate)

The world's largest arts festival, with over 3,500 shows across 300+ venues — from grand theaters to pub back rooms to the back of a taxi. Comedy, theater, dance, music, spoken word, and performances that defy categorization. Many shows are free; others cost 5-20 GBP.

Tickets: Individual show tickets range from free to 30 GBP. Most are 10-15 GBP. Book popular comedians and theater shows in advance; discover new acts by wandering the Royal Mile and taking flyers.
Where to stay: Edinburgh accommodation prices spike dramatically during the Fringe. Book 6-12 months ahead. Budget 100-300 GBP/night. Airbnb is common.
What to wear: Layers and a rain jacket. Edinburgh weather is unpredictable. Comfortable walking shoes — you will cover many kilometers between venues.

16. Burning Man — Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA

Dates: Late August to early September 2026 (typically the week leading up to and including Labor Day)

A temporary city of 80,000 people built on a dry lakebed in the Nevada desert, organized around principles of radical self-expression, gifting, and communal effort. It is part art installation, part social experiment, part desert survival challenge. Nothing is sold (except ice and coffee). Everything is created, gifted, or shared.

Tickets: Approximately 575 USD plus vehicle pass. Sold in tiers through a lottery and direct sale system. Apply early.
Where to stay: You bring everything — tent, shade structure, food, water (1.5 gallons per person per day minimum), and everything you produce leaves with you (Leave No Trace).
What to wear: Dust goggles, bandana for dust storms, layers (100+F days, 40F nights), bike for transportation, LED lights for night visibility. Costumes and self-expression are the norm.
Safety: The desert will kill you if you are unprepared. Hydrate constantly. Protect against sun. White-out dust storms happen with no warning. Never drive drunk — BLM law enforcement is active.

September

17. Oktoberfest — Munich, Germany

Dates: September 19 - October 4, 2026 (approximate — always begins in September)

Six million visitors, seven million liters of beer, and 16 days of Bavarian celebration. Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival, centered on enormous beer tents operated by Munich's six major breweries. Inside the tents, thousands of people sit at communal tables, drinking from one-liter steins, eating pretzels and roast chicken, and singing along to oompah bands.

Tickets: Entry to the Theresienwiese (festival grounds) is free. Beer tent reservations are highly recommended for weekends and evenings — tables for 10 can be booked through individual tent websites starting in spring. Without a reservation, arrive before 9 AM on weekends for a seat.
Where to stay: Hotels in Munich during Oktoberfest are 3-5 times normal rates. Book 6-12 months in advance. Budget travelers stay in hostels, nearby cities (Augsburg, 40 min by train), or campgrounds.
What to wear: Tracht (traditional Bavarian clothing) — dirndl for women, lederhosen for men. Wearing tracht is genuinely encouraged and enhances the experience. Rental available in Munich for 50-100 EUR.
Beer info: A Mass (one-liter stein) costs approximately 15-16 EUR. Beer is strong (5.8-6.3% ABV). Pace yourself.

18. Mid-Autumn Festival — China, Vietnam, and across East Asia

Dates: October 6, 2026 (15th day of the 8th lunar month)

A harvest festival celebrating the full moon, family reunion, and gratitude. Lanterns fill the streets, mooncakes are exchanged, and families gather for evening meals. In China, the festival is a national holiday; in Vietnam (where it is called Tet Trung Thu), it becomes a children's festival with lion dances and lantern processions.

Tickets: Free — celebrations are in public spaces, parks, and family homes.
Where to stay: Hong Kong, Beijing, and Hanoi have the most visible public celebrations. Hoi An (Vietnam) is particularly atmospheric with its lantern-lit streets.
What to wear: Smart casual. Traditional clothing (ao dai in Vietnam, hanfu in China) is worn by some participants.

October

19. Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) — Mexico

Dates: October 31 - November 2, 2026

Mexico's most profound cultural celebration honors deceased loved ones with ofrendas (altars of flowers, food, and photographs), cemetery vigils, face painting (calaveras), and processions. It is not morbid — it is a joyful affirmation that love transcends death.

Tickets: Free. Cemeteries, processions, and street celebrations are public. Mexico City's massive parade (November 2) is free to watch.
Where to stay: Oaxaca has the most authentic celebrations (San Pablo Villa de Mitla and Xoxocotlan cemeteries). Patzcuaro and Janitzio Island (Michoacan) are deeply traditional. Mexico City has the largest parade.
What to wear: Calavera face paint is welcome for visitors. Dress in black or bright colors. Comfortable shoes for cemetery visits and walking.
Etiquette: This is a deeply personal celebration. Photograph ofrendas and cemeteries respectfully. Ask before photographing families at graves. The reverence is genuine — participate with sensitivity.

20. Diwali — India (nationwide)

Dates: October 20, 2026 (approximate — based on Hindu calendar)

The Festival of Lights celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Millions of oil lamps (diyas), candles, and fireworks illuminate homes, temples, and streets across India. Rangoli (colorful ground patterns), sweets, and new clothes mark the celebration.

Tickets: Free — Diwali is celebrated in homes and communities. Temples hold special ceremonies.
Where to stay: Jaipur and Varanasi have the most visually spectacular celebrations. Amritsar's Golden Temple is breathtaking during Diwali.
What to wear: New or clean, bright-colored clothing. Indian dress is welcome. Prepare for fireworks noise — it is intense, especially for children.
Safety: Air quality in Delhi and other northern cities plummets during Diwali due to fireworks. Travelers with respiratory conditions should consider southern destinations or avoid the worst nights.

November

21. Loy Krathong and Yi Peng — Chiang Mai, Thailand

Dates: November 5, 2026 (approximate — full moon of the 12th Thai lunar month)

Two festivals overlap in Chiang Mai: Loy Krathong (floating decorated baskets on water) and Yi Peng (releasing thousands of paper lanterns into the night sky). The sight of thousands of lanterns rising simultaneously against the dark sky is one of the most magical visual experiences in the world.

Tickets: Loy Krathong is free at any riverbank or moat. Organized Yi Peng lantern releases (the mass-release events) require tickets — approximately 3,000-5,000 THB through licensed operators.
Where to stay: Chiang Mai old city, near the moat. Book 2-3 months in advance.
What to wear: Light, comfortable clothing. Traditional Thai dress is appreciated. Bring a lighter for your krathong.
Safety: Paper lanterns are a fire hazard. Only release at designated times and locations. The Chiang Mai airport sometimes closes briefly during mass releases.

22. Pushkar Camel Fair — Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Dates: November 2026 (five days around the full moon of Kartik; check local calendar)

Fifty thousand camels converge on the desert town of Pushkar for one of the world's most colorful trading fairs. Camel races, mustache competitions, folk music, and a religious pilgrimage to Pushkar Lake create a festival that is quintessentially Rajasthani.

Tickets: Free to attend. Camel rides and fair activities cost 100-500 INR.
Where to stay: Luxury tented camps on the edge of the fair (5,000-20,000 INR/night). Budget guesthouses in Pushkar town (500-1,500 INR/night). Book well in advance.
What to wear: Conservative, colorful clothing. Head covering for temple visits. Dust-resistant shoes.

December

23. Hogmanay — Edinburgh, Scotland

Dates: December 30, 2026 - January 1, 2027

Scotland's New Year celebration is one of the world's great street parties. The Torchlight Procession (December 30), the Street Party and Concert (December 31), and the Loony Dook (January 1 — a communal swim in the freezing Firth of Forth) create three days of revelry.

Tickets: Street Party and Concert tickets approximately 30-35 GBP. Torchlight Procession approximately 8-10 GBP. Loony Dook approximately 15 GBP. All sell out.
Where to stay: Edinburgh hotels are expensive over New Year's. Book 6-12 months ahead. Consider Glasgow (1 hour by train).
What to wear: Multiple warm layers. Waterproof outer layer. Warm hat and gloves. Edinburgh in December is cold, wet, and windy.

24. Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks — Sydney, Australia

Dates: December 31, 2026

Sydney's midnight fireworks, launched from the Harbour Bridge and surrounding barges, are among the most spectacular in the world. The harbor setting — Opera House, bridge, water — creates an unmatched backdrop.

Tickets: Many waterfront viewing spots are free but require arriving by early afternoon to secure a position. Mrs Macquaries Point and the Royal Botanic Gardens are popular free vantage points. Paid harbor cruises (500-2,000+ AUD) and rooftop bars offer premium views.
Where to stay: Circular Quay and The Rocks for maximum proximity. Budget 400-800 AUD/night for New Year's Eve.
What to wear: Summer in Australia — light clothing, sunscreen, hat. Evenings cool slightly but remain warm (20-25C).

25. Junkanoo — Nassau, Bahamas

Dates: December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1, 2026/2027

The Bahamas' national festival features elaborate costumed groups parading through the streets of Nassau from 2 AM to dawn, with cowbell rhythms, goatskin drums, brass instruments, and costumes made from crepe paper, cardboard, and fabric that take months to construct. It is part Carnival, part parade, part community competition.

Tickets: Free to watch from the streets. Grandstand seating available for 15-50 BSD.
Where to stay: Downtown Nassau hotels for proximity to Bay Street (the parade route). Budget 200-400 BSD/night.
What to wear: Casual, festive. The atmosphere is joyful and participatory.

Festival Travel Planning Tips

Book early: Accommodation near major festivals sells out months in advance and prices spike 200-500%. The earlier you book, the more you save.
Protect your belongings: Large crowds attract pickpockets. Use a money belt, leave valuables at your hotel, and carry only what you need.
Stay hydrated: Most festivals involve extended time on your feet, often in heat. Carry water.
Respect the culture: Many festivals have deep spiritual or cultural significance. Participate with awareness and sensitivity.
Build in buffer days: Arriving a day or two before the festival lets you settle in, scout locations, and avoid the arrival rush.

TripGenie can help you build a trip around any festival on this list. Our AI factors in local accommodation availability, travel logistics, and the surrounding attractions that make a festival trip more than just a single event — it becomes a full destination experience.

25 Best Festivals Around the World to Experience in 2026