21 Must-Attend Festivals Around the World to Hit in 2018
You resolved you would be a better planner in 2018, right? Well, don’t be left at home scrolling your friends’ Instagrams all year round — here, we rounded up some of the best festivals worth traveling to this year. Sip some bourbon, soak up the sun while listening to your favorite bands, or simply sit in cool theaters to get your culture fix.
JANUARY
Sundance Film Festival
Stars are born, careers are made and plenty of snow is trudged. Park City, Utah’s annual festival is a pilgrimage of sorts for LA entertainment fiends who can’t miss out on the undiscovered gems —inevitably, a new ingenue is crowned and buzzy films keep their heat all year. Premiering 16 new narrative films this year, it’s a must for cinephiles who throw a killer annual Oscar party. This event take place: January 18-28.
FEBRUARY
Mardi Gras
If you haven’t had a king cake, you haven’t truly lived. Fix that at New Orleans’ party of the year —just don’t forget to wear purple, green, or gold. A version of Mardi Gras (minus the parades) has been celebrated in NOLA since 1718. Come for the whole weekend to get an eyeful of outrageous sights and if you overindulge, not to worry: Fat Tuesday is a legal holiday in Louisiana, so you’ve got all day to recover. This event begins: February 13.
New York Fashion Week
Let the influencers descend. NYFW gets bigger and more impressive every year and this year the Manhattan event is combining both the men’s and women’s shows into one long extravaganza. Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Narciso Rodriguez, Bottega Veneta and more are on tap. Anyone who expects the week to be a walk in the park is usually surprised; it’s actually a breakneck pace navigating catwalks and presentations — and who can forget the parties? This event takes place: February 5 - 14.
MARCH
New Orleans Bourbon Festival
If you’ve never mixed up rye or bourbon in your life, this weekend festival in Louisiana devoted to the brown stuff might be your bag. Now in its second year, the event will host pairing dinners, plenty of tastings and is highlighting master distillers with long family lineages and women in the bourbon world. So there you go. Where else can you get an education while double-fisting? This event takes place: March 8 - 10.
South by Southwest
Welcome to a Texas smorgasbord that has a little something for everyone. Sitting at the crux of the interactive, film and music worlds, SXSW has “tracks” for people interested in everything from entertainment influencers to social impact to VR/AR. There’s a film festival and a music festival going on at the same time, plus, Melinda Gates, Darren Aronofsky, Ta-Nehisi Coates and Barry Jenkins are among the keynote speakers. Get yourself to Austin. This event takes place: March 9 - 18.
APRIL
Coachella
The Weeknd and Kygo. Beyoncé and Haim. Eminem and Cardi B. Need I say more? Maybe I shouldn’t — one of the year’s most anticipated and biggest music festivals (or biggest scenes, depending on who you ask) is already sold out. Don’t fret. There’s plenty of time before the Indio, California weekend to jump on the resale game. This event takes place: April 13 - 15 and April 20 - 22.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Once a year, authors pry themselves from their desks, leave their studies and get blinded by natural sunlight at the huge annual get-together for the literary world. The USC campus plays host to the free event — last year 150,000 people attended — featuring hundreds of conversations with bestselling writers and speakers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Prepare to leave with at least one new tote bag. This festival takes place: April 21 - 22.
MAY
Frieze New York
Master your serious “this is my looking at art” expression at this yearly event of Modern and contemporary artwork that takes over New York’s Randall’s Island. Panel discussions, lectures and site-specific installations make it an immersive and transportive event and the city’s nearby museums get in on the action, too. This event takes place: May 3 - 6.
Cannes Film Festival
Break out your tux and climb the iconic red stairs for the film world’s most glamorous gathering on the French Riviera. Winning a Palme d’Or can make a career, but seeing a Palme d’Or film can be just as exciting. Right? Cate Blanchett was just announced as this year’s Jury President, so you know the line-up’s guaranteed to be good. This event will take place: May 8 - 19.
Hay Festival of Literature and Arts
Every year, the tiny town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales turns into the literati’s dream. Writers, artists, academics, thinkers and performers gather for talks and discussions ranging from philosophy to climate change. Can’t make it? Hay Festivals have also expanded to Cartagena, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Denmark. This event takes place: May 24 - June 3.
JUNE
Governors Ball Music Festival
Jack White, Travis Scott, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Eminem (hey, that guy gets around!) are headlining this year’s summer fling that somehow feels more epic than other musical festivals — maybe because you have to take a ferry to get there? There’s also installations by street artists, mini golf and more outdoor activities and some of New York City’s best restaurants and food trucks so you won’t get hangry. This event takes place: June 1 - 3.
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Trek to Manchester, Tennessee and you’ll find The Killers, Muse and Bon Iver among the dozens of acts featured at this feel-good festival that urges visitors to “Radiate Positivity.” But the biggest decision won’t be who to sing along to, but where you’re going to sleep. Car camping and glamping are big, but of course there are nearby hotels for those who require finer amenities. This event takes place: June 7 - 10.
JULY
Taste of Chicago
Founded in 1980, the Windy City’s popular outdoor food festival is also the country’s largest. Can’t you imagine sitting on the lakefront at Grant Park, stuffing your face with lobster rolls while listening to a concert or watching a local dance company? Summer, please get here soon. This event takes place: July 11 - 15.
San Diego Comic-Con International
First, the bad news. Comic-Con 2018 is already sold out. Now, good news: You have six months to wrangle tickets from your best friend’s sister’s ex-boyfriend, or whoever else you can call in a favor from. Don’t be mistaken by the name. Even though comics and autograph signings play a huge role, this has turned into more of a pop culture convention, with people swarming to see trailer and teaser debuts (last year’s big ones were Stranger Things Season Two and Avengers: Infinity War). Don’t forget to pack your costume. This event takes place: July 19 - 22.
AUGUST
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scotland’s capital transforms every year into a theater geek’s dreamland, with three weeks of thousands (literally thousands) of shows performed in over 300 venues. There’s traditional theater, but also comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. The sky’s the limit for culture vultures. This events take place: August 3 - 27.
SEPTEMBER
Burning Man
It may be a stretch to call this a traditional festival — nearly everything about Burning Man is unlike anything else. But if heading to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is on your bucket list, by all means, go forth. Dedicated to “community, art, self-expression and self-reliance,” Burners create their temporary metropolis by bringing everything they need and leaving nothing behind. This event takes place: August 26 - September 3.
Feast Portland
Over 16,000 people flocked to the Pacific Northwest last year to get a taste (or more) of this food and drink festival. Last year’s event featured hands-on classes, a dinner series, a Sandwich Invitational, backyard cookout and something called a Brunch Village. Heaven is real. This event takes place: September 13 - 16.
OCTOBER
Oktoberfest
The clock can’t turn on October without acknowledging Oktoberfest. Over 6.2 million people showed up in Munich to drink 7.5 million liters of beer last year. Not too shabby. Sure, the German tradition can be celebrated elsewhere, but you might as well drink your Bavarian beer in its natural habitat. This event takes place: September 22 - October 7.
Austin Film Festival & Conference
Screenwriters, playwrights and podcasters will appreciate this writers’ conference, which features competitive film and screenplay competitions, conferences about issues in the industry, roundtable discussions and, for brave souls, pitch sessions. When you’re done learning and mingling, there’s also an eight-day film festival. This event takes place: October 25 - November 1.
NOVEMBER
The country’s largest documentary film festival got its start in 2010, but has become a force of nature year by year, with 300-plus films and events screening last year in New York City. Those who like to stay ahead of the curve should also know that since the fest’s beginning, it’s screened every documentary Oscar winner. This event takes place: November 8 - 15.
DECEMBER
Curators, critics and artists keep this one marked on their calendar every year — it’s a full week of buying, selling and ogling. Included in the mix are Design Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach, showing artwork from over 200 of the best galleries in the world. Plus, even if you’re an art world neophyte, there are worse fates than hanging out in Miami in December. This event takes place: December 4 - 9.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.