There are plenty of festivals held across the globe each year and with the Abu Dhabi Festival having just kicked off in the capital, we’ve put together a list of some of the coolest to add to the bucket list.
1. Abu Dhabi Festival
Where Abu Dhabi, UAE
When Until April 30
About One of the UAE’s leading celebrations of arts and culture, the festival continues to attract the highest calibre of artists to Emirates Palace every year.
Details www.abudhabifestival.ae
2. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Where California, United States
When April 15 to 24
About The first major music event on the world festival calendar. It's California's answer to Glastonbury and features this year Florence and the Machine, David Guetta and Jack White.
Details www.coachella.com
3. National Cheese Festival
Where Trujillo, Spain
When April 29 to May 2
About Attracts more than 10,000 food fans to the historic main square of Trujillo for a cheese fest. Visitors can sample more than 500 flavours.
Details www.trujillovillasespana.com/fiestas-festivals
4. The Vienna Festival
Where Vienna, Austria
When May 13 to June 19
About Offers five weeks of dance, music, theatre and arts. Covers everything from the classics to avant-garde.
Details www.festwochen.at/en/
5. Cappadox
Where Cappadocia, Turkey
When May 19 to 22
About Held in Cappadocia in Central Anatolia, the three-day event offers music, art, dining events and outdoor activities.
Details www.cappadox.com
6. Vivid Sydney Festival
Where Sydney, Australia
When May 27 to June 18
About The largest event of its kind in the world combining light, music and ideas. The programme features large-scale light installations and projections; music performances and collaborations; and creative ideas, discussion and debate.
Details www.vividsydney.com
7. Parklife
Where Manchester, United Kingdom
When June 11 and 12
About A music festival that was originally the end-of-exam party for students. Highlights include The Chemical Brothers and local DJs.
Details www.parklife.uk.com
8. Art Basel
Where Basel, Switzerland
When June 16 to 19
About See some of the best contemporary artists in the world. More than 2,500 artists are represented.
Details www.artbasel.com
9. Durban International Film Festival
Where Durban, South Africa
When June 16 to 26
About A 10-day celebration of world-class cinema, which screens new feature, documentary and short films from around the globe with a special focus on African film.
Details www.durbanfilmfest.co.za
10. Glastonbury Festival
Where Somerset, United Kingdom
When June 22 to 26
About The world's biggest music festival this year features Adele, Coldplay, Muse and Ellie Goulding, among others.
Details www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
11. Larmer Tree Festival
Where Dorset, United Kingdom
When July 13 to 17
About A vibrant woodland festival set in the historic Larmer Tree pleasure gardens. This year, Jamie Cullum will headline the event, which includes stand-up comedy, jam sessions, craft workshops and relaxation therapies.
Details www.larmertreefestival.co.uk
12. Lollapalooza
Where Chicago, United States
When July 28 to 31
About A famed music fest that's held in Grant Park. Features acts such as Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ellie Goulding and Lana Del Rey.
Details www.lollapalooza.com
13. Sziget Festival
Where Budapest, Hungary
When August 10 to 17
About One of the world's most iconic music festivals, featuring everything from EDM to hard rock and artists including Rihanna, Sia and Noel Gallagher.
Details www.szigetfestival.com
14. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Where Bristol, United Kingdom
When August 11 to 14
About Europe's largest ballooning event. More than 150 balloons take off from Ashton Court Estate at dawn and linger in the air until evening, when they illuminate the skies.
Details www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
15. La Tomatina
Where Buñol, Spain
When August 31
About A food-fight festival held each year in the town of Buñol near Valencia in Spain. More than 100 metric tonnes of overripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.
Details www.latomatina.info
16. Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival
Where Galway, Ireland
When September 22 to 25
About Marks the start of the oyster season. As well as shucking and tasting, there will be a parade and a gala ball.
Details www.galwayoysterfest.com
17. Austin City Limits Music Festival
Where Texas, United States
When September 30 to October 2 and October 7 to 9
About An annual three-day American music fest, with eight stages and plenty of madness ranging from Iggy Pop, Neil Young and Weezer to Alabama Shakes and Steve Earle.
Details www.aclfestival.com
18. Iceland Airwaves
Where Reykjavik, Iceland
When November 2 to 6
About An eclectic mix of musical acts, including P J Harvey and Julia Holter, playing in intimate venues across Reykjavik, including the famous Blue Lagoon.
Details www.icelandairwaves.is
19. Dubai International Film Festival
Where Dubai, UAE
When December 7 to December 14
About The festival will see thousands of cinema-goers, actors, directors, producers, writers and industry experts descend on Dubai to enjoy the world's best films in one of the world's premier locations.
Details www.dubaifilmfest.com
20. Woodford Folk Festival
Where Queensland, Australia
When December 27 to January 1, 2017
About More than 2,000 performers and 438 events are programmed featuring local, national and international guests. Appeals to a diverse audience.
Details www.woodfordfolkfestival.com
