Top Events to Experience Around the World in August

Are you searching for trip inspiration for August? Combining your visit with a unique cultural or natural event can make your travel experience unforgettable. August is a month brimming with vibrant festivals, breathtaking natural phenomena, and captivating artistic showcases. Whether you’re drawn to the colorful blooms of Colombia, the spiritual lanterns of Japan, the dramatic wildlife migrations in Kenya, the artistic celebrations in Canada, or the winter festivities in New Zealand, there is an event for every type of traveler.

Attending these events allows you to immerse yourself in local cultures, witness extraordinary spectacles, and create lasting memories. Here are some recommended events by our travel specialists that you shouldn’t miss this August. Each event offers a unique experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing, providing an enriching journey that combines excitement, tradition, and natural beauty.

Flower Festival, Medellín, Colombia

The Flower Festival in Medellín is the city’s most significant annual event, attracting visitors globally for a ten-day celebration filled with color and floral beauty. The festival transforms Medellín into a vibrant hub of parades, classic car rallies, live music performances, markets, and fireworks displays, all set against the backdrop of thousands of flowers. This event, held in early August, highlights the rich cultural heritage and horticultural prowess of the region. Visitors can explore the Santa Elena Flower Farm and witness the intricate flower arrangements known as “silletas,” crafted by local farmers. The Flower Festival is not just a visual feast but also a cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both beauty and tradition.

Obon Festival, Japan

Japan’s Obon Festival, celebrated in August, is a time to honor and commemorate the spirits of ancestors. Known as the “festival of lanterns,” Obon features the enchanting custom of sending paper lanterns floating down rivers to symbolize the souls of the departed returning peacefully to their graves. This spiritual event includes Bon dances performed at various temples, showcasing traditional Japanese music and dance. The atmosphere during Obon is both festive and reflective, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, the Obon Festival provides a meaningful and picturesque experience for travelers.

The Great Migration Crossing the Mara River, Kenya

Witnessing the Great Migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that draws nature enthusiasts to Kenya every year. By August, the wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, numbering around 1.5 million, reach the Mara River, where they must cross treacherous waters filled with waiting crocodiles. This dramatic event is part of their 2,897 km (1,800 miles) journey from the Serengeti to the Kenyan Masai Mara in search of fertile grazing lands. The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet, offering an unparalleled opportunity to see nature in its raw, unfiltered form. Safaris in the Masai Mara during this time provide front-row seats to the action, making it an unforgettable adventure for wildlife lovers.

Banff Summer Arts Festival, Canada

Each August, the picturesque town of Banff in Canada hosts the Banff Summer Arts Festival, a celebration of global artistic talent set against the stunning backdrop of Banff National Park. This festival features a diverse array of performances and exhibitions, including jazz, orchestra, and chamber music concerts, opera, contemporary and classical dance, visual arts, literary readings, and mountain films. The festival’s eclectic mix ensures there is something for everyone, whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual observer. The breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains enhances the cultural experience, making Banff a perfect destination for combining natural beauty with artistic excellence.