Best International Festivals 2024: 12-Month Guide
Experience the action and vibrant colours of India’s Holi Festival. Image source: iStock.
If you’re eager to travel more as part of your 2024 New Year’s resolutions, whip out your calendar and jot down these dates. With this 12-month guide to our favourite international festivals in 2024, you can scratch that travel itch one event at a time, while indulging in a trail of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will ensure unforgettable memories.
January & February
Lunar New Year
Where: Hong Kong, China
When: 10 February in 2024. Dates range annually from late January to mid February.
How to get there: Cathay Pacific
First up is Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year, where preparations for the festivities start up to a week before the New Year and focus on family and fortune. The celebrations start with offering the first incense stick at the Wong Tai Sin Temple and officially last for three days, although they can continue for up to two weeks. The much-anticipated Lantern Festival, also called Chinese Valentine’s Day, features lantern displays, riddle games and sharing glutinous rice balls with family—a practice that symbolises unity. Don’t miss the annual lantern exhibition at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
At this time of year the weather is cool and crisp, also making it ideal for exploring Hong Kong’s many hiking trails.
Chinese New Year / Spring Festival
Where: Multiple cities, including Beijing and Chengdu
When: 10-24 February in 2024. Dates range annually from late January to late February.
How to get there: Cathay Pacific
The Chinese New Year experience is another unforgettable event. When the clock strikes midnight to mark the start of the Spring Festival, the sky is ablaze with fireworks, believed to scare away evil while welcoming the new year. Witness bold and colourful lion and dragon dances accompanied by drums, cymbals and gongs. Indulge in seafood at the numerous Cantonese restaurants, believed to attract good luck, prosperity, happiness and abundance for the coming year. New Year is also celebrated by locals and Chinese communities abroad, with destinations such as Mauritius and Malaysia officially commemorating the Spring Festival in line with Chinese tradition and customs.
Glowing lanterns adorn Beijing’s streets during Chinese New Year. Image source: Adobe Stock.
March
Melbourne Grand Prix
Where: Melbourne, Australia
When: 21-24 March 2024
How to get there: Virgin Australia
Rev up the excitement at the Melbourne Grand Prix! Kids will love the off-track festivities, such as the Melbourne Walk and pre-race driver entrance where they can see their favourite Formula 1 drivers up close and even get autographs or a selfie. There’s also live music featuring Birds of Tokyo, Hayden James and the Jungle Giants, amongst others. Soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a wide variety of food.
Holi Festival
Where: India
When: 25 March 2024
How to get there: Singapore Airlines or Emirates
India's Festival of Colours is a two-day extravaganza best experienced in Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur and Hampi. A vivacious colour fight, dancing and loads of laughter mark this lively and chaotic celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Exchange coloured powders and water balloons, and savour Holi snacks like papri chaat and thandai, a refreshing beverage of milk, nuts, seeds and spices.
Witness Japan’s spectacular flowering cherry trees in spring. Image source: Adobe Stock.
April
Cherry Blossom Festival
Where: Japan
When: April 2024
How to get there: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Discover the beauty of Hanami, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan. Rooted in a century of tradition, it’s now celebrated by families and friends enjoying homemade meals and barbecues beneath the blooming trees. Don’t be surprised by the early morning rush to get the best picnic spots—it’s a common practice by eager observers across the country! Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the go-to cities for first-time visitors celebrating Hanami, as they’re conveniently connected by the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed railway.
May
BaliSpirit Festival
Where: Ubud, Bali
When: 1-5 May 2024
How to get there: Indonesia AirAsia, Jetstar or Citilink Indonesia
BaliSpirit Festival weaves together spirituality, community and nature. With thousands of global attendees each year, the event takes place in the picturesque rice fields of Ubud. Engage in yoga, dance, healing and music that reflects the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana at interactive workshops and seminars, with a community market and healing centre. Its fun-filled children’s activity zone makes BaliSpirit one of the best family-friendly festivals in Indonesia. Early Bird Passes are already available online.
Experience the tranquility of Ubud during the BaliSpirit festival. Image source: iStock.
June
VinòForum
Where: Rome, Italy
When: 17-23 June 2024
How to get there: Qantas, Qatar Airways or Emirates
Celebrate the art of wine in historic Rome at the VinòForum, an unmissable festival for wine lovers. Every June, attendees are presented with a staggering selection of over 2,500 wines from 500 producers. Pair your favourite wines with gourmet dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs at the pop-up restaurants. While you’re there, why not improve your knowledge of wine? Sign up for a master class or go on a guided tasting.
July
2024 Wimbledon Championship
Where: Wimbledon, England
When: 1–14 July 2024
How to get there: Qantas (direct), Qatar Airways or Emirates
Gear up for an unforgettable summer at Wimbledon 2024, where the tennis action kicks off on July 1st. Tour the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum between matches for a hands-on understanding of the sport's heritage, from Victorian-era fashion to iconic trophies.
Beyond the courts, enjoy the local scene’s activities like the Wimbledon Saturday Farmer’s Market, Windmill Museum and Wimbledon Village Stables, or treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea at Elys. You can also sign up for a cooking class at the famed Hashi Kitchen near the Wimbledon Park tube station.
Experience the thrill of courtside action at the Wimbledon tennis Championship, London. Image source: iStock
August
Winter Pride
Where: Queenstown, New Zealand
When: 22 August–1 September 2024
How to get there: Air New Zealand or Batik Air
Pencil the largest winter pride festival in the southern hemisphere into your calendar and celebrate love, community, diversity and inclusion. For 11 days, Queenstown comes alive with events featuring the best Australasian DJs, dance parties, skiing, snowboarding and mountain walks.
There's something for everyone, from on-mountain adventures to creative shows and community initiatives supporting local youth and charities. Winter Pride isn't just an event—it symbolises unity, acceptance and love.
September
Singapore Grand Prix 2024
Where: Singapore
When: 20–22 September 2024
How to get there: Singapore Airlines or Scoot
Feel the adrenaline rush of the Singapore Grand Prix. Unfolding on the popular Marina Bay Street Circuit, this hair-raising experience is rooted in speed and loads of entertainment. Experience mouth-watering Asian flavours from satays to curries from its food stalls.
The ambience is similar to a music festival with stages featuring performers from around the globe, including illusionists, theatre and circus-cabaret acts. Head to the Padang Stage for the ultimate concert experience, ending the weekend with a bang.
Feel the energy of the colourful parades at the Philippines’ MassKara Festival. Image source: Adobe Stock
October
MassKara Festival
Where: Bacolod, Philippines
When: 27 October 2024
How to get there: Philippine Airlines
Prepare for the biggest street fiesta in Bacolod, Philippines—the MassKara Festival. For over 40 years, this annual celebration has been the go-to event for locals and out-of-towners. Forget about your usual weekend plans–this festival is about letting loose, enjoying good company and getting lost in the energetic atmosphere of Bacolod's streets.
The main highlight? A dazzling dance competition where bright, elaborate costumes and smiling masks steal the show. Electric MassKara starts at sundown and soon turns into a grand street party, featuring LED-lit dancers, bands and floats.
November
Qatar International Art Festival 2024
Where: Doha, Qatar
When: November 2024
How to get there: Qatar Airways
Whether you’ve got a taste for fine art or are simply creative at heart, Doha in November is the place to be. The annual Qatar International Art Festival celebrates global contemporary art, welcoming artists, curators and enthusiasts from around the world.
Painting, sculpture, photography, performance art and new media showcasing artistic expression from more than 60 countries are featured. Attend a workshop or lecture while rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of various art disciplines.
December
Christmas at Kew
Where: London, England
When: December 2024–January 2025
How to get there: Qantas, Emirates or Qatar Airways
Wrap up the year at one of the most anticipated festivals in London that 2024 has in store for you. Christmas at Kew Gardens is nothing short of magical. Wander through the 121-hectare botanic wonderland with endless light displays. The three-kilometre-long walk includes kaleidoscopic projections on glass houses, shimmering light tunnels and the glow of trees decorated in jewel-like hues. Beat the cold with sweet treats, hot chocolate or spiced winter warmers, and don't miss the chance to meet Father Christmas in the enchanting grotto. Tickets sell like hotcakes, so grab yours ASAP!
Make new memories and fly from Perth Airport. Image source: Perth Airport
Perth Airport: Your gateway to the best events around the world
Collect unique experiences, celebrate like you’ve never done before and create memories in a new city, country or continent. Take advantage of our affordable airport parking and award-winning Aspire Lounge, plus duty-free shopping and nifty international travel hacks for an easy-breezy trip, every time. What are you waiting for? Grab your calendar, choose your favourites from our guide and book your flights today!
All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.