One of the best parts about summer is the longer daylight hours, which means getting to spend more fun in the sun. It’s no wonder this is the season of festivals – from arts and music to food and wellness, there’s something for every taste and inclination. If you’re planning a trip to any of these cities this summer, be sure to make a stop at these hot summer festivals.
Asia
The Brewnanza Fest by Brewlander, Singapore
In a nutshell: Touting itself as Singapore’s largest craft beer festival, the inaugural edition of Brewnanza is brought to you by local craft brewery, Brewlander. Round up your beer-loving pals and head down for four days of heady brews, delicious grub, energetic live music and a whole lot of fun.
Don’t miss: An extensive selection of over 100 unique beers from local and international craft breweries, with many labels making their appearance for the first time in the Little Red Dot, alongside new brews crafted specially for the festival. There will also be a mouthwatering selection of food from restaurants such as The Kongsee, Shake Shack and Jaguarita’s, as well as live performances and masterclasses.
Dates: 3 to 6 August 2023
Good Vibes Festival, Sepang, Malaysia
In a nutshell: What to do with a world-class racing track in the off-season? Throw an outdoor music festival, of course. Good Vibes Festival, held annually at the Sepang International Circuit, about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by going all out for three days, for the first time ever.
Don’t miss: British pop rock band The 1975 headline day one, which is when you can also catch Malaysian rapper Aliff Aolani aka Airliftz, and American singer Sabrina Carpenter. Australian teen rap sensation The Kid Laroi banners the second day of the festival, and day three finishes strong with The Strokes and R&B artist Giveon.
Don’t miss: 21 to 23 July 2023
Fuji Rock Festival, Niigata, Japan
In a nutshell: One of Japan’s biggest music festivals, it debuted in 1997 at the base of Mount Fuji (hence the name) with an absolutely legendary lineup that included Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day and Beck on the main stage, along with scores of local and international acts. Since 1999, this annual rockfest has been held at the Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa-cho, Niigata Prefecture, along Honshu’s western coast, approximately 90 minutes by bullet train from Tokyo.
Don’t miss: American rap phenomenon Lizzo! Other unmissable acts on the still-growing lineup include Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Slowdive. This year’s festival is also unveiling a new feature – for an additional fee, Fuji Rock Plus gives you fast-lane access to food and beverage stalls and shuttle rides, among other perks.
When: 28 to 30 July 2023
Summer Sonic, Chiba and Osaka, Japan
In a nutshell: The annual music festival founded in 2000 is held simultaneously in both Tokyo (Chiba) and Osaka. In Tokyo, the festival will unfold at the ZOZO Marine Stadium, home field of the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team (fun fact: Madonna’s iconic Blond Ambition Tour in 1990 christened this venue), as well as at the futuristic Makuhari Messe, one of the country’s largest convention centers. Both venues are within walking distance of the Kaihin-Makuhari train station. Meanwhile in Osaka, the fun takes place at Maishima SONIC Park (also known as Maishima Sports Island), just across the bridge from Universal Studios.
Don’t miss: This year’s kilometric lineup includes Blur, ex-One Direction member Niall Horan, Kendrick Lamar, Liam Gallagher and Japanese act Sumika. While most performers play both cities, some only do one venue. If you’re a fan of Kpop sensation NewJeans, or English rock duo Nova Twins, keep in mind you can only catch them at Chiba. Make sure to check the website for the updated lineup of acts in either venue.
When: 19 to 20 August 2023
North America
International Jazz Festival, Vancouver, Canada
In a nutshell: One of the city’s biggest summer celebrations, this festival draws thousands of the world’s best jazz, funk, Latin and fusion artists who will perform a multitude of concerts across venues city-wide. Featuring both free and ticketed events, proceeds from the festival benefit the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, which is committed to strengthening the local arts community.
Don’t miss: The headliners this year include Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer, and Shahzad Ismaily; the Bad Plus; Chris Botti with Michael Kaeshammer; and the William Chernoff Trio. Festival-goers are also invited to take part in the workshops with respected jazz artistes such as Sona Jobarteh, Farida Amadou, Zoh Amba and Pulitzer Prize-winning interdisciplinary artist Raven Chacon.
When: 23 June to 2 July 2023
Outside Lands, San Francisco, USA
In a nutshell: One of the Bay Area’s biggest annual bonanzas, Outside Lands rocks Golden Gate Park with dozens of bands, pop-up restaurants and other one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate San Francisco’s eclectic culture. Tickets range from the accessible general admission to the top-tier Golden Gate Club, which includes access to dedicated front-of-stage viewing areas, complimentary all-day food from Bay Area chefs and transportation in the Stage Golf Cart Fleet.
Don’t miss: This year, headlining acts include Lana del Rey, Megan Thee Stallion and Odeza. Beyond the main stage, get a taste of the Bay Area from 95 local restaurants, from chicken and waffles by Hard Knox Café to Cuban sandwiches by Media Noche. Don’t forget to imbibe at the Wine and Beer Lands and groove to non-stop house music at the SOMA tent.
When: 11 to 13 August 2023
Summer on the Hudson, New York City, USA
In a nutshell: The sunniest months draw people out to the streets for the action-packed Summer on the Hudson arts and culture festival. Enjoy summer-long free events at Riverside Park South and West Harlem Piers Park, including concerts, dance performances, outdoor movies and wellness activities.
Don’t miss: Special events such as a kite festival, West Side County Fair, forest bathing and silent discos. If you’re looking to practise some self-care, you’ll love the weekly tai chi and yoga sessions, not to mention Pilates in the Park and Movement meditation. There’s also abundant kid-centric programming as well, including puppet shows, comedy performances and children’s yoga sessions.
When: Ongoing till 30 September 2023
Europe
Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival, Denmark
In a nutshell: Denmark’s capital looms large on the bucket list of foodies everywhere, and this 10-day street party brings together the city’s finest restaurants and eateries, along with food producers and industry insiders. Explore the many flavours and faces of Nordic cuisine across long table dinners, communal parties, farmers’ markets, pop-up kitchens and street food showcases. Best of all, entrance to the main festival site of Torvehallerne is free!
Don’t miss: Stay peeled to their social channels for the official lineup. As a taster, last year’s featured long-table dinners by new-Nordic restaurants Bjørnekælderen, Anarki and Falsters Kyst; a coffee-tasting workshop, a riverside street-food festival, as well as a food-and-Jazz dinner.
When: 18 to 27 August 2023
Primavera Sound, Barcelona, Madrid and Porto, Spain
In a nutshell: Since launching in 2001, Barcelona’s Primavera Sound has become continental Europe’s standard bearer for live music festivals, always attracting the biggest names. Rap? Electronic? Indie? Throwback? You’ll find the biggest headliners in every genre. What’s more, the festival has expanded to encompass two more locations, Madrid and Porto. This festival isn’t located in a muddy out-of-town field, either, meaning you can rock out by the Med with the comfort of your central Barcelona hotel to return to each night.
Don’t miss: FKA twigs, Blur, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, New Order, Rosalía, Halsey, Skrillex, Måneskin, St. Vincent, The Moldy Peaches, Calvin Harris, Le Tigre… the hard part’s figuring out which you can miss.
When: 29 May to 4 June (Barcelona), 8 to 10 June (Madrid), 7 to 10 June (Porto) 2023
Community by Russell Brand, Wales, United Kingdom
In a nutshell: The celebrated comic, social commentator and wellness champion Russell Brand brings his three-day festival of good living and spirituality back to the riverside fields of rural Wales, about a four-hour drive from Manchester. Pitch up your own tent or book one of the full glamping experiences for three days of yoga, Brazilian jiu jitsu, musical performances, meditation, massage, canoe trips on the river and conversations on wellness.
Don’t miss: The ‘Iceman’ Wim Hof’s sessions on cold immersion therapy and how to endure it, physicist and activist Dr. Vandana Shiva’s conversations on the environment, as well as expert martial artist Ryron Gracie’s jiu jitsu workshops.
When: 14 to 17 July 2023
Istanbul Jazz Festival, Turkey
In a nutshell: The largest city in Turkey’s largest city will once again be opening its parks to top talents from the local and international jazz circuit for a series of free concerts under the Istanbul Jazz Festival’s “Jazz in the Park” series. This year’s events will take place at Işli Habitat Park as well as two of the largest green spaces in the city, the Beylikdüzü Valley of Life and Küçükçekmece Lakeside Amphitheatre.
Don’t miss: On 16 July, the Jazz Boat will raise anchor from Kabataş Pier for a host of live performances on the Bosphorus. In addition to the series of outdoor free events, concerts will be taking place at live music venues throughout the city, including headliners Morcheeba and The Lumineers.
When: 7 to 18 July 2023
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights to the abovementioned destinations, visit the official website.
