August is on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean your summer of travel is over yet. There are plenty of festivities to enjoy throughout the month, from music festivals to Elvis tributes to the annual Air Guitar World Championships. Before summer’s over, check out these 10 sizzling August festivals.
Lollapalooza, Chicago, Illinois, United States, Aug. 1-3
Name recognition is everything for this heavy-hitting summer music festival in Chicago‘s Grant Park. This year’s Lollapalooza headliners include Eminem, Lorde, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys, Outkast and Foster the People, joining dozens of musicians spanning everything from rock to reggae.
Eat Drink SF, San Francisco, California, United States, Aug. 1-3
It’s simply a waste of a trip to head to San Francisco without diving mouth-first into the local dining scene. Luckily, it’ll be easier than ever to explore San Francisco’s impressive food and drink offerings thanks to Eat Drink SF, the city’s largest food and wine festival. Cooking classes, wine tastings and a Grand Tasting event showcasing more than 140 local restaurants will satisfy even the most critical of foodies.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 1-25
If you’re looking for something quirky and offbeat when it comes to art appreciation, look no further than the Scottish capital of Edinburgh during the month of August. For more than three weeks, the entire city transforms into a performance venue, and whether you prefer theater, dance, comedy or opera, you’re sure to find something to enjoy.
International Balloon Fiesta, Bristol, England, Aug. 7-10
While the U.S. has to wait until October’s Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta to enjoy the whimsical sights of the largest hot-air balloon fest in the world, Britain will host Europe’s largest hot-air balloon event this month. More than 100 balloons will take to the sky during this three-day festival.
Elvis Week, Memphis, Tennessee, United States, Aug. 8-17
The legend of The King of Rock and Roll lives on at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., and in August, you can pay tribute to Elvis Presley at his former residence during Elvis Week. The 10-day event includes a cappella tributes, impersonators and a candlelight vigil to memorialize the anniversary of The King’s passing on August 16.
The American Folk Festival, Bangor, Maine, United States, Aug. 22-24
The cultural roots of America and beyond are celebrated on the Bangor waterfront at the end of the month, when the American Folk Festival features international performers, food vendors and traditional crafts during a three-day celebration of culture.
Burning Man, Black Rock, Nevada, United States, Aug. 25 – Sept. 1
An experimental society builds itself up and disappears just as quickly during the annual Burning Man event in Nevada‘s Black Rock Desert at the end of August. Self-expression, self-reliance and a sense of community are key to surviving this week-long event.
Air Guitar World Championships, Oulu, Finland, Aug. 27-30
There is such a thing as the world’s best air guitarists, and at the end of August, you can catch them shredding through the air for the title of world champion at the Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu, Finland. Think you have what it takes to shred with the best of them? Well, you’re in luck: it’s not too late to enter. Applications are being accepted through August 14.
Art Deco Festival “Cruise,” Long Beach, California, United States, Aug. 28 – Sept. 1
Art Deco lives on at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, which hosts the largest Art Deco collection in the world. This year’s 10th annual Art Deco Festival “Cruise” will feature strolling art tours, a Gatsby-themed soiree and a one-night revival of the famed “Starlight Club.”
Telluride Film Festival, Telluride, Colorado, United States, Aug. 29
Experience the beauty of the Colorado mountains during summer while checking out the latest and greatest by today’s top filmmakers during the Telluride Film Festival, where the most diehard of film fans make the annual pilgrimage to discover the Telluride experience for themselves. Even though the program is kept secret until the actual festival, this is one event where you can trust the organizers have crafted an unforgettable cinematic journey for you to embark on.
What’s your favorite August festival? Tell us all about it in the comments!
(Main image: liliane callegari)
