On the way to 6 festivals in Europe (and Australia)
The festival season is approaching. Some are looking for the best musical lineup, others for a real-life paradise, and yet others simply want to experience a new cultural adventure. But no matter what you’re looking for, two things are certain. First: to attend a festival, you’ll need to travel. Second: you’ll undoubtedly make new friends. What are you waiting for? Below, you’ll find our selection of the most unique festivals. Pack your bags and hit the road!
Vivid
Date: May 22 to June 8
Where: Sydney, Australia
Why go? Vivid combines light shows, talks, and music. Expect kaleidoscopic visuals and shadow displays projected onto famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House – for free! This year’s musical acts include Morrissey, The Bad Plus, and Pharaoh Sanders. The talks, listed as ‘ideas,’ focus on technological and creative innovations in the style of TED Talks. Events are held across various locations, giving you a chance to explore much of Sydney while you attend.
More info: www.vividsydney.com
The nearest rental office is at Sydney Airport, Terminal Buildings, 2020, Australia
Margret River Gourmet Village
Date: November 20 to 22
Where: Margret River, Australia
Why go? Despite being only in its fourth edition, Gourmet Village has become a key date for food lovers. Nowhere else will you find forests, vineyards, and beaches so close together. Enjoy fresh local produce, world-class wines, beach barbecues, and surfing. Last year featured talents like Adriano Zumbo, Heston Blumenthal, and Claude Bosi, who shared their secrets in audience Q&A sessions. Bring cash, as the area is remote, and come hungry because this is a non-stop feast!
More info: www.gourmetescape.com.au
Rent your car at Perth Airport, T1/T2 Arrival – Go to International, Perth, 6104, Australia
Bestival
Date: September 10 to 13
Where: Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England
Why go? Bestival holds a special place in the British festival calendar, surprising attendees every year. Music is the heart of the event, but the dress code for its 50,000 visitors is “dress up!” Families will find a wonderland of adventures for kids. You’ll need to take a ferry from England, so the best way to travel is by car.
More info: www.bestival.net
Rent a car at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Northern Perimeter Road West, Hounslow, London TW6 2QD, England
Avignon Festival
Date: July 4 to 25
Where: Avignon, France
Why go? Love theater? Then you’ll enjoy Avignon’s complete transformation into a giant stage. This festival is the pinnacle of contemporary performing arts. True to French tradition, expect provocative and thought-provoking pieces. In addition to the official venues such as theaters, churches, auditoriums, and the Pope’s Palace, performances take place on the streets. Beyond theater, there are also dance, mime, music, and other art forms to enjoy.
More info: www.festival-avignon.com
Rent your car at the train station: Gare TGV, Place de l’Europe, 84000 Avignon, France
Donauinselfest
Date: June 26 to 28
Where: Danube Island, Vienna, Austria
Why go? This is the world’s largest festival! Millions of partygoers gather each year for the planet’s biggest celebration on a 6.5 km-long island. The lineup features numerous Austrian and international artists. While there are rules in place to maintain order, issues are rare as everyone comes to have fun and enjoy the free performances.
More info: https://2015.donauinselfest.at
The nearest rental office is at Vienna Main Railway Station, Am Hauptbahnhof 1 EG 154, 1100 Vienna, Austria
Macerata Opera Festival
Date: July 17 to August 19
Where: Macerata, Italy
Why go? Watching an opera under the open sky in the legendary Sferisterio Arena is a unique experience. Each edition revolves around a central theme, and this year, the festival paints a portrait of Italian culture. Choose from four operas: Rigoletto, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, all with orchestral accompaniment and stellar acting. Cross “attend an opera in an open-air arena” off your bucket list.
More info: https://www.sferisterio.it/macerata-opera-festival-2015/?lang=en
Rent a car at Via Roma, 259/A, 62100 Macerata, Italy
