Gion Matsuri
Date: Jul 1-29
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Held annually in Kyoto, Gion Matsura is the city’s largest festival, featuring large parades where locals, dressed up in traditional outfits from the 9th century, parade through the town. Legend has it the festival started in the year 869 when an epidemic led people to hold festive ceremonies in the streets to appease the gods. Though the festival lasts the whole month of July, the biggest highlights are the Yamaboko Parades on Jul 17 and 24 when thousands of people take to the streets playing traditional music and carrying offerings for the gods. Here, you’ll find many girls in traditional kimonos, as well as all sorts of traditional Japanese food and desserts to enjoy. Details at www.yokosojapan.org.
Fuji Rock Festival
Date: Jul 25-27
Location: Naebi Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan
Held annually since 1997 at the Naebi Ski Resort and set amid the beautiful mountains, the Fuji Rock Festival has a reputation for attracting the world’s biggest rock bands, like Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Radiohead. This year’s lineup has a long list of quality acts, including Franz Ferdinand, The Arcade Fire, Jack Johnson, Damon Albarn and The Flaming Lips. For the full lineup, visit fujirock-eng.com/lineup. Tickets are ¥44,000 ($538.94) for a three-day pass and ¥18,300 ($224.15) for a one-day ticket.
Pohang International Fireworks Festival
Date: Jul 31-Aug 3
Location: Hyeongsangang Sports Park, Yeongildae northern beach and other locations in Pohang, South Korea
South Korea’s coastal town of Pohang hosts this annual festival focused on a fireworks display contest between competing teams from across the globe. On top of the spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnic displays, you can enjoy entertainment like street performances at eight stages on Yeongildae Beach Road, parades, light art exhibitions and music and fire shows. Details at www.visitkorea.or.kr.
Melbourne International Film Festival
Date: Jul 31-Aug 17
Location: Art Centre Melbourne, Australia
One of the largest and oldest film festivals in Australia, MIFF showcases more than 400 films from local and international directors. Named First Glance 2014, this year’s event presents a wide range of narrative features from the Australian Listen Up Phillip to Swedish-Danish drama We Are The Best, as well as a variety of documentaries and award-winning short films. Tickets and the full program will be available on Jul 11. The opening night gala will take place at Art Centre Melbourne on Jul 31 from 6:30pm. Tickets are AUD150 ($175.51) per person, which includes films and party.
George Town Festival
Date: Aug 1-31
Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
One of the biggest annual cultural events in Malaysia, the festival is now in its fourth year and continues to go from strength to strength. The month-long event will have a theme of living culture of the city and feature a variety of theater, music, dance, film, arts, food, fashion and photography events spread all over the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its avant-garde leanings, you can expect to catch concerts in shophouses and art exhibitions in beautiful colonial mansions. Find more information at georgetownfestival.com.
AIA Real Life: NOW Festival
Date: Aug 15-16
Location: Jamsil Sports Complex Main Stadium, Seoul, South Korea
A not-to-be-missed event for K-pop fans, this two-day music festival will showcase popular artists such as PSY, Bigbang, 2NE1 and Winner. This year’s highlights, though, have to be Lady Gaga, who will take to the stage on Aug 16, and Korea’s YG Family, on Aug 15. Tickets are about $153 upwards for a day pass. You can book tickets at www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert.
Summer Sonic
Date: Aug 16-17
Location: Tokyo and Osaka
Despite the cancellation of Bangkok’s Sonic Bang, there is still a chance to catch some big name acts by heading over to Japan for this major music festival. This year the event will be held at two locations—Tokyo and Osaka—and will feature over 40 bands. The lineup includes popular artists like Arctic Monkeys, Kraftwerk, Pixies, Phoenix and Little Dragon, many of whom will perform at both locations on different days. Details at www.summersonic.com.
Good Vibes Festival
Date: Aug 23
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Catch world-class performers like Ellie Goulding, Empire of the Sun, Banks and even our own Electrico at the inaugural Good Vibes Festival, which will be held at the popular Sepang Go Kart Circuit. Tickets start from RM138 ($53.88). Hurry, as Phase 1 tickets have already been sold out! More information at www.goodvibesfestival.com.
