There are three long weekends in the next three months. Here are some great ideas on how to spend them, from rock festivals to cultural experiences to scenic marathons.
JULY
South Korea
Boryeong Mud Festival
Date: Jul 17-26
Location: Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, South Korea
This famous festival takes place on Daecheon Beach, on South Korea’s west coast, where the mud flats are popular for their skin benefits. At the festival, you will encounter mud-filled activities, like mud slides, mud boxing rings, mud wrestling, mud body painting and mud trampolines. There will also be concerts every night by both international and local artists.
Valley Rock Festival
Date: Jul 24-26
Location: Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park, Ansan, South Korea
Not far from Seoul, on Daebu Island, one of the best live music festivals in South Korea is held annually. This year, Ansan Valley Rock Festival showcases big-name international artists such as ex-Oasis member Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Deadmau5, Ride, Alexandros, Benjamin Booker and Kiha & The Faces. Ticket prices start at W120,000 (around $142). Early bird tickets are sold out, so hurry!
Japan
Gion Matsuri
Date: Jul 1-29
Location: Yasaka Shrine (also known as Gion Shrine), Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous festivals, dating back to the ninth century. It was held initially to appease the gods whose dissatisfaction was believed to cause conflict within the local community. This is a great chance to see massive traditional floats, witness theater performances and take candid photos of real geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). Wearing a yukata (a summer kimono) is highly recommended.
Fuji Rock Festival
Date: Jul 24-26
Location: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa-cho, Niigata, Japan
Featuring over 200 Japanese and international artists, Fuji Rock Festival is the largest outdoor music festival in Japan. This year’s lineup will be headlined by big names Foo Fighters (Fri, Jul 24), Muse (Sat, Jul 25) and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Sun, Jul 26). Also performing are Owl City, Deadmau5, Ride, Motorhead, The Vaccines and many more. Tickets to this event, which aims to be “the cleanest festival in the world,” start at Y16,800 (around $185).
Australia
Splendour in the Grass
Date: Jul 24-26
Location: North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, Australia
Australia’s largest winter music festival has had a rapidly growing turnout since its debut in 2001 thanks to its consistent lineup of international acts. This July will see Mark Ronson, Florence and the Machine and Blur headline the three-day festival, supported by the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Tame Impala and Azealia Banks. Very limited single-day tickets available through Jul 20.
Malaysia
Bloodrunner
Date: Jul 31
Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia
Billed as Malaysia’s first werewolf-themed urban fun run, this marathon takes over the city streets of Putrajaya, to the south of Kuala Lumpur. The chip-timed race will cover a 10km urban obstacle course, where participants (aged 18 years and up) and will be challenged to overcome various hurdles. Gates open at 7pm. Starting ticket price is RM118 (around $42).
Taiwan
Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Date: Through Aug 9
Location: Various spots in Taitung county, Taiwan
Founded in 2011, this festival gathers hot air balloons and pilots from around the world. The airborne activities are set against the spectacular landscape of Taitung county. At night, concerts and themed balloon shows will take place. Booking isn’t available as tickets can only be bought upon arrival at each location.
www.balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw
www.balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw
AUGUST
Myanmar
Taung Pyone Nat Festival
Date: Aug 25-30
Location: Matara, Mandalay, Myanmar
One of the largest Nat (spirit) festivals in Myanmar, this event takes place over five days at the shrine known as the “Pagoda of Wishes,” in the north of Mandalay. There will be offerings and traditional Nat dancing, in which visitors are welcome to partake.
Cambodia
The 2nd Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon
Date: Aug 9
Location: Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia
This race tracks a scenic route through the ancient Angkor Wat complex, complete with its numerous 12th-century temples. Proceeds will support disabled people and poor children in Cambodia. Volunteers for the event are also welcome.
South Korea
Busan International Magic Festival
Date: Aug 2-5
Location: Haeundae Beach, Busan, South Korea
The largest magic festival on the continent brings together over 100 magicians from around the globe in events including “magician lectures,” “magic dramas” and “night magic gala shows.”
Malaysia
Rainforest World Music Festival
Date: Aug 7-9
Location: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
This three-day festival in the heart of the Borneo jungle will gather artists from around the world such as Alaverdi (a Georgian folk ensemble) and Bargou 08 (a Tunisian band). Don’t forget to bring your own chairs and mats to enjoy the lush scenery.
Get tickets at www.gorillatix.asia
Japan
Summer Sonic
Date: Aug 15-16
Location: QVC Marine Field and Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, and Maishima Summer Sonic Osaka Site, Osaka, Japan
This yearly two-day music event takes place in both Tokyo and Osaka on alternate days. This year the festival celebrates its 15th birthday with a star-studded lineup featuring Pharrell Williams, Imagine Dragons, Kodaline and Ariana Grande, Zedd, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Marilyn Manson and The Chemical Brothers. Tickets are priced from Y15,500-30,000 ($171-331).
Australia
Brisbane Festival
Date: Sept 5-26
Location: Around Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Each year, this three-week festival showcases a wide range of performances, from circus acts and operas to photography exhibitions and art installations. The music lineup this year features some of Australia’s top talents, plus a tribute to father and son musicians Tim and Jeff Buckley.
Art & About Sydney
Date: Sep 18-Oct 11
Location: Around Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
This city-wide festival transforms Sydney’s streets, buildings and parks into galleries and theaters exhibiting photos, art installations and interactive performances.
SEPTEMBER
China
Pingyao International Photography Festival
Date: Sep 19-25
Location: Pingyao, Shanxi, China
This festival transforms the ancient UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site of Pingyao into one large photo gallery, showcasing the works of renowned Chinese and international photographers. This year, the festival comes under the theme of “Home and Dream.”
