English
May 2012
Burn Selector Fest is Smokin’ in Krakow
Samia El-Balawi
Krakow hosts one of Europe’s hottest music events, the Burn Selector Festival, this year taking place on 1 and 2 June. Dance and electronica feature..Read full story
Auckland Photography Fest Focuses on Local Talent
Amy Van De Casteele
The annual Auckland Festival of Photography is a cultural event with a difference. The festival takes place in June each year and encompasses the entire city,..Read full story
LA in No Shortage of Pride This June
Jody Houton
LA Pride – California’s biggest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival – will run between 8-10 June and is looking to be even..Read full story
The Cat Laughs Comedy Fest: Contagiously Funny
Samia El-Balawi
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival returns to Kilkenny from 31 May to 4 June for what will no doubt be another five days filled with fun and hilarity. Some of the..Read full story
Bournemouth Festival Mixes Sport & Drink
Michael DesPortes
Rugby, netball, live music and raucous partying is an odd but immediately appealing mix. The Bournemouth Sevens Festival understands that sports and..Read full story
Samui Regatta Parties on in Paradise
Tom Racette
The Samui Regatta is ready to welcome a massive influx of sailors for the 11th annual event, taking place from 28 May until 2 June, that is quickly attracting..Read full story
Rock Am Ring Festival Boasts Rock Star Alumni
Amy Van De Casteele
The Rock Am Ring festival is one of Germany’s biggest and longest running music festivals and has been attracting large crowds and stellar line-ups ever..Read full story
Hamburg Short Film Fest More than a Quickie
Samia El-Balawi
The Hamburg International Short Film Festival will present its 28th edition from 29 May for one week, bringing with it a selection of shorts from Germany as..Read full story.jpg "Thailand’s Expo on Diving Better & Smarter")
Thailand’s Expo on Diving Better & Smarter
Jody Houton
The dive industry in Thailand is one that has seen huge growth in recent years, helped in no small way by the popular Thailand Travel & Dive Expo, held..Read full story.jpg "St. Kilda Celebrates Small Films in Big Style")
St. Kilda Celebrates Small Films in Big Style
Jody Houton
The 29th St. Kilda Film Festival (SKFF) lands in Melbourne 22-27 May for a six-day bonanza of Australia’s 100 greatest short films of 2012. The..Read full story
Teaching and Testing Intl. Wine in London
Jody Houton
London’s eventful 2012 will be officially uncorked with the commencement of the London International Wine Fair (LIWF) from 22-24 May. The LIWF will..Read full story
Santa Cruz Blues Fest Celebrates ‘American Roots’
Amy Van De Casteele
This year the Santa Cruz Blues Festival reaches its twentieth birthday and to mark the occasion festival organisers have invited a number of talented artists..Read full story
Bath Music Fest Flooded with Talent
Samia El-Balawi
Since 1948, England’s most famous spa town has been hosting a musical event that has amassed a following like no other, the Bath International Music..Read full story
Soul Beach Music’s Hot Hip Hop Line-up
Samia El-Balawi
The Soul Beach Music Festival returns to Oranjestad on the island of Aruba from 23 to 28 May across the Memorial Day weekend with a line-up of musicians and..Read full story
Vancouver International Children’s Fest Tells Tales
Amy Van De Casteele
Of all the festivals in the world, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival is surely one of the most admirable and enjoyable. A fun-filled event..Read full story
French Open Cures Recent Clay Court Blues
Michael DesPortes
The clay-court tennis season is an exciting annual stretch of tournaments, culminating in the French Open, the second of four Grand Slam tournaments each year...Read full story
Lady Gaga: The Born This Way Ball in Bangkok
Samia El-Balawi
Lady Gaga will make her Bangkok debut on 25 May at the Rajamangala National Stadium during the Asian leg of her 'The Born This Way Ball' tour in what promises..Read full story
Rock in Rio 2012: Ruck Around the Clock
Amy Van De Casteele
Contrary to its title, the highly popular Rock in Rio festival will not actually be held in Rio this year, but in its two other patron cities, Lisbon and..Read full story
Chelsea Flower Show Coming Up Roses
Amy Van De Casteele
If you’re a keen gardener – or just an avid appreciator of natural beauty – then the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an event to mark off on the..Read full story
Comic Fans Gather for the Big Wow!
Jody Houton
The Big Wow! ComicFest is sure to bring reactions of joy and jubilation when it returns to San Jose on 19 – 20 May. Thousands of comic book enthusiasts,..Read full story
WOMAD Cáceres 2012: Fun in the Spanish Sun
Amy Van De Casteele
If you happen to be in Spain this May – or if you’re considering heading there for a pleasant spring break – it’s well worth directing..Read full story
Britain Redefines the Acoustic Festival
Jody Houton
Many of the big names of the unplugged and acoustic scene – and some uknown artists as well – return to The Acoustic Festival of Britain this 25-27..Read full story
Vilnius Salsa Festival Grooves Latino Style
Amy Van De Casteele
When you think of Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, in all likelihood you will not immediately associate it with the fiery artistry of Latin dance. But..Read full story
Singapore Arts Fest: Something For Everyone
Jody Houton
The Singapore Arts Festival, whose 2012 edition takes place 18 May – 2 June, has taken on a much more international slant in recent years, since starting..Read full story
NYPH’12: Photo Art in the Digital Age
Michael DesPortes
New York Photo Festival 2012 (NYPH’12) is not just a showcase of great photography, but a microscope on the current state of the medium as a profession..Read full story
Dublin Dance Festival Has All the Right Moves
Amy Van De Casteele
Ireland is well known for its love and affinity for dance. Globally successful shows such as ’Riverdance‘ and Michael Flatley’s ’Lord..Read full story
Prague Presents a World of Books
Jody Houton
The literary culture of beautiful Prague will to come to life with writers, authors, readers and ‘literary ideas’ from 17-20 May for the 18th..Read full story
The Sydney Writers’ Festival
Jody Houton
The Sydney Writers' Festival is Australia’s largest annual literature and ideas event that attracts over 80,000 visitors from all over the world. When..Read full story
Vienna’s Annual Cultural Extravaganza
Jody Houton
The Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) has taken huge strides to become a truly remarkable collection of artistic performances, orchestra concerts and chamber..Read full story
Cannes Film Festival’s Winning Formula
Michael DesPortes
The annual Cannes Film Festival has risen to the top while maintaining an impressive balance of style, prestige and quality in its proceedings. Its screenings..Read full story
Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film: Cartoon Innovation
Amy Van De Casteele
This May sees the 19th incarnation of the Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film, one of the world’s major celebrations of the animation genre. A massive..Read full story
Thessaloniki: Greece Extreme Sports Capital
Jody Houton
The second largest city in Greece will come alive this 12-13 May for the first ever Thessaloniki Extreme Sports Festival. Warehouse 8 at the Thessaloniki Port..Read full story
Prague Marathon: Both a Race and Tour
Jody Houton
The Volkswagen Prague Marathon is widely regarded as the most beautiful marathon in the world and it is easy to see why. The 42km course takes in many of the..Read full story
Erupt Lake Taupo Fest Ready to Blow
Samia El-Balawi
The town of Taupo in the centre of New Zealand’s north island is set on the shores of the country’s largest lake and is renowned for its natural..Read full story
2012 Open Championship As Open As Ever
Michael DesPortes
The world of golf is a wide open affair at the moment and this bodes well ahead of the 2012 Open Championship, or British Open to some. This may not be good..Read full story
Comic-Con International’s Incredible Agenda
Samia El-Balawi
Comic-Con International has come a long way since its inception back in 1970, each year adding to its long list of exhibitors, events and entertainment. This..Read full story
Tour de France: Ignoring the Scandals
Michael DesPortes
Cycling is still reeling from doping revelations and bans but shining through it all is the potential for the 2012 Tour de France to be a race to remember. If..Read full story
Tokyo Book Fair Stretches the Imagination
Samia El-Balawi
Reading expands the mind and stretches the imagination, allowing us to gain knowledge across a broad spectrum of subjects, or enter a world of fantasy through..Read full story
April 2012
Warsaw Book Fair Already at Top of its Game
Jody Houton
Although only in its third year, the Warsaw Book Fair, due to return from 10-13 May is set to continue in its tradition of being the premier event in Eastern Europe for authors, editors, publishers,..Read full story
World Travel Fair Endorses Carnival’s Return
Samia El-Balawi
Two of Asia’s most prestigious travel events will be held at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre between 10 and 13 May, the World Travel Fair and the World Tourism Carnival. The combination of these..Read full story
Bergenfest 2012 Rocks Norwegian Style
Amy Van De Casteele
If you’re a music lover then there is surely no better festival to take part in than Norway’s Bergenfest, a vibrant four-day celebration which encompasses a variety of musical genres,..Read full story
Bamboozle Festival 2012 Pumps up the Volume
Amy Van De Casteele
Every year in New Jersey, the organisers of the ’Bamboozle‘ festival put on a spectacular music event, showcasing both new bands on the scene and established artists as part of a three..Read full story
Key West Songwriter’s Anonymous Legends
Jody Houton
The brains that gave voices to the faces of some of the most recognisable pop stars in the world will be performing at The Key West Songwriter’s Festival from 2-6 May. The unique festival is in..Read full story
Saint Lucia Jazz Fest Defies the Odds
Michael DesPortes
Saint Lucia Jazz Festival turns 21 this year, all the more reason to celebrate the success of this incredible event. While other Caribbean festival endeavours have failed, Saint Lucia Jazz has gone..Read full story
Auckland Writers & Readers Fest: A Novel Event
Samia El-Balawi
Several major cities across the world host their own literary events and from 9 to 13 May the ‘City of Sails’ will present its edition – Auckland Writers & Readers Festival...Read full story
Dream Theater Comes to Thailand
Amy Van De Casteele
The iconic progressive metal band, Dream Theater, has amassed a faithful legion of fans during its twenty five years in existence. It’s hardly surprising really, when you consider their unique..Read full story
Suwannee River Jam: Classic ‘Country’
Amy Van De Casteele
This May heralds the return of a popular Southern music festival, the Suwannee River Jam, which takes place in the prettily named Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground, near Live Oak,..Read full story
Queen’s Day Promises a Royally Good Time
Amy Van De Casteele
Every year on April 30 the entire city of Amsterdam bedecks itself in brilliant shades of orange and streams out onto the streets to celebrate Queen’s Day, or Konninginnedag as it is known in..Read full story
Cheltenham Jazz Fest’s Sound Selection
Samia El-Balawi
In England, the month of May usually brings with it the first taste of summer, which means the start of the country’s many music fests. The grounds of Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens..Read full story
Red Rock Rally: Historic City, Modern Rock
Jody Houton
The Red Rock Rally at the Astridpark in Brugge, Belgium, has perhaps one of the most interesting origins of any rock festival; it was established in 1995 by a local socialist group to celebrate..Read full story
Internet Show Asia Lends an Online Hand
Michael DesPortes
The Internet has become the frontline for business and in its third year, The Internet Show Asia 2012 leaves no stone unturned with three seminar-packed days at Suntec Singapore International..Read full story
Homedec Showcases Dream Living
Samia El-Balawi
Homedec is Malaysia’s leading homewares expo that showcases an impressive range of household products, services and solutions. Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, it occurs in four locations..Read full story
NZ Comedy Fest’s a Barrel of Laughs
Samia El-Balawi
Are you looking for a laugh? If so, make your way to Auckland for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival from 27 April to 20 May. That’s right, 24 days jam-packed full of laughter in one..Read full story
Serbia Open 2012 Serving Up Top Tennis
Amy Van De Casteele
The end of April sees the Serbia Open ATP World Tour 250 return to Belgrade for an exciting week of tennis, beginning with qualifying rounds on 28-29 April and finishing with the grand final on..Read full story
BMW Open: Games, Sets & Matches in Munich
Jody Houton
The tennis tournament BMW Open by ATLANTICLUX will return to Munich from 28 April to 6 May and is sure to bring another year of high-class tennis to the prestigious grounds of MTTC Iphitos. The..Read full story
Scottish Scale Model Show Larger than Life
Jody Houton
The Scottish National Scale Model Show returns to the Dewar Centre in Perth, Scotland on 28 and 29 April and is sure to bring merriment and fun on a grand scale. The event, known locally as the..Read full story
London Coffee Fest: A Caffeine Love Affair
Amy Van De Casteele
Although tea has long been touted as England’s iconic beverage, over the last few hundred years coffee has seeped into the British tradition and become increasingly popular, helped along by..Read full story
Festimad’s Rockin’ in Madrid
Samia El-Balawi
Festimad is a massive alternative rock music festival held annually in Madrid that attracts bands from across the country, as well as a few from abroad. This year’s additions come from as far..Read full story
Austin Food and Wine Fest a Taste Sensation
Amy Van De Casteele
If you’re fond of food festivals and enjoy sampling sumptuous gourmet nibbles and glasses brimming with crisp wine or champagne, then make your way to Austin, Texas, which is about to host its..Read full story
Avenged Sevenfold to Rock BKK Thunderdome
Jody Houton
As part of their 2012 Asian tour, American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold return to the awesome Thunderdome Complex in Bangkok on the 24 April. The band are a big hit wherever they play and to..Read full story
Taste of Cape Town’s Palatable Pleasures
Samia El-Balawi
Get ready to savour one of South Africa’s favourite food festivals – Taste of Cape Town, held from 19 to 22 April in the grounds of Green Point Cricket Club. Once again, the city’s..Read full story
Intl. Fair Plovdiv Leaves No Industry Behind
Jody Houton
The months of March, April and May in Bulgaria are busy times for trade industries, as this is when the Bulgarian Fairground plays host to trade exhibitions covering key sectors of the Bulgarian..Read full story
Jazzahead: Live and Shaping the Future
Jody Houton
Jazzahead, held in Bremen, Germany from 19-22 April, is the definitive annual European Jazz festival. It attracts over 5,000 visitors a year with many spectacular live performances, exhibitions and..Read full story
FoodAsia2012 is Stuffed with Opportunities
Jody Houton
This year’s International Food and Drinks Exhibition, also known as FoodAsia2012 and FA2012, is the 18th offering of the best international food and drinks at the Singapore Expo from 17-20..Read full story
Great Escape 2012: Another Dimension
Amy Van De Casteele
One of the biggest and most exciting new music festivals to become a part of Europe’s cultural calendar is undoubtedly the Brighton-based ‘Great Escape’, a landmark event which..Read full story
MiArt 2012 to Paint the City Red
Amy Van De Casteele
This April, the sophisticated Italian city of Milan will host MiArt 2012, the International Modern and Contemporary Art Fair, a magnificent event showcasing the best of Italy’s contemporary and..Read full story
The Buenos Aires Intl. Book Fair Ages Well
Jody Houton
The Buenos Aires Book Fair has taken huge strides to receive international recognition since launching 38 years ago. The event’s focus remains predominantly on local publications but has become..Read full story
RoboGames: The Robot Olympics
Michael DesPortes
Raucous applause and shouts of excitement will ring out from San Mateo Event Center between 20-22 April, but while the crowds will be human, the contestants at RoboGames 2012 are not. Participants..Read full story
China International Boat Show Makes Ripples
Amy Van De Casteele
This April sees the 17th incarnation of the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2012, a long-running and highly popular exhibition of yachts, boats and nautical equipment. This Shanghai-based..Read full story
Springing the Blues: Free Music by the Sea
Michael DesPortes
For fans of blues music, it doesn’t get much better than the three days of live music by the sea at the Springing the Blues festival. The great thing about this annual event is not just that it..Read full story
Coachella’s Double Dose of Music, Art & Style
Michael DesPortes
Coachella – the name sends shivers of joy through indie and alternative music fans everywhere. It is a music festival which has earned a spot at the top of the pile – no easy feat in the..Read full story
Florida Film Fest’s Flavourful Flicks
Samia El-Balawi
A short distance outside of Orlando, in the suburbs of Maitland and Winter Park, a unique annual event is held in celebration of all things film, food and fun – the Florida Film Festival, now..Read full story
Le Printemps de Bourges: A Musical Smorgasbord
Amy Van De Casteele
Every spring, the French city of Bourges is inundated with music fans as the annual festival ’Le Printemps de Bourges‘ gets under way. A long-running festival which showcases well-known..Read full story
Tampa Bay Blues Fest’s Stellar Line-up
Samia El-Balawi
If you like the blues then you’ll love the Tampa Bay Blues Festival held from 13 to 15 April in the grounds of Vinoy Park, Saint Petersburg – Florida’s sunshine city. Since 1995,..Read full story
Brussels Art Fair Champions Creativity
Amy Van De Casteele
This year marks the 30th birthday of the Art Brussels Contemporary Art Fair, a massive and highly popular celebration of all things artistic, showcasing everything from oil paintings to video and pop..Read full story
Cambridge Word Fest Spring 2012 Opens Doors
Amy Van De Casteele
The university city of Cambridge is globally renowned for being a hub of academia, literature and culture, and every year this intellectual atmosphere is celebrated in two literary festivals,..Read full story
Canton Fair: If It Can Be Traded, It’s Here
Jody Houton
The 111th biannual China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair returns this 15 April – 5 May to the city of Guangzhou, China. It is widely regarded as one of China's largest..Read full story
Filmfest DC: Global Cinema in the Capital
Jody Houton
The Washington DC International Film Festival returns for its 26th year this 12-22 April and looks like it will be the biggest and perhaps funniest one to date. Filmfest DC is the district's oldest..Read full story
Grand National: All Eyes on Liverpool
Jody Houton
Horse Racing in Britain can be quite a curiously grand and celebrated cultural event and no race day holds more prestige than the annual Grand National held at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool,..Read full story
Boat Asia Brings Nautical Glamour to Keppel Bay
Amy Van De Casteele
This April, Asia’s biggest boat show will be returning to Singapore’s stunningly beautiful Keppel Bay Marina to celebrate its 20th anniversary in grand style. Held between 12-15 April,..Read full story
Mecal Hosts the Cream of the Short Film Crop
Jody Houton
The 14th edition of Mecal International Short Film Festival in Barcelona will run from 13-29 April and is shaping up to be the biggest and best attended edition yet. This year has seen a..Read full story
Moulding Tennis Rankings on US Clay Courts
Michael DesPortes
This year’s US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston, Texas, could be one for the books. The ATP Tour event is not considered a top-tier tennis tournament but the River Oaks Country..Read full story
Lisbon Fish & Flavours Fest Tickles the Taste Buds
Samia El-Balawi
Taste buds will tingle and senses will be aroused upon the sight of the freshest selection of seafood at this year’s Lisbon Fish and Flavours Festival. Held from 12 to 22 April, acclaimed chefs..Read full story
Bisket Jatra: Festival of Legends
Samia El-Balawi
Bhaktapur is an ancient city in the Kathmandu Valley and home to a unique cultural festival that coincides with the Nepalese New Year – Bisket Jatra. From 9 to 16 April each day’s..Read full story
Rand Show’s Grand Display of Entertainment
Samia El-Balawi
If you want to experience 10 fun-filled days of exciting entertainment, then look no further than Johannesburg’s Rand Show, this year taking place from 6 to 15 April at the city’s Expo..Read full story
The Masters 2012: Tiger Woods vs The World
Michael DesPortes
The 2012 Masters Tournament is the first of the four annual major golf championships and fans could not ask for a better lead-up to the event. Tiger Woods has finally shown signs of returning to form..Read full story
The Olympic Aura Descends on London 2012
Michael DesPortes
The 2012 London Olympic Games have brought with them the mounting fever that grips the sporting world every four years. Excitement takes control and it seems as if every Olympic occasion is a..Read full story
Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair Serves up Rare Finds
Samia El-Balawi
Collectors of crafts and rare relics should flock to London for the Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair from 7 to 17 June. Commemorating its 40th anniversary, this year’s..Read full story
Snowbombing Fest: Music & Mayhem in the Snow
Jody Houton
The 'world's greatest show on snow' can be seen in Mayrhofen, Austria once again from 9-14 April. Snowbombing 2012 is the Easter festival with a difference; combining snowboarding, live music, games..Read full story
Barrett-Jackson Classic Cars in Sunny Florida
Jody Houton
Palm Beach is home to some fabulous stretches of ocean, beautiful beaches, amazing nightlife and from 5-7 April, also home to hundreds of classic American muscle cars, exotics, resto-mods, hot rods..Read full story
Venice Boat Show Cruises into New Territory
Amy Van De Casteele
If you are a fan of all things nautical, the Venice International Boat Show is certainly an event to mark off on the calendar. Taking place at the picturesque San Giuliano Park, between 13-15 April..Read full story
Dubai Woodshow: Shaping the Future
Jody Houton
Learn more about wood and meet woodworking professionals from around the world at this year's Dubai Woodshow from 3-5 April. Hundreds of local and International wood and design companies will be in..Read full story
Exhibition of Inventions Rewards Innovation
Amy Van De Casteele
This year is a special occasion in the world of invention and technology – it marks the 40th birthday of Geneva’s International Exhibition of Inventions, a world-class event which..Read full story
Melbourne Jazz Fest: From Funk to Fusion
Samia El-Balawi
Australia’s cultural capital is a hot spot for some of the country’s best events, so it only seems fitting that its repertoire of music fests continues with a harmonious event that has..Read full story
Bali Arts Fest Shows Pride Through Dance
Michael DesPortes
The Bali Arts Festival is about more than putting the island’s culture on display, it's also about pride. So, travellers heading to the Indonesian paradise this June can join the locals who..Read full story
March 2012
Tour of Flanders Separates Men from Boys
Michael DesPortes
The Tour of Flanders, locally known as the Ronde van Vlaanderen bears almost no resemblance to the Tour de France, but it can still push some of the..Read full story
Brussels Fantastic Film Fest Sends Shivers…
Amy Van De Casteele
For eager fans of the weird, the strange and the phantasmagorical, the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival 2012 is sure to be a big hit. A two-week..Read full story
Ad-Tech: Digital Trends for the Marketing Guru
Samia El-Balawi
Ad-Tech is the world’s largest digital advertising expo that spans nine major cities across the globe and incorporates exhibitions as well as..Read full story
Edinburgh Science Festival Broadens Minds
Amy Van De Casteele
Every year since 1989, the educational charity ’Edinburgh International Science Festival‘, has held a spectacular extravaganza of science and..Read full story
Art Beijing 2012: Two Fairs Rolled into One
Jody Houton
For the first time ever, 'Art Beijing: Contemporary Art Fair' and 'Art Beijing: Fine Art Fair' have joined forces for what is sure to be a fantastic 'Art..Read full story
Antigua Sailing Week Draws Yacht Worshipers
Amy Van De Casteele
For sailing enthusiasts Antigua Sailing Week is one of the highlights of the yachting calendar. Every year this spectacular regatta draws dozens of keen..Read full story
Brighton Festival 2012: A Cultural Benchmark
Amy Van De Casteele
Since its inception in 1967, the Brighton Festival has become one of the highlights of the British cultural calendar. A three-week-long celebration of..Read full story
Shakespeare’s Legend Reaches Across Borders
Jody Houton
The World Shakespeare Festival (WSF) returns this April 23 to November 2012 to coincide with what would have been William Shakespeare's 448th birthday. Many..Read full story
Ascona Music Festival Honours the Piano
Amy Van De Casteele
This April, for the third year running, the picturesque Swiss town of Ascona will resound with hauntingly beautiful chamber and classical music as part of its..Read full story
Bali Spirit Festival Sparks Creativity
Samia El-Balawi
Ubud is home to a rather special event that has been increasingly gaining momentum since its creation, the Bali Spirit Festival. With an intention to enhance..Read full story
International Book Fest Budapest: A Tale of Success
Amy Van De Casteele
Book festivals are a popular and highly important facet of every great city’s cultural calendar, and Budapest’s event is certainly one of the..Read full story
Tribeca Film Festival Serves up Diverse Cuts
Amy Van De Casteele
As the home of Hollywood and the birthplace of many of the world’s finest actors, directors, producers and screenwriters, it is no surprise that..Read full story
Paris Festival Harks Back to Golden Age
Amy Van De Casteele
Between 1900 and 1925, Paris was a vibrant melting pot of art, music, poetry and culture. It was the mecca for many young artists, not just from Europe but..Read full story
Bogota Book Fair Is a Publishing Hotspot
Jody Houton
If you even have a passing interest in Latin American publishing, the Bogota Book Fair (BBF) is for you. It will bring 95 per cent of Colombia’s..Read full story
Songkran: A Tradition That Beats the Heat
Jody Houton
All around the kingdom of Thailand, for between 2-7 days of Songkran per year, streets, villages, riversides and more or less any populated area, transforms..Read full story
Takayama Festival: A Cultural Icon
Amy Van De Casteele
Every year, the Japanese town of Takayama holds two beautiful and highly popular events, the spring and autumn festivals, dedicated to the town’s..Read full story
Dinah Shore Weekend’s Wet & Wild
Samia El-Balawi
Dinah Shore Weekend descends on the desert city of Palm Springs for five days from 28 March. Full of parties packed with ladies looking for an exciting and..Read full story
London Book Fair: Required Reading
Jody Houton
England has a rich and long-established relationship with books and London is home to many acclaimed and world-renowned authors. So, it comes as no surprise..Read full story
Tin Pan South Songwriters Fest Croons Country
Samia El-Balawi
Nashville, Tennessee is well known as ‘Music City’, home of the celebrated Grand Ole Opry, the site of several renowned recording studios and host..Read full story
US Tango Fest: Watch & Learn From the Best
Jody Houton
Hundreds of pros, amateurs and lovers of authentic Argentine tango are getting set to descend on San Francisco from 5-8 April to enjoy four dance-filled days..Read full story
Laughs, Tears and Inspiration at LLGFF 2012
Michael DesPortes
The London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (LLGFF) began in 1986 as ’Gay’s Own Pictures‘ but its existence was under threat after 2011 budget..Read full story
ADIBF: The Middle East’s Literary Gateway
Jody Houton
All eyes have been on the Arab world in recent years, and from 28 March – 2 April 2012, quite a few reading glasses will be trained on it as well to..Read full story
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Easter Fest Opus
Samia El-Balawi
Warsaw is preparing to welcome the symphonies of one of Germany’s greatest composers for the 16th Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival, this year from 25..Read full story
10th Bangkok Intl. Book Fair Opens New Chapter
Amy Van De Casteele
When you think of Bangkok, the first word that springs to mind might not necessarily be “books”. But this month that is about to change. From 29..Read full story
Going CHIC In Beijing
Jody Houton
The China International Clothing and Accessories Fair (CHIC), held on the 28-31 March in Beijing, China is one exhibition you cannot afford to miss if you are..Read full story
iD Dunedin Fashion Week Showcases Local Designer Talent
Amy Van De Casteele
In just a few days time, the Kiwi city of Dunedin will be donning its glad rags and launching itself into a week of full-on fashion for the 13th annual..Read full story
Hong Kong Film Fest Crosses Boundaries
Samia El-Balawi
The Hong Kong International Film Festival may not be the largest event of its kind, but it is certainly one of the most respected. Now in its 36th year, it has..Read full story
Cherry Blossom Fest: 100 Years in Bloom
Samia El-Balawi
The chance to be part of a once in a lifetime celebration is about to occur around the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, Washington DC – the 100th..Read full story
The National Folk Fest: A Canberra Tradition
Jody Houton
The National Folk Festival has been held in Canberra, Australia since its inception in 1967 and returns this April for five fun-filled days of guitar-string..Read full story
Paris Book Fair: The Face of Modern Literature
Amy Van De Casteele
For lovers of fine literature – and the romance and sophistication of the French capital – the Paris Book Fair is definitely an event to mark off..Read full story
Penang World Music Festival Rocks Georgetown
Jody Houton
The vibrant city of Penang is a treat for the senses; with stunning historical architecture, amazing local cuisine and from 30 March to 1 April, the 2012..Read full story
Budapest Spring Festival: A Cultural Icon
Amy Van De Casteele
Every March for the past 31 years, the Hungarian capital of Budapest has been treated to a smorgasbord of cultural events as part of the highly popular Spring..Read full story
Yangon Opens the Door to Myanmar
Samia El-Balawi
Myanmar’s capital Yangon has begun opening its doors to visitors as the main gateway to the country since elections in November 2010 put the military..Read full story
Euro 2012: Europe at War
Michael DesPortes
Four years can be a long time to wait for a major sporting tournament, but football fans are lucky enough to have two of very similar calibre. The World Cup is..Read full story
Hong Kong Art Fair at the Top of its Game
Samia El-Balawi
The Hong Kong International Art Fair, also known as ART HK 12, has been described by the International Herald Tribune as becoming, “… an..Read full story
Racing Changes But Not the Indy 500
Michael DesPortes
The 2012 Indianapolis 500 comes during a year of change for the IndyCar series. Teams have four races to settle into the all-new chassis and engine formulas..Read full story
The Gobble Guide to London’s Top Nosh
Samia El-Balawi
London is preparing to host the Summer Olympic Games as the first city to do so three times, previously in 1908 and again in 1948. Over 200 nations will be..Read full story
February 2012
WonderCon: Where Superheroes Live
Amy Van De Casteele
America is well known for its comic conventions, and WonderCon – a lively celebration of comics and popular culture – is undoubtedly one of the..Read full story
2012 Indoor Athletics Championships: An Olympic Prelude
Michael DesPortes
Indoor athletics competitions often look like a miniaturised version of their outdoor counterparts but they can be of the utmost importance for the..Read full story
Melbourne Moomba Fest’s Inviting Vibes
Samia El-Balawi
Melbourne’s Moomba Festival has been in existence for over half a century but that doesn’t mean to say it’s in any way outdated, in fact it..Read full story
Jue Music & Art Fest’s Sounds of Change
Samia El-Balawi
If you’re in Shanghai or Beijing from 9 to 25 March don’t miss the cluster of events that make up the Jue Music and Art Festival. And if..Read full story
Melbourne Food and Wine Fest 2012: A Foodie’s Dream
Michael DesPortes
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2012 celebrates the event’s 20th year with 20 days between 2-21 March packed with dining, cooking and foodie..Read full story
Aruba: Uniquely Caribbean
Norman Renouf
Aruba, less than 27 miles off the Venezuelan coast, is not like other Caribbean Islands. Being outside the hurricane belt it has a dry, arid climate with a..Read full story
US Virgin Islands: A Multilayered Tropical Delight
Norman Renouf
The United States Virgin Islands’ tropical climate and pleasing temperatures have become a magnet for two million tourists each year. During the December..Read full story
Seychelles Carnival: C’est Magnifique
Samia El-Balawi
The city of Victoria on the island of Mahé is preparing to stage the Seychelles Carnival after the hugely successful edition held in 2011, the first in..Read full story
WOMADelaide: Bringing the Party to the Park
Amy Van De Casteele
Calling all festival lovers – it’s that time of year again! WOMADelaide – the massively popular festival that features incredible displays of..Read full story
Adelaide Festival of Arts: Continues to Captivate
Samia El-Balawi
Adelaide’s Festival of Arts has reached a landmark – it’s not only one of the world’s most accomplished fests of its kind, but from..Read full story
Jakarta Java Jazz Fest’s Cool Sounds
Samia El-Balawi
Jakarta’s International Java Jazz Festival will return to Indonesia’s capital from 2 to 4 March with this year’s theme, ‘Where Jazz..Read full story
Adelaide Fringe Festival: Second to None
Samia El-Balawi
The world’s second largest event of its kind is set to take place over 24 days and nights beginning 24 February – the Adelaide Fringe Festival..Read full story
MegaCon: Where Fantasy Dreams of Reality
Norman Renouf
Catering to fanatics of all ages, MegaCon deals in the world of fantasy. From comic-books and all things sci-fi, to anime, manga, role playing games and online..Read full story
Milan Fashion Week Strikes a Pose
Samia El-Balawi
Milan Fashion Week follows in the footsteps of both New York and London to host the third of the ‘Big Four’ in the fashion world’s display of..Read full story
Devonport Food, Wine & Music Fest Has it All
Samia El-Balawi
It’s summertime in the ‘City of Sails’ and one of its harbourside suburbs is preparing to host what may well be Auckland’s most..Read full story
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival the Ultimate Rave
Michael DesPortes
Trinidad and Tobago stands as proof that carnival is a season rather than an event spanning a few days. The dates for 2012’s Carnival are officially 20..Read full story
London Fashion Week’s Oh So Chic
Samia El-Balawi
It’s almost time for one of the world’s ‘Big Four’ to take place – London Fashion Week – which will return to the capital..Read full story
Lao Elephant Fest Raises Awareness
Samia El-Balawi
The ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ will host the 6th annual Lao Elephant Festival in the district of Sayaboury from 17 to 19 February. Set up by the..Read full story
Goa Carnival Brings Partying to the Streets
Michael DesPortes
For four days in February each year, the Goa Carnival turns the relaxing seaside destination into a bustling array of activity that attacks all the senses. The..Read full story
Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras: Sydney Style
Samia El-Balawi
Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is back for another epic edition of what is basically a massive party held for three whole weeks! There really is..Read full story
Venice Carnival Unveiled
Samia El-Balawi
This year’s Venice Carnival begins on 4 February, and for the second year running, is spread over three weekends until its closing ceremony on Shrove..Read full story
Dubai World Cup: Racing's Thoroughbred
Michael DesPortes
Glamour and thoroughbred horseracing go hand in hand, so it comes as no surprise that the Dubai World Cup has set an entirely new standard in the sport since..Read full story
Gold Coast Film Fest Joins Forces with Supernova
Samia El-Balawi
Queensland’s Gold Coast Film Festival has amended its dates to join forces with the nation’s favourite fan convention – Supernova Pop Culture..Read full story
New Orleans Jazz Fest Boasts Diverse Line-up
Samia El-Balawi
New Orleans – the birthplace of jazz – is getting ready to hold what might well be the greatest music fest, not only in the state, but the entire..Read full story
Warsaw: Experiencing a Cultural Renaissance
Michael DesPortes
Warsaw has become a gleaming example of recovery since the aftermath of World War II and the following Cold War. Russian control during the partitioning of..Read full story
January 2012
Multicultural Fest: A Window on the World
Samia El-Balawi
Canberra is preparing for its annual National Multicultural Festival, welcoming communities from all over the world to take part in a weekend jam-packed full..Read full story
Tour de Langkawi Takes on Western Malaysia
Michael DesPortes
Asia’s premiere cycling race, the Tour de Langkawi, has drawn numerous top-level international racers to the roads of Malaysia since 1996. It is a season..Read full story
Berlinale to Honour Streep with Golden Bear
Samia El-Balawi
The Berlin International Film Festival, simply referred to as, Berlinale, will commence screenings from 9 February in what is widely considered the..Read full story
Human Rights Watch Film Fest’s Exposures
Samia El-Balawi
The world has many kinds of film festival: the glitzy and glamourous variety, like Cannes; the independent type, such as Melbourne’s Underground Film..Read full story
Phangan Film Fest: Spiritually Inspiring
Samia El-Balawi
The scenic island of Koh Phangan situated in the pristine waters of the Gulf of Thailand will host its annual Phangan Film Festival at the Holiday Beach Resort..Read full story
Phuket Blues Rock Fest Hits the Right Notes
Samia El-Balawi
Phuket’s International Blues Rock Festival returns to the Laguna Phuket Resort for two days on 24 and 25 February, jam packed full of concerts, as well..Read full story
Panama Jazz Fest Plays for the Gifted
Norman Renouf
The Panama Jazz Festival celebrates its ninth edition for six days between January 16 to January 21, 2012, by dedicating the festival to the Panamanian..Read full story
Mardi Gras: ‘Phat’ Tuesday
Samia El-Balawi
New Orleans is preparing for its city streets to come alive in what is the magnificent carnival of Mardi Gras, literally meaning ‘Fat Tuesday’ in..Read full story
Raggamuffin Music Fest’s Jammin’
Samia El-Balawi
This year, the Raggamuffin Music Festival will be held exclusively in New Zealand’s geo thermal city of Rotorua, and for the first time, will span two..Read full story
Sapporo Snow Fest’s Spectacular Sculptures
Samia El-Balawi
The Sapporo Snow Fest is one of Japan’s major winter events and perhaps the largest attraction on the island of Hokkaido during the snowy season...Read full story
Student Film Fest to Bridge the Gap
Samia El-Balawi
The very first International Student Film Festival will be held in London from 3 to 5 February, an event aimed at spotlighting the talents of up-and-coming..Read full story
Tet Fest: Hanoi’s Happening New Year
Samia El-Balawi
Tet Nguyen Dan, often abbreviated to Tet, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and an ideal time to visit Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. The city is usually quieter..Read full story
Big Day Out: Pumping in Perth
Samia El-Balawi
Big Day Out is back and celebrating 20 years of continued success after the first festival was born in 1992. It had humble beginnings, held solely in Sydney..Read full story
World Buskers Fest: Entertainment Galore
Samia El-Balawi
The World Buskers Festival – this year held at Hagley Park in New Zealand’s south island city of Christchurch – starts 19 January. And with..Read full story
Rio Carnival: Pure, Unadulterated Hedonism
Samia El-Balawi
Say ‘Rio’ and you think ‘carnival’, say carnival and you think Rio, it’s as simple as that. The gloriously glittering fashion..Read full story
Singapore Fringe Fest Keeps the Faith
Samia El-Balawi
The Singapore Fringe Festival has announced its chosen theme: Art and Faith. Through it, the event aims to merge the exploratory and often experimental world..Read full story
St Kilda Fest: Kicking in Melbourne
Samia El-Balawi
The St Kilda Festival will kick start the month of February in a carnival atmosphere, beachside, under the sun and all for free! What better way to hear the..Read full story
London Super Comic Con’s Virgin Territory
Michael DesPortes
The London Super Comic Convention is the UK’s new inaugural event aimed at emulating the big events States-side. To make its launch a memorable one, it..Read full story
This month's lucky winner is Mr. Laith Addabbas who lives in Jordan.
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