Top 4 events in August

Are you feeling lucky? August is lucky number eight in the calendar year, so it might be the perfect time for an adventure somewhere around the world.

Itching to travel but not quite sure where to start? Whether you’re enjoying the arctic chill in the Southern Hemisphere or looking to catch some rays up north, there’s plenty going on across the globe. Here are a few of the top events and festivals lined up for August to inspire your travel plans.

Boardmasters

Cornwall, United Kingdom, 5-9 August 

If you’re an Australian who likes to surf, the winter can be a bit of a drag, especially when we’re pounded with unprecedented cold. Fortunately, it’s summer in the United Kingdom, which means you can keep on enjoying your favourite water activities in August.

For anyone who loves catching a wave, the Boardmasters? event in Cornwall is not to be missed. Beyond the fantastic surfing competitions – which are fun to participate in or simply watch – the festival’s really all about beach-side living, music and a spectacular coastline. Camping, parties, beach sessions, concerts and shopping: What else could you ask for?

Check out last year’s ‘aftermovie’ to see how seriously they know how to party in Cornwall. Act quickly to snap up some tickets!

Darwin Festival

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, 6-23 August  

Music. Caberet. Theatre. Dance. Visual masterpieces. There’s barely anything the Darwin Festival lacks, at least when it comes to celebrating the arts.

Set in the stunning, tropical city of Darwin, this 18-day event is jam-packed with comedy, film, music and food for all tastes and ages. In addition to multipack tickets that give you a discount, there’s a ton of free performances, exhibitions and other events, making it a stellar choice for any budget.

As a bonus, Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, and its position on the top of the country means it has pretty spectacular weather throughout the year. The dry season, from May to October, is probably the nicest time to visit, with warm, sunny days and comfortable nights. So if you’re looking to escape the cold, head on over for a tropical escape and musical festivities to lift your spirits.

Rainforest World Music Festival

Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Malaysia, 7-9 August 

How do you make a world music festival even cooler and more eclectic? Put it smack in the middle of a rainforest amidst a richly diverse ecosystem and nearly 30 ethnic groups that call the place their home.

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day event where you can go to rock out with international and local artists in the Borneo jungle. Fourth-century Georgian music, a taste of Arabic tunes from Morocco, Cajun bands from Australia – these are just a few of the extraordinarily unique music experiences this festival in Sarawak, Malaysia, brings together.

Aside from the concert series, you can also make the most of the land at your doorstep. Explore caves where people used to live tens of thousands of years ago, learn trade secrets from the locals and scuba around the reefs in the South China Sea.

Music, dance, beaches, exotic animals, tropical rain: Sounds like the perfect recipe for an unforgettable experience and a major escape from the daily grind.

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Wellington, New Zealand, 14-30 August 

Calling all you foodies: New Zealand’s biggest culinary festival is just around the corner. Boasting a number of tasty events, Wellington is setting out to tantalise your tastebuds during this two-week affair.

Head over to the country’s capital city for deluxe burgers, discount fine dining, craft beer and New Zealand’s infamous chocolate. Enjoy innovative artisan creations made from local ingredients and then feed your mind by watching the Wellington Chocolate Factory turn cocoa beans into that smooth, rich dessert we all love.

A few highlights from the 130-some events in the festival include:

• DINE Wellington: The core of the festival, over 100 eateries will offer set menus during the Welly-on-a-Plate fortnight.
• Burger Wellington: With the ballots opening August 15, visit some burger joints and then cast your vote in this ‘battle of the buns’.
• Beervana: From 14-15 August, delight your tastebuds by imbibing some of the finest from breweries in New Zealand, Australia and ’round the world.
• Capital Cocktail: Not big on ale? Welly’s got you covered with a classy cocktail event. Vote for your favourite drink and tapas combination starting 14 August.

Is your mouth watering yet?