From music and food to age-old traditions and spectacular celebrations, these festivals offer a unique way to experience a destination. Across the globe, cities and communities come alive with colour, creativity and culture, giving travellers plenty of reasons to plan a journey around them. Here are some worth travelling for.
Tawang Festival, India
Venue: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Dates: October 27, 2026 - October 31, 2026
The thrill of reaching a Himalayan town where culture unfolds beneath towering peaks is reason enough to plan a journey to the Tawang Festival. Held at more than 10,000 feet, the celebration offers a colourful window into Monpa traditions, with cultural performances, local customs, and festivities rooted in the heritage. The crisp October weather makes the experience even more inviting, while Tawang’s monasteries, mountain views and winding roads add an adventurous edge to the trip. Travellers can combine scenery with living culture.
Saga International Balloon Fiesta, Japan
Venue: Kase Riverbank, Saga
Dates: October 29, 2026 - November 4, 2026
The thrill of watching hundreds of balloons rise above the Japanese countryside is the Saga International Balloon Fiesta's unforgettable draw. Held along the Kase River, this spectacular gathering is Asia’s largest sky-sporting event, bringing together pilots from around the world for several days of competition and aerial displays. The experience becomes even more magical after sunset, when around 50 balloons glow against the night sky.
Puri Beach Festival, India
Venue: Puri Sea Beach, Puri, Odisha
Date: November 4, 2026 – November 10, 2026
The sea takes centre stage at the Puri Beach Festival, turning Odisha’s famed coastline into a lively showcase of culture, creativity and coastal life. Over five days, the sands host classical and folk performances, music, theatre, sand art, handlooms, water sports and boat races, while food stalls bring the flavours of Odisha and other parts of India to the beach. Its USP is the easy blend of a seaside holiday with a distinctly Indian cultural experience. Travellers can spend the day by the Bay of Bengal, discover local art and cuisine, then explore Puri’s Jagannath Temple and nearby Konark.