Travel Begins at 40 has produced its own brief round-up of the best festivals in August around the world from Colombia to Nevada and Utah to Notting Hill.
Cultural Festivals in August
Feria de las Flores, Medellin, Colombia – 1 to 10 August
Medellin in Colombia is transformed during its annual Feria de las Flores or Flower Festival. The main attraction is the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden that covers 14 hectares and has over 1,000 species. Within this is the Orchidiarium, with its large orchid and butterfly collection. The parade of the silleteros – a procession of large lightweight fan-like frames decorated in flowers – is arguably the most impressive part of the Feria de las Flores festival.
Brodick Highland Games 2025, Arran – 10 August
Celebrate all there is great about being Scottish – kilts optional at the Brodick Highland games on the Isle of Arran this August. Heaped in tradition, these games have taken place in the village since 1886. Toss the caber, tug ‘o’ war and try to ignore the bagpipes.Music Festivals in August
Fringe by the Sea, Scotland, UK – 1 to 10 August
Forget the Edinburgh Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Fringe by the Sea returns to the East Lothian town of North Berwick in August for ten days of music, literature, film, comedy, film and conversation. For this year’s festival The Boomtown Rats, The Bluebells and Air will perform.
Waterperry Opera Festival, UK – 8 to 17 August
The Waterperry Opera Festival once more comes to the gardens of Waterperry House in August. This year’s festival includes performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Semele by Handel.
Moab Music Festival, Utah, US – 27 August to 12 September
The Moab Music Festival starts with a Westwater Musical raft trip, and concludes with the final Grotto Concert. A series of outdoor concerts will be performed in a range of venues around Moab, with the signature Grotto Concerts taking place in a pristine grotto 30 miles out of town down the Colorado River. You can also go on one of the music hikes.
Carnivals in August
Notting Hill Carnival, London, UK – 23 to 25 August
Needing no introduction, but we will do so anyway, The Notting Hill Carnival returns after a two-year gap. Not only is its Europe’s largest free street festival but the greatest expression of the Caribbean community in London, made all the more poignant by the Windrush scandal. Expect processions, bands, plenty of noise, great food and above all else fun.
More Than a Festival
Burning Man, The Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US – 24 August to 1 September
There is no festival quite like Burning Man, so much so that the organisers don’t even regard it as a festival. A city with a intriguing philosophy in the Black Rock Dessert. The event is focused on creativity and community-living. Different groups contribute the art, drama, exhibitions, spectacles or music events that bring everything to life. This is very alternative America.
More Festivals in 2025
If you are planning for further ahead please visit our Events and Festival page, which we will constantly update as and when information becomes available.
