The best things in life are free. Some of the summer’s best events are, too.
Rooftop Films in NYC, until 22 August: Currently celebrating its 19th year, the ‘Underground Films Outdoors’ series features independent movies spanning a diversity of genres from comedy to drama, documentary and animation. Most screenings are accompanied by a Q&A with the actual filmmaker, plus the sheer cool factor of hanging out on a New York rooftop. rooftopfilms.com
Montreux Jazz Festival, 3-18 July: Smooth, soulful tunes against a backdrop of Swiss Alpine peaks – summer doesn’t get any better than this. The streets are flooded with music lovers and vendors of every kind, but you can always hop aboard a samba boat to escape the crowds and cut a rug. montreuxjazzfestival.com
Galway International Arts Festival, 13-26 July: Theatre, music, film, comedy, the visual arts – it’s all there when Galway gears up for an event that’s as highbrow as an Enda Walsh production and as accessible as circus acrobatics. giaf.ie
StreetFest in Toronto, 23-25 July: Cars no, revellers yes – 2.5km of Queen Street East turn into an all-out dance party featuring every genre from dixieland to ska and swing. beachesjazz.com
Rath Yatra in Puri, India, 26 July: Whether or not you believe, as many Hindus do, that this vibrant and important festival brings good fortune, Rath Yatra is worth visiting for the lavish visuals (think processions chock full of massive, elaborate chariots and figurines) and feverish atmosphere. rathyatra.net
Fêtes de Bayonne, 29 July – 2 August: For France’s most lively ‘feria’ festival, head to the Basque city of Bayonne for 5 days of out-and-out merrymaking. Don the obligatory white outfit and red belt, and get ready to watch fireworks, parades and bullfights, and dance from sundown to sunup. fetes.bayonne.fr
Satchmo SummerFest in New Orleans, 30 July – 2 August: Paying tribute to one of NOLA’s most famous sons, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, this festival sees thousands hit the street (in spite of the heat) for live bands and amazing street food, as well as seminars and art contests. fqfi.org/satchmo
StreetArt Festival in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, 1-2 August: Watch as international artists chalk up the streets of Wilhelmshaven with their impressive works, and cast your vote for the best of the bunch. streetart-wilhelmshaven.de
RideLondon, 1-2 August: It’s a 2-wheel takeover – free family events (FreeCycle with music and festival zones) combine with professional cycling competitions (Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix) for a sporty weekend in the UK capital. prudentialridelondon.co.uk
Obon in Tokushima, Japan, 13-15 August: According to Buddhist belief, the 15th day of the 7th month is a time when spirits walk among us. And according to tradition, there’s only one way to greet them: dance. The festival is best experienced on the island of Shikoku, where the Awa Odori dance is performed by any and all. gojapan.about.com Photo © Flickr user Daremoshiranai
Edmonton International Fringe Festival, 13-23 August: Buskers, artists and thespians from around the world trek to Edmonton for North America’s oldest and largest fringe theatre festival. While many of the headlining acts perform indoors, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the city’s avenues, often for free. fringetheatre.ca Photo © Flickr user Mack Male
Street Parade Zurich, 29 August: Berlin’s Love Parade is long gone, but its legacy of peace, music and good times lives on in Zurich’s Street Parade. Combine electro tunes with an atmosphere of openness and tolerance – plus a scenic lakeside setting – and get ready for an epic experience. streetparade.com
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