International Arts Festivals

When you think of “arts festivals,” what comes to mind? Do you think of massive crowds swaying before headlining musical acts? Or do you picture refined galas with arts patrons in black tie attire? There is likely an arts event that matches what you envisioned, but there are also many more that you might not expect! The world is wide and the art is everywhere. Here are just a few festivals to give you some ideas for your next (or first!) foray into the arts world.

1. Art Basel

Of the three, this is probably closest to a traditional arts festival. It takes place in Miami Beach, USA; Hong Kong; and Basel, Switzerland. Each location emphasizes artists from that particular region, with Basel being the most international of all. You’ll find modern and contemporary art that draws in artists, curators, and art lovers from around the world.

2. Bluedot

Bluedot happens near the Jodrell Bank Observatory in England, and it is part music, part visual art, and part science festival. It has panels featuring astronauts and physicists, as well as “intergalactic family areas” with workshops and activities suited for younger festival-goers. 

3. Pictoplasma

Pictoplasma is in Berlin, Germany. This is all about character design for film and other media. Enthusiasts can walk throughout the city of Berlin and find film screenings, performances, and panels on digital media.

There are far too many arts festivals to create a comprehensive list, but these are a few more you might be interested in:

Port Eliot Festival  
St. Germans, England
Visual art, music, writing, comedy, and workshops (fashion drawing, acting, cooking). Family-friendly and has outdoor activities.
Stars of the White Nights at the Mariinsky Theatre
St. Petersburg, Russia
Ballet and classical music
Wiener Festwochen
Vienna, Austria
Contemporary art, film, and music by international artists
Traverse City Film Festival
Traverse City, Michigan
Annual film festival that has free and paid events for adults and families
Art Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
International contemporary and modern visual art festival.
Vivid Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Music, light sculptures, and seminars on art, technology, and commerce
Echigo Tsumari Art Field
In over 200 villages of Japan
Art festival occurring every three years with the intent to display humans’ connections with nature. Volunteers from local villages help to create the art installations.