Top Music Festivals in 2012

Hordes of live music fans descend on festival grounds around the world every year where they spend days baking in the summer sun or slip-sliding through muddy fields to hear the world's top bands. Here, we look at some of this year's best music festivals.

Understanding Songkran - the most important festival in Thailand

Every year many people travel to Thailand to experience the traditional Thai New Year which boasts everything from water fights to spectacular processions. Here, we've put together a Q&A list to help you understand Songkran.

Top Ten Highlights from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011

Get ready to marvel at the huge variety of performers taking part in the celebrated Edinburgh Festival Fringe. One of the world’s biggest arts festivals, it is taking place from August 5th-29th. We’ve picked 10 highlights from the jam-packed schedule.

Copa America 2011 - who is going to win?

Taking place from July 1st until July 24th, the 43rd Copa América ("America Cup") is under way in Argentina. Over the three weeks twelve teams from the South American Football Confederation will play off against each other for the coveted cup.

Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris

Vive la France! Party in Paris for Bastille Day and you’ll enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, impressive parades and plenty more. Here, we take a look at the story behind Bastille Day and how you can celebrate in the French capital.

Celebrating Independence Day

Grab an American flag, brush up on the words to ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ and prepare for a frenzy of fireworks at America’s annual birthday bash. Here we take a look at some of the best places to join in the fun on the 4th of July.

Celebrating Canada Day

Canada turns 144 this year on July 1st or Canada Day, a day that marks the country’s ‘birthday’. On the day you can enjoy fireworks, pancake breakfasts, live music and more. Here we take a look at some of the best places to celebrate Canada Day.

Understanding the Dragon Boat Festival

Celebrated in many different countries, the Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most important annual events for Chinese communities around the world. Here we look at the story behind the festival, what's involved in dragon boat racing and more.

Understanding Anzac Day

Especially important to Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is an annual day of remembrance. Here, we’ve put together a list of 10 FAQ to help you understand the meaning behind Anzac Day and how it’s celebrated.

Understanding the New Orleans Jazz Fest

Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, Jazz Fest is one of the top things to do in New Orleans. Here, we’ve put together a list of 10 FAQ to help you understand the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the city’s second largest annual event.

Top Music Festivals in 2011

Hordes of live music fans descend on festival grounds around the world every year where they spend days baking in the summer sun or slip-sliding through muddy fields to hear the world’s top bands. Here, we look at some of this year’s best music festivals.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro 2012 - everything you need to know

Huge numbers of revellers descend on the Rio de Janeiro in Brazil each year to enjoy four days of partying during Carnival. Here, we’ve put together a list of 10 FAQ to help you understand the Rio Carnival.

Celebrating St Patrick's Day around the World

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular annual festivals in the world. While the biggest celebrations happen in Dublin, plenty of other destinations around the globe are going green this St. Patrick’s Day.

Top Ten Highlights from the St Patrick's Festival 2011

The 2011 St. Patrick’s Festival will take place in Dublin from March 16th-20th. Here, we take a look at ten highlights from this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival, Ireland’s biggest annual festival and one of the most popular events in Dublin.

Top Ten Highlights from the 2011 Venice Carnival

Steeped in history, the world-renowned Venice Carnival is a favourite with travellers from all over the world who come here to don the famous Venice Carnival masks and celebrate in style. Here we take a look at ten highlights from this year’s festival.

Top Valentine’s Day Getaways

With February 14th almost upon us, we take a look at some of the most popular Valentine’s Day destinations around the world. Whether you’re taken or single, we’ve got some great picks for enjoyable Valentine getaways.

Lights, camera, action! - Top Film Festivals for 2011

With the prestigious Sundance Film Festival already well underway in Utah, we look forward to some of the other major film festivals taking place throughout the world over the coming months.

Top Christmas Markets of 2010

With Christmas fast approaching, you're probably thinking about starting your shopping. Christmas markets offer a great selection of gifts and here we’ve put together a list of some of the best Christmas markets from around the world.

Top Ten Highlights from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s biggest arts festival and is celebrating its 64th anniversary in 2010. Running from August 6th-30th, this year’s Fringe will feature over 2,450 shows. Here, we’ve picked 10 highlights from the festival’s jam-packed schedule...

Pride! LGBT Pride events around the world

Celebrating diversity and equality, as well as all things gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and more, Pride parades and events do wonderful work by bringing people together and increasing awareness.

Mark Your Calendar - The Biggest Festivals of the Year

In just a matter of days two of the biggest festivals will take place in Venice and Rio. Hot on their heels are world-famous events in Dublin, Las Fallas and other cities around the world. To help you plan your calendar, we take a look at what fifteen of the biggest festivals to take place between now and the end of the year...

Top Ten Highlights from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2009

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s biggest arts festival. In 2009 almost 2,100 shows featuring comedy, theatre, dance, music and more will be performed in 265 venues across the city. And plans are already under way for 2010's festival which begins on August 6th.

Tips for Queen's Day

Every year on April 30th millions of people in the Netherlands celebrate the country’s national day – Queen’s Day. Here are our tips to help you get the most out of your day...

Survival Guide for Oktoberfest

Planning a trip to this year’s Oktoberfest? If so, do you really know what to expect? Read on for Hostelworld’s tips on how to survive the largest public festival in the world...

St Patrick's Festival 2010

Taking place from March 12th to 17th, Dublin's annual St Patrick's Festival is the world's biggest Patrick's Festival, making the Irish capital the best place to celebrate Ireland's national day. Check out this year's festival's events.

What's Happening in North America?

Just as some of Europe’s biggest events take place this summer, the same is occurring in North America over the coming month. Check out some of the major events and festivals to take place over the coming months.

The Hottest Events in Europe This Summer

Want to watch the Tour de France whiz by your face this summer, or fancy rocking out to Muse instead? Check out some of the top music and sporting events in Europe this summer.