From jack o’ lanterns to the Japan Rugby World Cup, the world events calendar has some exciting offerings this spring. Check out what’s on around the globe in October and November 2019, and get packing!
Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany – 21st September to 6th October
Known locally as Wiesn, this festival isn’t just for grown-ups who fancy a beer or two. Every Tuesday is Family Day with great savings and the Familienplatzl and Oide Wiesn have relaxed beer gardens and rides.
Oktoberfest is a family-friendly folk festival as well as a celebration of the best Bavarian brews Credit: Shutterstock
Melbourne International Arts Festival – Melbourne, Australia – 2nd to 20th October
Arty Melbourne – with its street murals, galleries and coffee – is the perfect place for a festival of theatre, dance and music performance. We recommend the Melbourne Art Trams exhibition.
Festival du Nouveau Cinéma – Montreal, Canada – 9th to 20th October
Edgy and avant garde, this film festival shows works from around the world. There is a free family day with interactive activities on October 13th and a P’tits Loups screening of films by young moviemakers.
Frankfurt Book Fair – Frankfurt, Germany – 19th to 23rd October
One of the biggest literary events around the world, Frankfurt Book Fair has been running for 500 years. Bookworms will enjoy burrowing in to the last two days of this fair, with readings, signings and events open to the public.
Diwali – 27th October
The Hindu Festival of Light celebrates good defeating evil, with fireworks displays, Rangoli artworks on the street, Lakshmi pooja (ritual offerings) and lamp decorations. Diwali occurs all around the world, but is extra special in Jaipur, Varanasi, Kolkata and Amritsar in India.
Share Diwali with thousands of other families around the world Credit: Shutterstock
Cape Town International Kite Festival – Cape Town, South Africa – 26th and 27th October
You’ll be flying sky high after this fun and frivolous family event, whether you watch professional kite displays in the arena, join a kite-making workshop, participate in a competition or just enjoy the stalls and atmosphere.
Halloween – 31st October
Spook it up and channel the Addams family by trick-or-treating in the United States this October. Marvel at the Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze in Sleepy Hollow, New York, take a Ghostwalker Tour in Savannah, Georgia, or revel in month-long witchy festival in Salem, Massachussetts.
Rugby World Cup – Japan – 20th September to 2nd November
Occurring every four years, you can enjoy this high-impact, thrilling international sporting clash will unfold in venues around Japan. You can also don the green and gold at home. The grand final will be held 2nd November.
Join a parade for the Day of the Dead Credit: Shutterstock
Los Dia de Muertos – Mexico – 2nd November
The Day of the Dead is a colourful celebration of life that honours family members who have passed away with ‘skull’ poems, altar offerings, feasts and costumes. The southern regions of Mexico throw the best parties. Visit Mexico City, Oaxaca and Merida.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng – Chiang Mai, Thailand – 11th to 13th November
These two floating lantern festivals combine to offer a stunning spectacle in the sky and on the water. Unfolding at the full moon, the Buddhist rituals are about giving thanks and wishing well.
Lanterns will light up the sky Credit: Shutterstock
Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.