Montreal: Just for Laughs
A good laugh is like medicine for the soul, and that's probably what Gilbert Rozon had in mind when he founded Just for Laughs, the largest international comedy festival. Held every July in Montreal, Canada since 1983, this even has one simple mission: to make people happy. How they achieve that? By presenting some of the top names in comedy, including Dave Chappelle, John Mayer, Trevor Noah, Russel Peters, and by setting up free performances, food trucks, and music stages spread over a few blocks. Packages for the festival vary depending on the number of shows you wish to attend.
Chicago: Taste of Chicago
There are music festivals; there are food festivals, and there's Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, which combines the two. Beginning July 11 until July 15, attendees will enjoy five days of scrumptious food and live music. Various local restaurants and food vendors will offer samples of their signature dishes. This year, the list includes 73 restaurants and food trucks, 26 of which will be first timers at the 38th annual event. The options are so many that it's unlikely not to find something pleasing to your taste buds. Admission is free of charge, but you must purchase your ticket for the sampling.
Boom: Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland has become the biggest and one of the most prestigious electronic dance music festivals worldwide. It made its humble debut in 2005 in the small town of Boom in Belgium. At the time, admission was free, and attendees weren't exceeding the 10,000. Last year, the number of partygoers reached almost 400,000. This year the figure is likely to increase, especially after the festival's creative director commitment for a “totally different” experience. Tomorrowland is also renowned for its impressive light shows, fireworks, and art installations. The program sure is promising: two weekends of music (July 20 to 22 and July 27 to 29), over 400 DJs, and 16 different stages. The ticket price for a full pass runs at 225 Euros, but you can obtain daily passes for half the price.
Byron Bay: Splendour in the Grass
In the past 17 years, Splendour in the Grass — nowadays Australia's biggest winter festival — has built up its place next to some of the world's largest festivals such as Wireless in London and Governor's Ball in New York. When it first started in 2001, the festival was a one-day event near Byron Bay. This year, North Byron Parklands will lighten up for three consecutive days (from July 20 to 22). If you are planning to be there for the whole duration, there are various camping facilities on site, as well as local hotels in the area for those who need a bed and some privacy. If you don't want to have fun without your little ones, that's great because this is a festival for the whole family. Attendees below the age of 12 get in for free, and all youngsters are invited to Little Splendour, a kids' festival within the festival made by children for children. New parents are also looked after with feeding and changing designated spaces and babysitting services.
Naeba Ski Resort: Fuji Rock Festival
The first Fuji Rock international festival dates back to 1997, and took place at the bottom of Mount Fuji in Japan, hence the name. This year, the festival is held in the Naeba Ski Resort, and rock isn't the only genre to be performed. Among the big names to take over the stage in this three-day celebration of music is Bob Dylan. Apart from the music, of course, the organisers take food seriously too, and there will be a vast collection of tastes from all around the world. One of the organisers' and attendees' values is respect towards each other and towards nature. Thus, music can be enjoyed as long as the fun doesn't have a negative impact on the environment — recycled oil waste will produce energy, and plates and utensils will be strictly recycled.
