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Monsoon Music Festival
- Location: Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hanoi
- Time: November 1-3
The Monsoon International Music Festival, now in its fourth year, has become a "specialty" for music lovers of all ages in Hanoi. What sets Monsoon apart from other music festivals in the country is the lack of restrictions on participating artists. Throughout the three nights of music, the stage may feature veteran Vietnamese divas, up-and-coming bands, international legends, or lesser-known foreign artists… At Monsoon, the popularity of the artist seems to be less of a concern for the audience. In the serene setting of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, every unfamiliar yet beautiful melody easily captivates the hearts of the listeners.
Monsoon is not simply a lavish musical feast; it's also a community cultural event where people share civilized values, engage in artistic exchange, and share their identities.
Balloon Fiesta (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta)
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Time: October 5 - 13
Any local will proudly tell you that October is the most beautiful time of year in New Mexico, with the landscape adorned with giant hot air balloons that seem to reach the horizon. During the nine days of the annual Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, locals and tourists alike flock from early morning to avoid missing any of the unique hot air balloon displays. Besides the competitions and balloon shows, the festival features vibrant musical performances from artists around the world. Other exciting activities include sculpture exhibitions, skydiving, and fireworks displays.
According to estimates from the organizers, this year's festival will attract more than 880,000 attendees and feature 550 hot air balloons of all unique and fun shapes.
Texas Renaissance Festival
- Location: Texas, USA
- Time: October 5th - December 1st
The Texas Renaissance Festival was founded in 1974 by brothers George Coulam and David Coulam. Located in northwest Houston, the festival is held annually and is described as “a magical kingdom where visitors will live in a mystical world with kings, queens, knights, nobles, fairies, elves, pirates, and farmers…”. The most unique aspect of this festival is that, despite lasting two months, the atmosphere and spirit change weekly with different themes, keeping visitors engaged in a fresh experience within this historically significant setting.
Here, you can stroll along the cobblestone streets of a 16th-century village, visit over 400 craft shops, participate in various games steeped in local culture, and even dress up as a queen, pirate, or Renaissance nobleman.
Diwali Festival of Lights
- Location: India
- Time: October 27 - 31
Diwali, also known as the "festival of lights," is the largest traditional festival in India, lasting for five days (according to the Hindu calendar). The Diwali festival originally celebrated the victory of good over evil, and was a time for people to come together in joy and pray to the gods for blessings. Common activities during Diwali in India are similar to New Year celebrations in other countries.
During these days, people usually clean their houses and buy new clothes in the hope that the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, will visit. A particularly essential part of the festival is lighting up houses with oil lamps and displaying fireworks, all to welcome the return of the benevolent deities. Nowadays, Diwali is not only a traditional festival in India but has become widely known in many other countries.
Paris White Night Festival (White Night - Nuit Blanche 2019)
Location: Paris, France
Time: 5/10
White Nights is a major festival held annually in early October in the glamorous city of Paris. The name Nuit Blanche means "sleepless night," because on this day most people stay up all night, flocking to the streets to participate in the festival's activities. Meanwhile, the name White Night refers to the vibrant lights from the festival's events, programs, and games that illuminate the Parisian night.
On White Night, public transport operates throughout the night, museums remain open, libraries host special free events, and music, art, workshop, and game performances are held along the banks of the Seine and in some of Paris's historic neighborhoods. All these activities continue until the early morning, promising attendees a unique cultural experience.
