Summer is here, which means it’s only right that we head outside to soak up the enjoyments of life.
With so many incredible events and experiences to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. From music and food to culture and art, there are festivals all over the world that cater to a diverse range of interests.
We've rounded up six festivals happening this summer that you won't want to miss.
Essence Festival - New Orleans
June 30, 2023 - July 3, 2023
The Essence Festival is an annual music and cultural festival held in New Orleans, Louisiana. Every year thousands of people travel to the Big Easy to celebrate Black culture, music, food, and more.
Taking place over the course of four days, Essence Fest attendees can expect to enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music, including R&B, hip-hop, and gospel artists. This year’s festival has artists like Tems, Megan Thee Stallion, Remy Ma, Wizkid, Ice Cube, and more.
The festival also has a wide range of cultural events, discussions, workshops on topics like entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and social justice issues.
Attendees of Essence Fest usually leave feeling empowered and rejuvenated.
Essence Fest is coming up fast, so be sure to grab those tickets here if you haven’t already!
Taste of Chicago - Chicago
September 8, 2023 - September 10, 2023
The Taste of Chicago is one of the most exciting food festivals that happens annually in Chicago. The festival is where an array of eateries come together in one space to showcase the city’s diverse culinary scene.
This summer, Taste of Chicago will host pop-ups across three Chicago neighborhoods with free-admission events featuring local food, live music, and more.
In the event summary for the event, it is made clear that food vendors will not only offer tastes of Chicago classics, like deep dish pizza, but also infuse elements of international influences to honor the various cultures in the city.
The Taste of Chicago is a great place to try new restaurants and foods in one place.
Enjoy indulging in local food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful lakefront views and festive atmosphere.
Visit the Taste of Chicago for a list of the neighborhoods and restaurants that will be at the festival.
Rolling Loud - Miami
July 21, 2023 - July 23, 2023
Rolling Loud is an annual three-day hip-hop festival that takes place in Miami, Florida that is easily one of the largest hip-hop festivals in the world.
The festival takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and has multiple stages that are set up throughout the venue.
This year’s festival lineup features big names in hip-hop like Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Kodak Black, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and vibrant nightlife, Miami also has an elaborate restaurant scene, numerous museums, galleries, and cultural institutions you can check out while in the city.
Caribana - Toronto
August 3rd, 2023 - August 7th 2023
Caribana, also known as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, is an annual cultural festival that takes place in the city of Toronto, Canada. This vibrant and exciting festival showcases the rich and diverse culture of the Caribbean, featuring music, dance, food, and art.
Originating in 1967, when a group of Caribbean immigrants decided to celebrate their culture with a small parade, Caribana has grown into a major event in the region.
Although Caribana has a series of events, the Caribana parade is the highlight of the festival, featuring colorful costumes, lively music, and intricate floats. The parade is led by the masquerade bands, which are groups of performers who wear elaborate costumes and dance to the rhythms of Caribbean music.
Caribana is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate Caribbean traditions in Canada.
Life is Beautiful Festival - Las Vegas
September 22, 2023 - September 24, 2023
The Life is Beautiful Festival is a three-day event held every year in downtown Las Vegas. The festival features an eclectic mix of music, art, cuisine, and culture, with a focus on promoting positivity, unity, and creativity.
Covering multiple city blocks, the festival is truly a way to celebrate life in the presence of other like-minded attendees.
The festival strives to create a sense of community and belonging, with a focus on inclusivity, acceptance, and positivity. From the colorful and interactive art installations to the diverse musical lineup and delicious food options, the festival offers something for all of its guests.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! - New York
September 22, 2023 - September 24, 2023
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is the only free summer-long outdoor concert and performance series in New York City that has been presenting talent from around the world and the block for 45 years.
The festival allows New Yorkers to enjoy global music icons, legendary jazz artists, chart-topping indie bands, gravity-defying dance troupes, large-scale film projects and even a virtual reality performance, becoming one of the city's foremost cultural attractions and a beloved summer tradition.
The best part is that all of the performances are free, so grab a loved one and head to one of the concerts listed here.