From dancing in the streets of Rio to meditating in a Balinese rice field, the world is bursting with events designed to make your heart happy (and your feet really, really tired – in the best way possible). So, if you’re chasing more joy, connection, community and chaos (the glittery kind), these are 15 of the best festivals in the world for good vibes and unforgettable moments.
1. Rio Carnival
Think giant parades, colourful costumes and some of the best vibes to get you in the party mood. Rio Carnival is one the world’s biggest feel-good festivals, with nearly 2 million people from all over the globe hitting the streets of Rio during the celebrations. Given it’s the largest celebration, it’s no surprise the party never stops. And if all of that sounds a bit much, you can always just chill on the beach? Sounds like a win-win.
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: 13-18th February, 2026
Get yourself to the biggest festival in the world
Image source:Contiki
2. Glastonbury Festival
First of all – there’ll be mud. And lots of it. But despite this, Glastonbury is THE ultimate music festival experience. Not only are you in the gorgeous English countryside, but you’ll be hitting the floor to some of the best tunes and lol-ing at some of the hottest comedy acts. It’ll probably be the wildest 72 hours you’ll ever experience. But, so totally worth it and guaranteed to have you laughing all weekend.
Where: Glastonbury, England
When: June 25 – June 29, 2025
Festival ready? Find out more here
3. Holi Colour
The prettiest and most colourful festival you ever will see. It’s no surprise that Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. The pops of colour that shower across India for the Holi Colour Festival are in celebration of positivity and the victory of good over bad. Expect to be dancing, singing, getting drenched in colour and basically having the time of your life celebrating what some might call one of the best festivals in the world.
Top tip: BYOD (bring your own dye)
Where: All over India
When: March 6 – March 7, 2026
Feeling the wanderlust? Check out our Eternal India trip.
Image source:Ravi Sharma / unsplash
4. Edinburgh Fringe Festival
It’s smiles all round at this festival. Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival is all about the new faces and names in comedy and theatre. The streets are packed with performers showing off their incredible talents – from comedy acts to tap dancing and plays. It’s nothing short of fascinating. And as if this festival couldn’t get any better – it’s on for nearly a WHOLE month. So there’s a whole load of fun to be had.
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: August 7 – August 31, 2026
Up for it? Take a tour of Scotland with us
5. Mardi Gras
A contender for the most vibrant and colourful parade, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one you just have to experience. Mardi Gras translates as ‘Fat Tuesday,’ of course. Parade celebrations and masquerade balls span across two weeks and always finish on the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent. The celebration is in aid of eating the remaining rich foods before the Lent season of fasting begins.
Where: New Orleans, USA
When: February 17, 2026
6. Coachella
Boasting the biggest names in music, Coachella is the place to be in 2020 for feel-good festival vibes. As well as the main stage – where the likes of Lady Gaga and Green Day will be headlining this year! – the festival also offers everything from vintage markets and art studios to the tastiest food vendors. Make sure you pack your yoga bag because Coachella is also the perfect place to practice your downward dog, too. And… chill.
Where: California, USA
When: April 11–13th & April 18–20th, 2025
Get yourself to the coolest US festival
7. St. Patrick’s Day
A global day of celebrating true Irish culture? We’re in. Let the country be sprinkled with green! It’s a day of guaranteed fun with street parties and fancy dress leprechauns aplenty (and not to mention copious amounts of Guinness!). St Patrick’s Day is a must for your calendar. It’s one of the best festivals in the world after all.
Where: all over Ireland
When: 17th March, every year
If you want to be in the midst of the celebrations, check out our Ireland trip.
Image source:Contiki
8. La Tomatina
This Spanish festival is dedicated to… tomatoes. La Tomatina dates back to 1945, and until 2013, participation in the event was unrestricted. This meant nearly 50,000 people hitting the streets for the ultimate tomato fest. Now, the festival is limited to 20,000 participants, so it’s essential to secure tickets in advance. Yep, people gather together in the streets on Buñol and throw tomatoes at each other. Why? For entertainment purposes only. We suppose it’s a good way to let off some steam, right?
Where: Buñol, Spain
When: 27th August 2025
Get involved in the tomato throwing action!
9. Happy Place Festival
It’s all in the name. Following her chart-topping podcast, ‘Happy Place’, Fearne Cotton has created a Happy Place festival and it’s ALL about saying byeeeee felicia to the negative vibes and hello to the good stuff. We’re talking live podcasts, creative workshops, yoga sessions and feel-good advice. Totally cool with us.
Where: Chiswick House and Gardens & Tatton Park, England
When: August 2025
Get your tickets to the Happy Place Festival
10. BaliSpirit Festival
As if Bali wasn’t already the destination of dreams, BaliSpirit Festival is perhaps the ultimate feel-good festival in the world. Set amongst the breathtaking rice fields, the BaliSpirit festival is guaranteed to help you re-energise and includes a whole host of experiences. Experience traditional Bhakti music concerts, take a breathwork class and of course get stuck into plenty of yoga.
Where: Ubud, Bali
When: 30th March – 5th April, 2026
11. Venice Carnival
Feeling dramatic? This one’s for you. Venice Carnival is a beautifully mysterious celebration with elaborate masks, romantic gondolas, and historic glam. This festival has been around since the 12th Century. Yup – dating all the way back to 1162. It’s a two-week celebration that usually takes place in February and March, just before Lent. The festival features parades, street performances, and various events, including the “Flight of the Angel”.
Where: Venice, Italy
When: 22 February – 4 March 2025
Image source:Graham Guenther / unsplash
12. Bushfire Festival
This one’s got heart, rhythm and a whole lotta soul. Bushfire isn’t just a music festival — it’s a movement. Held in the scenic Malkerns Valley of Eswatini, Bushfire brings together artists from across Africa and the world to celebrate creativity, diversity and social change. Think feel-good beats, fiery performances, lush mountain views, and a community vibe that’ll restore your faith in humanity. Bring your fire – and your dancing shoes.
Where: Malkerns Valley, Eswatini
When: 30th May – 1st June, 2025
13. Songkran Festival
Get ready to swap your sunscreen for a super soaker. Songkran is Thailand’s iconic New Year celebration, and it’s basically the world’s biggest water fight. Traditionally rooted in washing away bad luck and starting fresh, Songkran has evolved into three days of total splashy chaos. Streets are shut down, water buckets are prepped, sand pagodas are built, and drenching your friends is pretty much mandatory. No wonder it’s one of the best festivals in the world…
Where: all over Thailand
When: April 13 – 15, 2026
Image source:Dibakar Roy / unsplash
14. Diwali Festival of Lights
Fireworks? Check. Sweets? Also check. Enough fairy lights to make your neighbour jealous? Triple check. Diwali, celebrated across India (and many other countries) marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it’s all about spreading love, togetherness, and good vibes. Expect homes decked out with candles, intricate rangoli on doorsteps, and families dressed to the nines handing out pedhas & laddoos – AKA some of the best foods in India. It’s five days of celebration, with one giant feel-good energy boost at its core. If you’re looking to be wrapped in joy (and maybe a few hundred fairy lights), Diwali definitely delivers.
Where: all over India
When: 20-24th October, 2025
15. Splendour in the Grass
Splendour in the Grass is basically Australia’s answer to Coachella – but with more kangaroos and fewer flower crowns. Held in the stunning Byron Bay hinterland, this winter festival serves up an exciting mix of music, art and good vibes. You’ll find international headliners, rising Aussie talent, immersive art installations, and enough glitter to stock a small planet. Whether you’re dancing your heart out in the Amphitheatre or chilling in the boho teepee forest (yes, really), the vibe is immaculate. And with zero mud and plenty of sun, it’s the perfect mid-year reset.
Where: Byron Bay, Australia
When: 18-20th July, 2025
What is the greatest festival in the world?
Greatest? Hard to choose. But the biggest festival in the world certainly is the Rio Carnival. Think: 2 million people per day filling the streets of Rio, jaw-dropping costumes, nonstop samba, dazzling parades, and pure joy.
What is the number 1 music festival?
Many would say Glastonbury Festival in England. It’s legendary, eclectic, and massive – with music, theatre, comedy, circus acts, and more spread across over 100 stages. Artists dream of headlining it, and fans dream of surviving the mud. If we’re talking iconic status, diverse line-ups, and cultural impact, Glasto sits right at the top.
