Every year brings both new and recurring events, and it’s always good to keep many of them in mind. This year is no exception. Full of exciting festivals and colorful carnivals, 2019 promises to keep us all entertained and busy throughout its months—especially if you can afford to travel around the world. Otherwise, just lookout for the events that might interest you in the locations you can afford to visit, and enjoy a wonderful year! So, for your pleasure, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting events in 2019 you can look forward to.
January
Australian Open – Australia
(From January 14 to January 21)
The first Grand Slam of the year, this is what kicks the whole tennis world into motion every January. Sit back and enjoy some of the best players there’s been in generations.
Sundance Film Festival – US
(From January 24 to February 3)
The largest independent film festival in the United States, and one of the more important film events of the year.
February
Super Bowl – US
(February 3)
The annual and very anticipated championship game of the National Football League (NFL). The Super Bowl is one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
Berlin Film Festival – Germany
(From February 7 to February 17)
Also known as the Berlinale, it is one of the most attended annual film festivals in the world, and also one of the most prestigious (along with the Venice Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival).
Valentine’s Day -Worldwide
(February 14)
The celebration of love and friendship throughout the western world, commemorating the life of a rather mysterious figure. Get your flowers and love letters ready!
Carnevale di Venezia – Italy
(From February 16 to March 5)
A world-famous event characterized by its elaborate masks and colorful sights, set in one of the most beautiful cities Italy has to offer (which is saying a lot!).
Taiwan Lantern Festival – Taiwan
(February 19)
Every year, Taiwan celebrates its lantern festival with staggering displays of light and fire. Thousands of sky lanterns are lit over Pingxi District in the north, while in Yanshui District, to the south, a lavish fireworks display takes place.
Bahia Carnival – Brazil
(From February 28 to March 6)
A prominent six-day carnival celebrated in Brazil, this festivity welcomes over 2.5 million participants every year.
March
Melbourne Comedy Festival – Australia
(From March 1 to April 30)
The third-largest international comedy festival, here you’re sure to find the top stand-up and cabaret acts in the world.
Rio Carnival – Brazil
(From March 2 to March 9)
This centuries-old celebration is considered the biggest carnival in the world, featuring more than 2 million people per day on the street!
SXSW – US
(From March 8 to March 17)
South By Southwest, or South By, began in 1987 and hasn’t stopped growing since. It’s basically a big mix of film, music festivals, conferences, and interactive media (most notably, video games) that takes place every year in Texas.
St. Patrick’s Day – Ireland
(March 17)
Also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick, this cultural celebration commemorates the death of Ireland’s foremost patron saint—who’s up for the famous Irish parties? I heard alcohol was involved.
Holi Festival – India
(From March 20 to March 21)
This traditional Hindu spring festival is also called “the festival of love” or “the festival of colors,” and for good reason. People throw colored powders at each other, providing a flush display of hues and tints of all kinds.
April
Snowbombing – Austria
(From April 8 to April 13)
A popular ski resort festival celebrated in the Austrian town of Mayrhofen. It features several activities and performances by international celebrities.
Songkran – Thailand
(From April 13 to April 15)
If you’re still looking for New Year’s celebrations by this time, you’re in luck. Songkran is essentially the Thai New Year’s. Although New Year is now officially celebrated on January 1 in Thailand, this holiday commemorates the traditional “astrological passage” of that country’s past.
May
Cannes Film Festival – France
(From May 15 to May 23)
Arguably the most famous and prestigious film festival in the world, this annual event previews the most prominent upcoming movies of the year, no matter the genre.
Monaco Grand Prix – Monaco
(From May 23 to May 26)
Speaking of important and prestigious, we couldn’t leave the Monaco Grand Prix out of this list for all the automobile lovers out there. This Formula One race is held on the Circuit de Monaco, a glamorous arena located in the heart of Europe.
Indianapolis 500 – US
(May 26)
And then there’s the Indianapolis 500, another extraordinary car race that takes place in Indiana, United States.
French Open – France
(From May 27 to June 3)
Also known as Rolland Garros, this is the second Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, and the only one featuring a clay surface.
Cricket World Cup – UK
(From May 30 to July 14)
Once every four years, the International Cricket Council organizes one of the world’s most viewed sporting events, this time in London.
June
UEFA Champions League Final – Spain
(June 1)
The single most watched annual sports event in the world, the UEFA Champions League Final is where you get to see the best of the best football (or “soccer,” if you will) you can find.
FIFA Women’s World Cup – France
(From June 7 to July 7)
Speaking of football (or soccer, if you will), the Women’s World Cup, which takes place once every four years, is coming to France this June. It should be a great watch!
Glastonbury Festival – UK
(From June 26 to June 30)
This is a five-day festival featuring the best contemporary performing arts consisting of music, dance, comedy, theatre, cabaret, and even circus.
July
Wimbledon – UK
(From July 1 to July 8)
The third and, to many, most prestigious Grand Slam of the year. Wimbledon features the biggest names in tennis competing on England’s traditional grass courts.
Total Solar Eclipse – South America
(July 2)
Once we would’ve taken it as an omen, but today we can simply enjoy this natural event while understanding the predictable forces behind it. This one will be visible from South America.
Pan American Games – Peru
(From July 26 to August 11)
This is one of the major sports events in the Americas, featuring thousands of world-class athletes competing once every four years in several types of Summer games.
August
US Open – US
(From August 26 to September 2)
The fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, taking place in New York, United States.
September
Rugby World Cup – Japan
(From September 20 to November 2)
Just in case you couldn’t get your fill of world cups in 2019, here’s one more. Like many others, the Rugby World Cup takes place every four years, featuring the top international teams, who’ll meet in Japan this time around.
November
Transit of Mercury – Worldwide
(November 11)
Mercury will pass right in front of the Sun this year, a rare event in which the planet will be visible against our star. If you don’t catch a glimpse this November, you’ll have to wait until 2032 to experience it again, so be sure not to miss it!
December
Annular Solar Eclipse – South Asia
(December 26th)
Unlike a total eclipse, when the moon covers the sun entirely, an annular solar eclipse leaves the outer edges of the star visible. The results are amazing, as the moon is surrounded by an ominous circle of fire. This year, one such eclipse will be visible from South Asia.
This list is a broad overview, but it should suffice to give you a rough idea of what to expect in 2019. What event are you looking forward to the most?
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