Date: Jul 31-Aug 17

Location: Art Centre Melbourne, Australia 

 

One of the largest and oldest film festivals in Australia, MIFF showcases more than 400 films from local and international directors. Named First Glance 2014 (www.miff.com.au/first-glance), this year’s event presents a wide range of narrative features from the Australian Listen Up Phillip to Swedish-Danish drama We Are The Best, as well as a variety of documentaries and award-winning short films. Tickets and the full program will be available on Jul 11. The opening night gala will take place at Art Centre Melbourne on Jul 31 from 6:30pm. Tickets are AU$150 (B4,560) per person, which includes films and party.  

Date: Jul 1-29

Location: Kyoto, Japan

 

Held annually in Kyoto, Gion Matsura is the city’s largest festival, featuring large parades where locals, dressed up in traditional outfits from the 9th century, parade through the town. Legend has it the festival started in the year 869 when an epidemic led people to hold festive ceremonies in the streets to appease the gods. Though the festival lasts the whole month of July, the biggest highlights are the Yamaboko Parades on Jul 17 and 24 when thousands of people take to the streets playing traditional music and carrying offerings for the gods. Here, you’ll find many girls in traditional kimonos, as well as all sorts of traditional Japanese food and desserts to enjoy. Details at www.yokosojapan.org

Date: Aug 15-16

Location: Jamsil Sports Complex Main Stadium, Seoul, South Korea

 

A not-to-be-missed event for K-pop fans, this two-day music festival will showcase popular artists such as PSY, Bigbang, 2NE1 and Winner. This year’s highlights, though, have to be Lady Gaga, who will take to the stage on Aug 16, and Korea’s YG Family, on Aug 15. Tickets are about B4,000 for a day pass and B5,878 for a two-day pass. You can book tickets at www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert

Date: Aug 16-17

Location: Tokyo and Osaka

 

Despite the cancellation of Banngkok’s Sonic Bang, there is still a chance to catch some big name acts by heading over to Japan for this major music festival. This year the event will be held at two locations—Tokyo and Osaka—and feature over 40 bands performing at many stages in each location. The lineup includes popular artists like Arctic Monkeys, Kraftwerk, Pixies, Phoenix and Little Dragon, many of whom perform at both locations on different days. Details at www.summersonic.com

Date: Jul 31-Aug 3

Location: Hyeongsangang Sports Park, Yeongildae northern beach and other locations in Pohang, South Korea

 

South Korea’s coastal town of Pohang hosts this annual festival focused on a firework  display contest between different competing teams from across the globe. On top of the spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnic displays, you can enjoy entertainment like street performances at eight stages on Yeongildae Beach Road, parades, light art exhibitions and music and fire shows. Details at www.visitkorea.or.kr

Date: Jul 25-27

Location: Naebi Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan

 

Held annually since 1997 at the Naebi Ski Resort, set amid the beautiful mountains, the Fuji Rock Festival has a reputation for attracting the world’s biggest rock bands, like Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters and Radiohead. This year’s lineup has a long list of quality acts including Franz Ferdinand, The Arcade Fire, Jack Johnson, Damon Albarn and The Flaming Lips. For the full lineup, visit fujirock-eng.com/lineup. Tickets are B13,983 (¥44,000) for a three-day pass and B5,816 (¥18,300) for a one-day ticket. 

Date: Aug 1-31

Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 

One of the biggest annual cultural events in Malaysia, the festival is now in its fourth year and continues to go from strength to strength. The month-long event will have a theme of living culture of the city and feature a variety of theater, music, dance, film, arts, food, fashion and photography events spread all over the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its avant-garde leanings, you can expect to catch concerts in shophouses and art exhibitions in beautiful colonial mansions. Find more information at georgetownfestival.com

Date: Aug 21-Sep 21

Location: Various venues, Singapore 

 

Held annually since 1977, the festival showcases a diverse range of performing arts through dance and music in a theater setting. This year’s event comes under the theme of “Legacy,” and looks at how the last hundred years have shaped society. Highlights include British composer Michael Nyman’s award-winning opera Facing Goya, the Berliner Ensemble’s surreal reimagining of the classic children’s tale Peter Pan and classical performances examining the history of 20th century music led by the acclaimed London Sinfonietta. For the lineup and ticket information, visit www.sifa.sg

Date: Sep 19-21

Location: Marina Bay Street Circuit 

 

This year’s Singapore Grand Prix will take place on Sep 19-21 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The highlight for petrol heads is obviously the three days of racing on this exciting street course but there is also a host of world-class entertainment. Divided into four zones, headliners include Robbie Williams, who will perform at the Padang Stage on Sep 20, the Pet Shop Boys on Sep 20, Ziggy Marley at zone 1 on Sep 20 and zone 4 on Sep 21, and John Legend at zone 1 on Sep 20. For the full lineup and details about tickets to the Grand Prix, visit www.singaporegp.sg