There are three long weekends in the next three months. Here are some great ideas on how to spend them, from rock festivals to cultural experiences to scenic marathons.

Boryeong Mud Festival

Date: Jul 17-26

Location: Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, South Korea

This famous festival takes place on Daecheon Beach, on South Korea’s west coast, where the mud flats are popular for their skin benefits. At the festival, you will encounter mud-filled activities, like mud slides, mud boxing rings, mud wrestling, mud body painting and mud trampolines. There will also be concerts every night by both international and local artists.

 

Date: Jul 24-26

Location: Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park, Ansan, South Korea

Not far from Seoul, on Daebu Island, one of the best live music festivals in South Korea is held annually. This year, Ansan Valley Rock Festival showcases big-name international artists such as ex-Oasis member Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Deadmau5, Ride, Alexandros, Benjamin Booker and Kiha & The Faces. Ticket prices start at W120,000 (around $142). Early bird tickets are sold out, so hurry!

Date: Jul 1-29

Location: Yasaka Shrine (also known as Gion Shrine), Kyoto, Japan

Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous festivals, dating back to the ninth century. It was held initially to appease the gods whose dissatisfaction was believed to cause conflict within the local community. This is a great chance to see massive traditional floats, witness theater performances and take candid photos of real geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). Wearing a yukata (a summer kimono) is highly recommended.

Fuji Rock Festival

Date: Jul 24-26

Location: Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa-cho, Niigata, Japan

Featuring over 200 Japanese and international artists, Fuji Rock Festival is the largest outdoor music festival in Japan. This year’s lineup will be headlined by big names Foo Fighters (Fri, Jul 24), Muse (Sat, Jul 25) and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Sun, Jul 26). Also performing are Owl City, Deadmau5, Ride, Motorhead, The Vaccines and many more. Tickets to this event, which aims to be “the cleanest festival in the world,” start at Y16,800 (around $185).

Splendour in the Grass

Date: Jul 24-26

Location: North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, Australia

Australia’s largest winter music festival has had a rapidly growing turnout since its debut in 2001 thanks to its consistent lineup of international acts. This July will see Mark Ronson, Florence and the Machine and Blur headline the three-day festival, supported by the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Tame Impala and Azealia Banks. Very limited single-day tickets available through Jul 20.

Date: Jul 31

Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia

Billed as Malaysia’s first werewolf-themed urban fun run, this marathon takes over the city streets of Putrajaya, to the south of Kuala Lumpur. The chip-timed race will cover a 10km urban obstacle course, where participants (aged 18 years and up) and will be challenged to overcome various hurdles. Gates open at 7pm. Starting ticket price is RM118 (around $42).

Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Date: Through Aug 9

Location: Various spots in Taitung county, Taiwan

Founded in 2011, this festival gathers hot air balloons and pilots from around the world. The airborne activities are set against the spectacular landscape of Taitung county. At night, concerts and themed balloon shows will take place. Booking isn’t available as tickets can only be bought upon arrival at each location.
www.balloontaiwan.taitung.gov.tw

 

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AUGUST

Myanmar

Cambodia

The 2nd Angkor Empire Full and Half Marathon

South Korea

Malaysia

Japan

Australia

Brisbane Festival

Art & About Sydney