Andrew Harper recommends hotels in only compelling destinations. Perhaps a place has pristine beaches or scenic ski runs, or maybe it’s a sophisticated city with an enviable culinary scene. Exciting events in these same destinations further enhance their appeal. These 14 upcoming events make us want to pack our bags.

Photography in France

From July 7-October 5, the city of Arles in the South of France hosts Les Rencontres de la Photographie. More than 150,000 visitors will descend on this historic gem on the Rhône for the prestigious 56-year-old photography festival. This summer, it will feature 160 artists in 46 exhibitions at 26 locations. Admire the work of influential names like Dora Maar, the 20th-century French photographer known for her surrealist images.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Languedoc-Roussillon, France.

Movies in Mexico

Take your pick from more than 400 films by young filmmakers and seasoned veterans at one of the most important cinema competitions for moviemakers in Latin America. The colorful Mexican colonial cities of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende and Irapuato host the Guanajuato International Film Festival, July 25-August 4. Besides screenings, there are workshops, networking events, concerts and a variety of cultural activities.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Central Mexico.

Wagner in Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Opera is a treat every season, and there’s something special in store for opera devotees this summer. For the first time, the SFO will present “Die Walküre,” the Wagner masterpiece, on July 26-August 21. Ryan Speedo Green and Tamara Wilson, two award-winning artists, sing the lead roles. Other performances include “La Bohème,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” “The Turn of the Screw” and “Rigoletto.”

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Santa Fe.

Pyrotechnics in Tokyo

Marvel at a sparkling spectacle in Tokyo on the evening of July 26. Thousands of fireworks — many of them new and innovative — light up the sky over the Sumida River in the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, one of the city’s most famous pyrotechnic displays. The annual affair, which dates to the Edo period, draws large crowds, with many spectators dressing up in traditional yukatas (lightweight cotton kimonos) and noshing on picnic fare in the streets and parks.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Tokyo.

Carnival in the Caribbean

Even though it’s well after Lent, you can still find a raucous carnival in the Caribbean: Spicemas in Grenada. The unabashed merrymaking this summer is slated for August 1-12, most of it in the island’s pretty capital city of St. George’s. It’s just the kind of party you’d expect: lively parades, colorful (and sometimes barely there) costumes bedecked with feathers and jewels, stilt walkers, dancing in the streets to soca and calypso music and more.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Grenada.

Whisky in Tasmania

In Australia, Tasmania reigns supreme when it comes to making whisky. Its growing number of distilleries (now numbering more than 70) have grabbed the attention of connoisseurs across the globe, nabbing major international awards. See what all the fuss is about during Tasmanian Whisky Week, August 4-10. More than 20 events scattered across the island include distillery tours, whisky tastings, “Meet the Maker” get-togethers and educational sessions.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Tasmania.

Art in Belgium

Every year, modern and contemporary art take center stage at the prestigious Knokke Art Fair, which celebrates its 50th anniversary August 9-17 in Knokke-Heist, on the coast of Belgium near Bruges. Join the throngs of art connoisseurs, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world who will converge at the Grand Casino Knokke to see influential pieces from top international galleries, including works by the likes of Bernard Buffet, Hans Hartung and Jeff Koons.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Bruges.

Vermeer in New York

After a five-year renovation, the acclaimed Frick Collection reopened in New York in April. In June, it debuted its new Special Exhibition Galleries with a must-see show on display through August 31. Vermeer’s Love Letters features three of the 17th-century Dutch painter’s iconic works that have never been displayed together before: “Mistress and Maid,” “The Love Letter” and “Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid.”

» See Harper-recommended hotels in New York City.

Flowers in Fiji

Fijian culture is the star of Fiji’s annual Hibiscus Festival, one of the archipelago’s largest and longest-running fests. Along with more than 100,000 other revelers, you can take part in the spirited celebration this year from August 23-30 in Suva, the capital. It’s worth tearing yourself away from one of Fiji’s famous beaches for at least a day or two to party with the friendly locals. Parades with beautiful flower-laden floats, lots of music and dancing, and traditional Fijian food would leave us with no regrets about any beach days we gave up.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Fiji.

American Football in São Paolo

If you’re a football fan, start dusting off your Portuguese and book a flight to (oddly enough) São Paulo. Brazil’s largest city is hosting the NFL’s first of seven international games this year on September 5, during Week 1 of the league’s 2025 regular season. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, two big AFC West rivals, will battle in Corinthians Arena. With the teams’ two star quarterbacks — Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert — facing off, spectators are sure to get their money’s worth.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in São Paolo.

Food Fest in Singapore

Asia’s safest city-state celebrates its reputation as a gourmet center with the annual Singapore Food Festival, taking place at venues across town from September 4-24. Enjoy a range of mouthwatering activities, from curated dining experiences at top restaurants to cooking demonstrations and chef-led masterclasses. And don’t pass up the chance to sample Singapore classics, like Hainanese chicken rice (a poached-chicken dish) and laksa (a spicy noodle soup).

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Singapore.

Speed Demons in Italy

Held in Monza (just outside Milan), the Italian F1 Grand Prix is a hot ticket every year, and not just because it’s the world’s oldest continually held Grand Prix race. And not just because the action unfolds on Europe’s oldest track — the Autodromo Nazionale, the fastest one on the F1 circuit, hence its nickname, the “Temple of Speed.” Just as big a draw are the Tifosi, the passionate Italian Ferrari fanatics who fill the stands with Ferrari red and add plenty of spark to the scene. See what we mean September 5-7.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Italy.

Architecture in Chicago

Peer into the future of design at the Chicago Architecture Biennial, September 19, 2025 to February 28, 2026. North America’s largest international survey of contemporary architecture and design will feature more than 100 visionaries. Architects, designers and creative practitioners from every corner of the globe will share their insights at what lies ahead through project exhibitions, films, lectures and more. All programming is free and open to the public and will be held throughout the city.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Chicago.

Wine in Spain

La Rioja ranks as Spain’s most famous wine region, producing high-quality bottlings that win raves internationally. Celebrate its wine-making heritage with proud locals and wine lovers from around the world at the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival in Logroño, September 20-26. It’s a festive, weeklong party featuring grape-stomping competitions, wine and food tastings, colorful parades, concerts and dancing in the streets.

» See Harper-recommended hotels in Spain.

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For travel planning assistance, contact the Andrew Harper Travel Office at 800-375-4685 or Reservations@AndrewHarper.com.