Summer 2025 Story Starters – U.S.
May 22, 2025
NORTH AMERICA
Baltimore, MD – www.baltimore.org
AFRAM is one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast and takes place at Druid Hill Park on Juneteenth weekend from June 21-22, 2025. This year’s headliners are soul superstar Patti LaBelle and rapper Juvenile. Other performers include Saweetie, Teedra Moses, Amerie, and Veedo.
Set against Charm City’s stunning waterfront, Baltimore by Baltimore is a monthly music and makers festival held at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater from June-October. Each month showcases a different aspect of Charm City’s creative scene, with DJs, R&B singers and acoustic musicians.
Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods celebrate LGBTQ+ culture all year long, but residents turn out in droves at the annual Baltimore Pride. As one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the country, the annual event features a series of parades, such as the pet parade and high heel parade.
The Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival was founded for residents of Cherry Hill, a culturally and economically diverse neighborhood along the Patapsco River, to celebrate their community’s artistic legacy. Performers represent a wide range of genres from soul to gospel to reggae, salsa and more, and activities include historic reenactments, fashion shows and a fireworks show. The festival is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate to the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival Relief Fund to support educational supplies and opportunities for youth and their families.
Every year, residents of Baltimore and the surrounding area eagerly flock to the Inner Harbor for the Fourth of July fireworks show and free performances. Enjoy music at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater, food trucks at West Shore Park and kid-friendly activities at Rash Field Park, among other waterfront locales.
Experience the magic of Carnival at the Baltimore Washington One Caribbean Festival, a 40+ year tradition from July 11-13. Modeled after Trinidadian street festivals, this event typically begins with a parade of performers followed by a fair and concert.
The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore host Baltimore Restaurant Week to provide affordable and exclusive tastes of the city’s culinary scene. Restaurants participating throughout Baltimore’s neighborhoods will offer ten days of special prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Cincinnati, OH/Northern Kentucky – www.visitcincy.com
This June, The Banks along the Ohio River will welcome “The American Manifest,” an art installation created by Charles Gaines, one of the foremost conceptual artists of the 21st century. The three-part project was designed for Governor’s Island in Manhattan and The Banks of Cincinnati because of the roles these rivers played in the transatlantic slave trade. The project includes a massive outdoor art installation making its way to Cincinnati in summer 2025; a second installation “Roots” coming to the Cincinnati Art Museum; and an original musical composition, “Manifestos Four,” to be performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
The FIFA Club World Cup Matches will take place at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium June 15-25. From July 24-26, Cincinnati Music Festival features performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, Anthony Hamilton, LL Cool J and Toni Braxton, featuring Jubu with special guest appearances by Ronald Isley, to name a few.
New hotels like the 171-room Hotel Celare and the 111-room Moxy Hotel are open for bookings. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport is located across the river in Northern Kentucky near Newport. The 21c Museum Hotel “Nightwatch” Suite has unveiled a sleep-in art installation called “Nightwatch” — “a dynamic canvas where projected light brings the walls to animated life.”
Chattanooga, TN – www.visitchattanooga.com
Chattanooga, Tennessee, known as the Scenic City, can also be called the greenest city having recently been designated North America’s first National Park City. The city earned this honor due to its exceptional public parks, wildlife sanctuaries and urban landscapes.
This summer, these public spaces are on display as the city’s music scene goes outdoors. The 38th season of Nightfall gets underway on the Miller Plaza Stage every Friday night at 7pm from May 2-July 4 – and it’s free. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the free Riverfront music series takes place every Saturday night along the banks of the Tennessee River. Food, paired with beer, wine and cocktails, are available for purchase. Then, later this fall, the World of Bluegrass settles into its new home for at least the next three years. Be sure to catch Chattanooga’s buskers, who are vetted and perform on city streets all summer long.
Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation, Missouri – www.visitozarks.org
The Johnny Morris Foundation, established by the founder of Bass Pro Shops, has a simple mission: to have a positive national impact on wildlife and conservation. This spring, they released 19 sea turtles after rescuing them off the New England coast and rehabilitating them for 16 weeks. Nestled within the verdant Missouri Ozarks where the public can learn more about the mission are the following attractions:
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium (WOW) is the only place in the Midwest where you can have a shark experience (yep – you need a wetsuit!). There’s also a penguin encounter, thousands of fish and wildlife galleries as well as exhibits, including the Native American Hall, Theadore Roosevelt’s Cabin, The Lewis & Clark Collection and more. Shark Week is an especially “fin” tastic time to experience WOW.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Reserve could rival any of our national parks with 10,000 acres of sheer cliffs, fishing holes, trails, timbered buildings and bridges, babbling creeks and herds of free-roaming bison and elk. Discover the canyon like never before with this private educational guided tour. Experience the park’s unique ecosystems with its own personal park interpreter.
Top of the Rock overlooks Table Rock Lake and is home to two attractions. Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of Native American, Early American and Civil War memorabilia and is a great alternative to the Smithsonian. Among the priceless treasures are a lock of Geroge Washington’s hair, Sitting Bull’s war vest and an American flag that was draped across Abraham Lincoln’s coffin. The Lost Canyon Cave Tour is enjoyed from behind the wheel of a self-driven electric golf cart and features 2.5 miles of breathtaking scenery as guests weave in and out of the cave, enjoying a stop at the Bat Cave for a refreshment.
Kissimmee, FL – www.experiencekissimmee.com
Kissimmee’s proximity to major theme parks is unrivaled. Universal Studios is unveiling its first new theme park in 25 years with Universal Epic Universe, featuring 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to the magical Ministry of Magic set to open on May 22. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is launching two new shows on May 27, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a reimagined production inspired by the classic film at the refreshed Animation Courtyard theater, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” taking over the park’s Sunset Showcase with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers — including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent.
Crush Yard will open in 2025, offering a 50,000-square-foot social space that combines sports, dining, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a sports bar, play ping pong, cornhole, and darts, or take advantage of ten indoor pickleball courts. The space will also host events like glow pickleball and tournaments, making it a casual and fun spot for locals and visitors.
The Silver Spurs Rodeo will return on May 31, 2025, to Osceola County Stadium. As the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and one of the top 50 PRCA events, the Silver Spurs Rodeo continues its legacy of showcasing the spirit of rodeo and honoring the county’s rich ranching history.
Loudoun County, VA – www.visitloudoun.org
Known as DC’s Wine Country®, Loudoun also offers vineyard classes, harvest dinners, and rejuvenating spa treatments. The county recently celebrated its 40th wine anniversary, which presents the perfect opportunity to explore a diverse and enriching wine scene. During the summer, guests can enjoy outdoor concerts and festive July 4th fireworks, while autumn brings wine tastings, pumpkin picking, and scenic views that showcase the area’s natural beauty.
Summer in Loudoun is further highlighted by exciting events such as Polo in the Park, the Tarara Summer Concert Series, and the Loudoun County Fair. As the seasons change, fall brings new wines, apple and pumpkin picking, the acclaimed Middleburg Film Festival, and beloved community events like the Waterford Fair and Lovettsville Oktoberfest. One standout event is the Leesburg Animal Park Fall Festival, from September 21 to November 5. This family-friendly event features giant slides, pony rides, and seasonal harvest treats.
For nature enthusiasts, Loudoun’s trails offer spectacular ways to experience fall foliage. Popular paths like Bears Den Trail & Overlook, Algonkian Regional Park, and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) provide refreshing riverside walks and breathtaking valley views. The 45-mile-long W&OD Trail stretches across the county from Sterling east to Purcellville west, following the historic Washington & Old Dominion railway line. Its flat section between Hamilton and Purcellville is especially popular with cyclists and hikers, and farm fields surround it.
Oklahoma City, OK – www.visitokc.com
The Chuck Wagon Festival from May 24–25 is held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This family-friendly event features chuck wagon and First American food samples, butter-making, artisan demos, bandana decorating, live music, and re-enactments.
From May 24-26, Paseo Arts Festival features more than 100 visual artists, 50 musicians, and 20+ food vendors drawing over 60,000 visitors in celebration of its 47th year. The 2025 Women’s College World Series takes place May 29-June 6. Oklahoma City has served as the home of the NCAA Women’s College World Series since 1990 (except for 1996).
Oklahoma City will honor civil rights activist Clara Luper with the completion of the Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza in May 2025. This $3.6 million project will feature a life-sized bronze monument and sculptures commemorating Luper and the participants of the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-in. The plaza will be completed in time for Luper’s 102nd birthday.
DeadCenter Film Festival from June 11-15 celebrates its 25th year. This Oscar-qualifying film fest spans multiple venues citywide with winners in two short film categories eligible for the Academy Awards. Also in the arts, Prix de West from June-August is a prestigious art exhibition at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum that showcases nearly 300 paintings and sculptures by top contemporary Western artists. Visitors can enjoy art seminars, receptions, and an awards banquet throughout the summer.
For families, the First Americans Museum will introduce the FAMily Discovery Center in summer 2025, an interactive exhibit designed for visitors. This immersive experience will engage guests in games and activities. It’s an exciting new way to learn about Native American history and culture through hands-on exploration. And on June 28, Stars & Stripes River Festival offers a day of watersports and family fun at RIVERSPORT Adventures. From kayaking to dragon boat racing and surfing, plus games, food, and riverfront fun, this event celebrates OKC’s adventurous spirit.
Louisville, KY – www.gotolouisville.com
The 23nd annual WorldFest, Louisvilleʼs premier international festival, attracts more than 150,000 attendees over the four-day Labor Day weekend. WorldFest celebrates and showcases the international cultures and communities that make up the city of Louisville and neighboring areas.
The Big Stomp is more than a music festival—it’s a movement. Held at Brown-Forman Amphitheater in Louisville’s Waterfront Park, this immersive, multi-day experience is dedicated to stomping the stigma around mental health through music. Proceeds from The Big Stomp benefit The Pete Foundation, a nonprofit committed to advancing mental health awareness, education, and access to care.
The 2025 Kentuckiana Pride Festival and Parade will take place on Saturday, June 21 on the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park in Louisville. The KPF mission is promoting social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana’s sexual and gender minorities, they advocate pride and celebrate achievements.
Held annually in August at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the Kentucky State Fair is a 120-year-old tradition that celebrates Kentucky’s culture, art, agriculture, music and more. Travel the entire Commonwealth and discover what Kentucky has to offer without having to leave the fairground at the Pride of the Counties exhibit or explore Agland, more than an acre of agriculture exhibits. The exciting and prestigious World’s Championship Horse Show is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair and crowns world champion Saddlebreds in different divisions. The show attracts competitors from across the world and includes over 2,000 horses competing for more than $1.5 million in awards determined by a panel of equestrian professionals.
As the official cocktail of the city of Louisville, the Old Fashioned has a special place in the heart of Bourbon City. Every year, from June 1-14, celebrate the libation during Old Fashioned Fortnight. Louisville shines a spotlight on the spirited Bourbon concoction with special events.
The Muhammad Ali Center will be open free to the public on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the Ali Fest Carnival, sponsored by Passport by Molina Healthcare. The Ali Fest Carnival is part of this year’s Ali Fest celebration, gathering the community together to highlight Muhammad Ali’s impact and celebrate the city he called home.
Pennsylvania – www.visitpa.com
It’s all about good vibrations this summer in Pennsylvania as the classic road trip returns. Visit PA has created a series of “Vibe-tineraries” that are tailored to travelers’ varied interests and designed to spark curiosity, inspire storytelling and elevate the diverse terrain of the Keystone State.
“Pathfinders Only” beckons the adventurous soul seeker and serene sojourner who enjoys the great outdoors. Stargaze at Cherry Springs, paddle the Allegheny Reservoir and hike the PA Grand Canyon. The “Storied Retreat” is a novel idea for literary lovers and bookworms with a desire to stroll through Kennett Square, peruse tattered covers at historic bookstores or daydream about pulp fiction in the verdant surroundings of Longwood Gardens. “Joy Ride” offers a serendipitous journey through Philadelphia and beyond, from treehouse hotels and zoological pursuits to Crayola colors and the thrills of Hersheypark. “The Doomscroll Cure” is all about creating unforgettable experiences, whether cheering on the Pirates at the ballpark or whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle. History unfolds on “A Journey Through Time” from Gettysburg to the Underground Railroad Museum or enjoy nostalgia on “The Throwback Track” with a paddlewheel riverboat cruise on the Susquehanna and stay at this timeless City Hall Grand Hotel in Williamsport.
Other trippy pursuits include appetizing culinary trips along PA’s food trails, nostalgia travel that recall Little League games and roller coaster rides as well as more somber outings to historic and hallowed battlefields as we prepare to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
And Pennsylvania is rife with events, like the Penn State Festival of the Arts on July 9 and Bethlehem’s Musikfest August 1-10. Pittsburgh’s Barrel & Flow Festival on August 9 is a must for beer lovers and the Little League World Series from August 13-24 in Williamsport celebrates America’s greatest pastime: baseball.
Redding, CA – www.visitredding.com
Join yogis on the Sundial Bridge on June 21 for the annual sunrise yoga gathering to celebrate the summer solstice. The Sundial Bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architecture Santiago Calatrava, stretches across the Sacramento River and connects the two campuses of the Turtle Bay Exploration Park – the pedestrian bridge is also a real working sundial and an architectural marvel. Then it’s “om” to the annual Sundial Splash, which also takes place on June 21 from 10am-1pm beneath the Sundial Bridge. This annual community river float is open to all paddle sport enthusiasts, from canoers and kayakers to stand up paddle boarders, outriggers, rafters and drift boaters.
After more than an 80-year hiatus, the Redding Regatta returned last summer to fanfare. For nearly a decade, during the 1930s, the Redding Regatta provided a distraction and respite from current events, such as the Great Depression, that plagued the U.S. economy. The event came to a halt when construction began on the Shasta Dam followed by the onset of World War II. Now the event has shifted from swimming, diving, and boating competitions to kayaking and stand-up paddling – all taking place beneath the Diestelhorst Bridge where it all began so many years ago. Kayak rentals and stand-up paddle boards can be rented at various places throughout Redding. For hotel information, guests can go to visitredding.com for accommodation and event information.
This summer, Redding will also usher in a new era of culinary and community excellence with the opening of the Redding Public Market. Inspired by similar markets, Redding Public Market will be a downtown gathering spot with several dining spots, wine bars and breweries coupled with a gourmet grocer. Within walking distance are public art installations, the historic Cascade Theater, a new bike depot and access to hiking and biking trails.
Rockford, IL – www.gorockford.com
From scenic garden performances to lively community concerts, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the Woodspring Summer Concert Series at Klehm Arboretum, where music meets nature in a beautiful outdoor setting. Enjoy Music in the Park at the Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, a beloved tradition bringing diverse performances to the iconic band shell. Head to the new Unity Pavilion at Levings Lake Park for Live at Levings, featuring incredible local talent and community vibes. Tuesday Evenings in the Gardens at Anderson Japanese Gardens offer a serene backdrop for relaxing summer sounds. And just a short drive away, the Rockton River Market combines fresh produce, local vendors, and live music every Wednesday evening in downtown Rockton.
From powerful moments of reflection to joyful family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone to experience. Domingos En El Parque brings Latin culture to life with live performances, dancing, and authentic cuisine in a welcoming park setting. Polish Fest and Festa Italiana offer rich cultural traditions, delicious food, and lively entertainment that highlight the region’s European heritage. And the S Main Mercado showcases Rockford’s growing Hispanic community with local vendors.
San Antonio, TX – www.visitsanantonio.com
The 2nd annual Stars & Stripes takes place July 1-6 in the city known as Military City USA (a well-deserved moniker since San Antonio is home to four major military installations doused in red, white and blue). The weeklong event includes a street parade along the historic promenade in the heart of San Antonio, family-friendly picnics in the parks, festive brunches and stroll opportunities, themed movie nights, paleta and popsicle pop-ups, music and cocktail events, and more.
Summer in San Antonio means outdoor films. Family movies are projected onto an outdoor screen at Mission Marquee Plaza including Star Wars and Moana 2. There are also monthly free movies in the park at Tower of the Americas. And the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts has films under the stars this summer including classics like ET and The Goonies.
The San Antonio River Walk is the number one attraction in Texas, weaving its way through downtown and beyond stretching some 15 miles with two major extensions. Lined with restaurants and lounges downtown, the extensions and reaches are ideal for walking,biking, fishing, and kayaking. The Alamo features interactive tours and exhibits and hosts reenactments of the Texas Revolution. It’s also one of the five San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, part of the National Park Service and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hemisfair, located downtown and home of the 1968 World’s Fair, offers arts and culture family-friendly programming, fitness and education programs, unique dining housed in relocated historic homes and more. Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the United States. The “El Mercado” boasts more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls. Located on the south bank of the River Walk, La Villita (“little village”) occupies one square block in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The village is on the U.S. government’s National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District.
San Fernando Cathedral, located downtown San Antonio, is the oldest continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas and a jewel of architecture. It was founded on March 9, 1731, by a group of 16 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain. And don’t miss “The Saga,” the light show that brings vibrant colors and storytelling to the facade of San Fernando Cathedral every night.
St. Louis, MO – www.explorestlouis.com
In the summer, St. Louis is home to one of the most significant celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community: Pride Fest, which is widely recognized as one of the most important events in the region.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis hosts an annual festival season that showcases classical and contemporary operas performed in English by talented artists worldwide. The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra accompanies these performances.
The Missouri Botanical Garden features the Whitaker Music Festival on Wednesday evenings during the summer. This festival fosters community spirit and cultural celebration by offering free open-air concerts and food and beverages available for purchase. The Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is a premier event in the U.S. that highlights Japan’s rich history, culture, and people through traditional art, food, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy special tours, including a guided visit to Teahouse Island or a self-guided evening stroll through the beautifully illuminated Japanese Garden.
Another signature event is the Festival of Nations, held in Tower Grove Park, which celebrates St. Louis’s diversity by uniting more than 75 nations during a two-day festival filled with food, music, art, and traditions. Hosted by the International Institute of St. Louis, this gathering promotes unity and prosperity in the region. Powell Hall, the home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, is set to unveil its stunning renovation in fall 2025, offering a world-class music experience in a breathtaking setting.
Tulsa, OK – www.visittulsa.com
T-Town hosts one of the largest annual Juneteenth festivals in the nation, from June 18-21. This important festival lasts for several days in the heart of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District. Juneteenth festivities include live entertainment, food trucks, arts and clothing vendors, games and more while our community highlights a rich history of perseverance including celebrating the resiliency of the thriving Greenwood community.
Tulsa Tough is a three-day bike festival that energizes the whole city, the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough draws hundreds of bikers from across the United States to compete for our amusement show that they’re “Tulsa Tough.” All weekend long, friends, family and locals cheer on these incredible athletes as they ride through town. Day 3 of the event includes the infamous “Cry Baby Hill” where the 21+ crowd engage in a pseudo-Mardi Gras spectacle that’s complete with food trucks, live music, and a biergarten.
Jazz on the Green is a summer music festival that has brought a celebrated list of local, regional, national, and internationally acclaimed cross-genre jazz musicians to the Tulsa Arts District since 2019. This free family event on the Guthrie Green stage has featured national artists such as flutist Kim Scott, keyboardist Ben Tankard, and guitarist Adam Hawley.
U.S. Virgin Islands – www.visitusvi.com
The Beach to Beach Power Swim on May 25, 2025 in St. John, features an open-water swim race with three course options ranging from 1 to 3.5 miles. Participants can race solo or as part of a team, all while supporting youth swim programs and marine conservation. King of the Wing on June 14 welcomes more than 40 teams to compete at Magens Bay for the title of best wings, with the winner advancing to the National Buffalo Wing Festival.
St. Croix Pride Month kicks off on June 1 with events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community that will take place across St. Croix throughout the month of June.
The St. John Celebration from June 28-July 4 is a week of cultural festivities honoring both Emancipation Day (July 3) and Independence Day (July 4) with parades, music, and community celebrations. On July 6, Mango Melee celebrates mango season with tastings, cooking demos, workshops, and a lively mango-eating contest. This family-friendly event is bursting with flavor and fun.
INTERNATIONAL
Barbados – www.visitbarbados.org
Each summer, snowbirds flee the island, making for a more wallet-friendly, less crowded Caribbean escape. For a limited time, select island hotels are offering two complimentary nights when guests book a five-night stay, making a weeklong getaway even more affordable.
During July and August, the most-anticipated Caribbean festival returns with festivities and the infectious energy of the Crop Over Festival filling the island to celebrate the end of the sugar cane harvest. Explore Barbadian culture and discover the wonders of the marine environment at the Dive Fest Barbados from Aug. 15-20. Don’t miss the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Tournament October 10-13, along with the tantalizing flavors of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival from Oct. 23-27. This year also marks a 12-month island-wide journey of We Gatherin’ where each parish from St. Lucy to St. Michael opens its heart through engaging, community-focused celebrations. Every month, a different parish takes the spotlight, showcasing its unique culture and spirit through a series of events that promise to unite and inspire. Find the latest events here.
At Apes Hill Barbados, the “Little Apes” 9-hole golf course opened recently this spring, alongside four brand-new Bedroom Golf and Sea View Villas available for booking. Guests can now enjoy in-villa chef experiences, private spa services, and complimentary golf rounds. A new partnership with Oyogo introduces wellness specialists to enhance the guest experience, and a beach shuttle service has launched for added convenience.
The Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club reopens this summer 2025 with 28 fully renovated rooms from the global luxury brand. In 2025, Marriott expanded its portfolio with adult-only icons The Waves and Treasure Beach, both long-time favorites on the island.
Chile – www.chile.travel
North American travelers can spend their summer in Chile’s winter, where a wide variety of climates range from the arid deserts in the north to the tundra and polar regions in the south. In August, Chile further solidified its appeal as a tourist destination through key developments that enhance its position in the global market.
This summer, Chile has The Winter Carnival and Fireworks of Punta Arenas between July 21 and 22. The capital of the Magallanes Region offers this festivity of colors, dance, and music. Every year, La Tirana, located 72 kilometers from Iquique, holds the Virgin of La Tirana festivity, during which more than 250,000 people gather to join this week-long celebration of Andean roots.
In September, Chile celebrates Independence Day in grand style to commemorate the beginning of Independence from the Spanish Crown. Most major celebrations occur around the 18th and 19th, but the festivities can last up to a week.
Monaco – www.visitmonaco.com/en
Monaco’s summer cultural calendar is headlined by the Grimaldi Forum’s highly anticipated exhibition, “Colours! Pompidou Centre Masterpieces” (July 8–August 31), featuring more than 100 works from icons like Picasso, Matisse, and Basquiat. The Oceanographic Museum continues to captivate with Polar Mission, a multi-sensory deep dive into the mysteries of the Arctic and Antarctic, complete with immersive installations.
Don’t miss Monaco’s signature international events, including the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival (July 5-August 15) hosted at some of Monaco’s most iconic venues like the Salle des Étoiles and the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo, and the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show (September 24–27), drawing the world’s most impressive superyachts to Port Hercule for four days of luxury and innovation. Visitors can also enjoy performances by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, summer concerts at the Prince’s Palace, and relax at Monaco’s Larvotto Beach.
Scotland (BUSINESS EVENTS MEDIA) – www.businessevents.visitscotland.com
Scotland’s MICE landscape is more dynamic than ever, with a host of new venues and experiences for business events. Seaton House has opened in St Andrews, offering 42 luxury rooms and gourmet dining by acclaimed chef Roy Brett, blending tradition with modern elegance. The historic Crossbasket Castle has reopened after major renovations, now featuring state-of-the-art facilities ideal for high-end meetings and retreats. The Edinburgh Gin Distillery introduces immersive tours and tastings, perfect for unique group activities. Mar Hall has refreshed its luxury event spaces and wellness amenities, while Lost Shore Surf Resort brings adventure and sustainability with luxury lodges and Scotland’s first plant-based wetsuit rentals.
New direct flights from Montreal with Air Canada, Boston with JetBlue, and Philadelphia with American Airlines now make accessing Scotland easier than ever for North American delegates, opening even more opportunities for international events.
Toronto (BUSINESS & BUSINESS EVENTS MEDIA) – www.destinationtoronto.com
Toronto is more than a summer destination—it’s a city built for bold ideas and unforgettable gatherings. This season, the city comes alive with cultural energy, from the Luminato Festival (June 4–22) and TD Toronto Jazz Festival (June 20–29) to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (July 31–August 4). Add in major concerts like Oasis’s reunion tour and The Weeknd’s stadium show, and your attendees will have plenty to talk about beyond the boardroom.
Meeting planners will find a reimagined city filled with new luxury hotels, elevated venues, and immersive experiences. From the brand-new TOOR Hotel and Union Hotel to the highly anticipated NOBU Toronto and its 15,000 sq. ft. dining space, there’s no shortage of stylish accommodations and hosting options. Creative venues like the gothic-chic Imperial, sky-high SixtyEight Event Space, and sports fans and corporate groups will love the Rogers Centre’s $400 million facelift, now featuring upgraded premium lounges and event space. And just in time for summer, the brand-new Rogers Stadium will open as Toronto’s largest outdoor concert venue with a capacity of 50,000.
Vienna – www.wien.info/en
The Summer Night Concert by the Vienna Philharmonic at Schönbrunn Palace is a must-see, offering classical music under the stars. Along the Danube Canal, enjoy chill spots like Strandbar Herrmann, the Badeschiff pool boat, and rooftop bars like Klyo, where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails. For water lovers, the Old Danube is perfect for diverse water activities, such as boating and stand-up paddling.
Cool down with Vienna’s rich ice cream tradition, blending 19th-century tradition with modern flavors. Visitors can explore picturesque vineyards, taverns, lush parks, and engaging zoos while enjoying outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and culinary delights.
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