8 unmissable global arts festivals to add to your bucket list

It’s official – cultural tourism is booming. From the buzz of a contemporary art fair to the hushed excitement of an arthouse film festival, there’s nothing quite like a major festival to bring a city to life. Whether you’re a self-professed art lover or curious traveller following the fast-paced rhythm of popular culture, this round-up of the world’s best arts festivals is sure to fuel your wanderlust.   

1. Setouchi Triennale, Japan

Held every three years across 12 idyllic Japanese islands, as well as the coastal city of Takamatsu and the port town of Hiketa, the Setouchi Triennale is a contemporary art extravaganza. Plan your visit to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea area to soak up the exhibitions that are spread out over three seasonal sessions. What makes this Triennale extra special is the emphasis on pop-up pavilions and large-scale site-specific works conceived with the stunning landscapes in mind.  
 
18 April–25 May, 1–31 August and 3 October–9 November 2025

2. Venice Biennale of Architecture, Italy

Taking place on alternate years, and on rotation with its sister event the Art Biennale, Italy’s blockbuster cultural happening should be on everyone’s bucket list. The Biennale Architettura 2025 is just one of several major events hosted under the La Biennale di Venezia banner, which also includes the Biennale Teatro in June, the Dance Biennale in July, the Venice Film Festival in August and the Biennale Musica in October.  
 
10–23 May 2025

3. Namma Art Bengaluru, India

India’s diverse and colourful art scene is set to welcome its latest platform with Namma Art Bengaluru’s inaugural National Art Fair . This brand-new event set for summer marks a welcome addition to the cultural calendar as most major Indian arts organisations host events in winter. The fair is facilitated by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bengaluru’s premier fine-art college, which was established in 1983 and is situated in the heart of this modern, tech-centric city. 
 
28 May – 1 June 2025

4. Tribeca Film Festival, US

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2003, the Tribeca Film Festival has since grown into one of the most respected events on the international film circuit. And as it’s based in New York, there’s plenty more to explore while you’re there. The full 2025 programme was expected to be announced this spring, but as well asin addition to independent films, talks and awards,. The festival also provides platforms for television, gaming and audio storytelling.

4–15 June 2025

5. Art Basel, Switzerland

The Art Basel brand may have spawned prestigious spin-offs in Paris, Miami and Hong Kong (don’t miss our interview with Art Basel Hong Kong’s director), but there’s nothing like being on home turf. The big news for 2025 is that for the first time in its 55-year history, Art Basel will be hosting a series of awards to celebrate artists, curators, museums and patrons. As usual, there’ll be about 300 of the world’s leading galleries showcasing work by more than 4,000 contemporary artists.  

19–22 June 2025

6. Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Canada

Putting accessibility back into art, the 64th Toronto Outdoor Art Fair will welcome about 350 artists, craftspeople and exhibitors to the city’s central Nathan Phillips Square. Established as a non-profit – and with a laidback atmosphere usually found at an independent music festival – the three-day event is set to welcome more than 170,000 visitors, with everything from sculpture and painting to photography and digital media on offer.

11–13 July  2025

7. Edinburgh International Festival, UK 

The Edinburgh Fringe may be more of a household name, but its higher-brow cousin the Edinburgh International Festival is still going strong after 78 years. 2025’s theme is “The Truth We Seek”, and productions are set to include the Scottish Ballet’s new historical work Mary, Queen of Scots; Opera Queensland’s production of the Greek tragedy Orpheus and Eurydice; and Make it Happen, a newly commissioned play starring Succession star Brian Cox.

1–24 August 2025

8. Frieze Seoul, South Korea 

Leading contemporary art magazine Frieze currently hosts four annual art fairs: at its home in London (October); Los Angeles (February); New York (May); and Seoul, where this September it will return for its fourth edition . Hosted in the city’s upmarket Gangnam District, Frieze Seoul typically features more than 110 galleries from Asia and beyond, fast establishing Frieze as a major player on the Korean contemporary art scene.

3–6 September 2025