Chicago Pride Fest
For 25 years, Chicago Pride Fest has transformed Chicago’s Northalsted neighbourhood into one of the country’s premier LGBTQ+ celebrations. Taking place 20-21 June 2026, the festival welcomes more than 100,000 attendees for a weekend of live music, drag performances, dancing, food, shopping, and community celebration ahead of the annual Chicago Pride Parade.
This year’s lineup features performances from acclaimed artists including MNEK, G Flip, Deborah Cox, ALUNA, and The Aces, alongside rising local talent and drag entertainers.
There will be three stages of entertainment, more than 150 food and merchandise vendors, the Proud Pet Parade, dance exhibitions, a dedicated Youth Pride Space for teens, and appearances by community organisations and performers celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and visibility.
Carnival returns to Bermuda
Bermuda’s annual Carnival (from 10 to 15 June 2026) is one of the newest and fastest-growing globally, offering something for everyone from wild, all-night parties and family fêtes to raft celebrations on the water.
Expect energetic festivities filled with feathers, flags, paint, powder, and live performances from world-class DJs, alongside mouthwatering local cuisine, unlimited drinks, and the nonstop sounds of soca music – the rhythmic Caribbean genre whose name derives from ‘soul of calypso’.
The carnival also coincides with Bermuda’s National Heroes Day (15th June), which honours natives who’ve made significant positive contributions to the development of society.
Bonnaroo, Tennessee and Elvis Festival, Mississippi
The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival returns to Manchester, Tennessee on 11 to 14 June 2026 and promises a magical world of music and discovery on a 700-acre farm. Headliners this year include The Strokes, Major Lazer, Alabama Shakes and Chase & Status. Around 80,000 attendees flock annually for the immersive camping experience in the peaceful woodland.
As the birthplace of Elvis Presley, it is only fitting that Tupelo hosts its own annual Elvis Festival. Held from the 2 to 6 June 2026, the festival celebrates the legacy of the King through various live events in the downtown area.
Visitors can explore personal collections at the GumTree Museum of Art and listen to conversations with Betty Harper, the official artist of Elvis Presley Enterprises. There will be a tribute artists’ competition, a Southern gospel hour and a Tupelo to Vegas Concert, which promises a nostalgic journey through the music of Elvis.
Mountainside Music Festival, Colorado
The inaugural Mountainside Music Festival will take place this month (11-13 June 2026) with three days of free live music on Snowmass’s Fanny Hill stage, celebrating the start of the summer season. As the sun dips behind the mountains, evenings will come alive with a dynamic mix of folk, indie and country music.
Headliners include American Authors, Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners and Pecos & The Rooftops with special guest The Talbott Brothers, performing alongside local vendors and panoramic sunset views. Friday night will culminate in an 18-minute drone show marking both the 250th anniversary of American independence and Colorado’s 150th anniversary as a state. Entry is free.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, launches Art of the Americas Galleries
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), has announced a major reinstallation of its 18th-century Art of the Americas galleries, which will open on June 19, 2026—just ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4.
The reimagined displays integrate art from across North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean—including works by Native American and Indigenous makers—to present a broader view of cultural exchange across the continent during a pivotal time in history.
The galleries feature icons of the MFA’s collection, long unseen works, and new acquisitions, ranging from the monumental to the miniature. The galleries will be unveiled at the MFA’s annual Juneteenth open house, kicking off a two-day ‘America at 250’ celebration that offers free admission to Massachusetts residents and special programs exploring themes embedded in the nation’s founding—resistance, liberty, and revolution.
Starlite Occident Festival lights up Marbella
Marbella is set to shine even brighter this summer as the Starlite Occident Festival returns from June to August 2026 with one of its most star-studded line-ups to date. Maroon 5, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Rick Astley, Anastacia, the Gipsy Kings, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Deep Purple and Kool & The Gang are just some of the names taking to the stage at the open-air auditorium carved into the natural quarry of Nagüeles.
Now in its 14th edition, Starlite Occident has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most exclusive boutique festivals. Held in a dramatic open-air amphitheatre set within a former quarry, the intimate venue offers an exceptional connection between artist and audience, with every concert feeling personal and immersive.
Beyond the music, the festival is a complete lifestyle experience – with award-winning restaurants including Tanabata, Temazo, Sandra’s Caviar Bar and Ánima, plus the Starlite Night Club, where DJs and special performances keep the party going into the early hours.
Hong Kong celebrates 50th International Dragon Boat Races
One of Hong Kong’s most iconic summer traditions is set to make waves once again as the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board, return to Victoria Harbour this June, celebrating a landmark 50th anniversary with a spectacular edition.
Running from 19 June to 1 July, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival will bring a festive programme to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, spanning 13 days through the Dragon Boat Festival and featuring traditional culture, interactive workshops and performances.
Set against Hong Kong’s world-famous skyline, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will bring together teams from around the globe on 27-28 June, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture, sport and entertainment.
Zurich Art Weekend comes to 71 venues
Between 12 and 14 June, Zurich Art Weekend brings an especially exciting energy to the city, with more than 75 exhibitions, guided tours, talks and performances. Taking place the week before the renowned Art Basel, the weekend is a true highlight in Zurich’s cultural calendar.
Comprising 71 venues, from major institutions to globally influential galleries, world-class universities, cutting-edge off-spaces and prestigious collections and foundations, Zurich Art Weekend presents over 75 exhibitions across the city, celebrating the richness of the city’s contemporary art ecosystem. The arts programme, including all free events, is available on the Zurich Art Weekend website.
