Some want a quiet, relaxing escape to the beach during the summertime. Others want to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the mountains. And some want to check off a few more exciting things off their travel bucket list. Luckily, lots of the world’s premier events happen during the warmer months, so we have rounded up our favorite bucket list events worth traveling for this summer.
Kentucky Derby
When: May 4, 2024
Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville Kentucky
Why you should go: Called the most exciting 2 minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby is the perfect place to kick off your summer travels. With a full week of events kicking off Sunday April 27, 2024 there is much more than 2 minutes of excitement. Grab your fascinator, a mint julep and place your bets!
Cannes Film Festival
When: May 14-25 2024
Where: Cannes, South of France
Why you should go: Bringing together the best of the best in art and film, the Cannes Film Festival celebrates the year’s top films, widely considered the most prestigious film festival in the world. Learn more about this year’s 77th Edition of the festival here.
Figawi
When: May 24-27, 2024
Where: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why you should go: Kicking off the Friday before Memorial Day, many consider this weekend the unofficial start to summer. Watch from the docks as sailors race from Hyannis to Nantucket then enjoy the festivities shoreside on Nantucket Island, stay through Memorial Day for a full weekend of excitement. See the official schedule of events here.
Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
When: May 24-26, 2024
Where: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Why you should go: If you were already in the South of France of the Cannes Film Festival, pop over to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. Attracting people from all over the Monaco Grand Prix will be a lasting memory for all those in attendance. Watch the Formula 1 cars fly around the track with a stunning back drop including yachts in the harbor and the breathtaking architecture of Monte Carlo. Get all the details here. So if you want to check off a few bucket list events this summer add the Monte Carlo GP to your list.
US Open Golf Championship
When: June 13-16, 2024
Where: Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
Why you should go: One of four major golf tournaments that takes place in the US, the US Open Golf Tournament is open to amateurs and professionals and is often the place to identify this year’s top talent.
Wimbledon
When: July 1-14, 2024
Where: London, England, UK
Why you should go: The oldest tennis tournament in the world and often considered the most prestigious, the Wimbledon Tennis Championship attracts spectators from all over the world. The only major tournament still played on grass there is a sense of history that comes with attending Wimbledon. See some of the best tennis players in the world and be a part of one of the sport’s most treasured traditions, learn more here.
Monterey Car Week
When: August 9-18, 2024
Where: Monterey County, California
Why you should go: For the car aficionado, Monterey Car Week is 10 days of events celebrating classic cars, automotive innovation, car shows, races and more! With tons of free events there is plenty to see and do, see the full schedule here.
The US Open
When: August 26 – September 2, 2024
Where: Queens, New York
Why you should go: Held at the largest tennis stadium in the world, part of the fun of attending the US Open is exploring the stadium and taking in the different courts. The US Open is often considered the most lively and exciting of the four major Grand Slam events. Plan your visit and purchase tickets here. So if you want to check off a few bucket list events this summer add the US Open to your list.
Venice International Film Festival
When: August 28 – September 7, 2024
Where: Lido di Venezia, Venice, Italy
Why you should go: Finish summer in Italy! The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest in the world still running. This year marks the 81st the festival will raise awareness and promote international cinema. This is another bucket list event worth traveling for this summer. Learn more here.
Monaco Yacht Show
When: September 25-28, 2024
Where: Port Hercule, Monaco
Why you should go: A summer in Monaco comes to an end with the Monaco Yacht Show and this is another bucket list event worth traveling for. Bringing together an impressive collection of superyachts, guests can take in different exhibits, learn from experts and enjoy the final days of summer in Monaco. Get all the details and plan your visit here.
For more of our top summer destination picks read about St. Tropez and Santorini.