22-24 August
Sail Travemünde, Lübeck
Magnificent tall ships, windjammers and museum vessels from around the world will sail into the Baltic Sea port, paying testament to the maritime heritage of the area. Visitors can step aboard some of the most spectacular vessels and there are attractions for everyone from salty seadogs to lily-livered landlubbers. www.sail-travemuende.de |
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15-18 August
Flower Carpet, Brussels
Every two years, the master horticulturalists of Ghent enhance the Grand-Place with 700,000 begonias to make up a colourful, if fleeting, fresco. The designs are kept secret until the very last minute, and crowds gather to watch the theme bloom before their very eyes. Take the floral tribute in from one of the square's taverns, or get up onto one of the balconies for the full effect. www.flowercarpet.be |
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12-17 August
Culture Festival, Gothenburg
With more than 500 performances and 500,000 visitors, this is Sweden's largest city festival. Music, art, opera, food and drink, dance, street artists and exhibitions transform the city centre as Gothenburgers celebrate the end of their summer holidays. Most events have free admission. www.goteborg.com/kulturkalaset |
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12-18 August
Sziget Festival, Budapest
One of Europe's biggest music festivals takes place on Óbudai Island in Budapest, with around 250,000 people arriving to see everything from heavy metal to gypsy acts to world music. What began in 1993 as a small, student-organised celebration of Hungarian music now attracts some of the biggest names in music. R.E.M, Kaiser Chiefs, the Sex Pistols, Carl Cox and the Killers mix with the best East European talent on some of the 12 stages. www.sziget.hu |
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10-29 September
World Theatre Festival, Zagreb
Two of Europe's present day playwriting greats, Ariane Mnouchkine and Frank Castorf, present their new shows at this celebration of drama. You can also see the classic Tales from Vienna Woods by Ödön von Horváth, and the famous Belgian ensemble Needcompany will perform their hit show Isabella's Room. www.zagrebtheatrefestival.hr |
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From 18 September
Light Route, Eindhoven
The city streets are decked with innovative illuminations to commemorate the date that Eindhoven was liberated in 1944. The route is some 25km long and most visitors do it the Dutch way: on their bike. This at least gives you a chance to stop and take photos of the striking exhibits. www.lichtjesroute.org |
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20-21 September
Open House Weekend, London
London's largest architectural show has over 600 activities, including being allowed into buildings that would usually be off-limits, and all free of charge. This year's event includes private residences, embassies and even the Olympic site. www.openhouse.org.uk |
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September 25-28
Merchant City Festival, Glasgow
The city's most vibrant cultural quarter plays host to live music stages, drama, street theatre, contemporary art and exhibitions. It's a showcase for all manner of contemporary and traditional Scottish art and culture, and it's all taking place amid the architectural elegance of the Merchant City. www.merchantcityfestival.com |
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