Burning Man Festival
August 25–September 1, 2009
Black Rock Desert near Reno, Nevada
I want to write off my days of Burning Man and assume I’ve outgrown it, but friends insist that it keeps getting better. An alternative universe that I once explained as, “Mad Max meets inclusive carnival art freak show for adults,” I still believe that everyone should experience Burning Man at least once in their lifetime. Make sure to check your judgment at the entrance gate and bring everything you need in order to survive in the desert. If you forget something, don’t worry, a nice soul will probably gift you whatever it is that you need, and end up as your friend for the day.
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
August 29–October 5th, 2008
Lisdoonvarna, Ireland
Coined Europe’s biggest singles event, if you’re looking for that handsome Prince William type waiting for you as he sips his Guiness at the pub, then you have five weeks to find him. Music and dancing on the weekends until 4:00 a.m., horse and sulki (buggy) racing, a local matchmaker to speed things along in the last three weekends, and a “Mr. Lisdoonvarna” and the “Queen of the Burren” competition at the end makes St. Patrick’s Day look like a celebration for lonely souls.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
October 28–November 1, 2008
Throughout India
The first day of India’s auspicious Diwali (calculated annually according to the position of the moon) marks the beginning of a year filled with prosperity and well-being. All over India, streets, temples, buildings, and homes shine with candles and lights. I spent Diwali in Calcutta and Varanasi one year, and watched in awe while life-size installments of Hindu gods and goddesses took over streets like a hall of mirrors. Fireworks keep the evil spirits away, making Diwali a special celebration to kick off your fall.
Woodford Folk Festival
December 27–January 1, 2008
Woodford, Queensland, Australia
Held in a quaint town on Australia’s Eastern Sunshine Coast, this festival draws artists from around the world to put on over 400 concerts, workshops, street theatre, writers’ panels, a film festival, comedy acts, arts and crafts workshops, and a full children’s festival over a weekend. I would like to buy my ticket now to the midnight cabarets and fire shows to round out my first trip to Oz.
