Although summer is already halfway through, the wave of events and festivals certainly hasn’t slowed. Our local editors from all across the globe have recommended some of the best ones to attend this August. Get outdoors and enjoy the good weather while it lasts!

65th Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July 10–August 25)

Dubrovnik Summer Festival celebrates its 65th anniversary this year with an extensive programme of dance and theatre performances, concerts, film screenings and a host of other cultural happenings. Although the festival kicked off in July, there are still many events scheduled for August. Tickets are sold separately for each event.

Labadaba International Music Festival in Ratnieki, Latvia (August 1–3)

Laba Daba means “good nature” in Latvian and the aim of this music festival is to create an atmosphere that reflects good human nature as well as the beauty of the natural world. The line-up features more than 60 international bands and DJs. It’s a child-friendly festival with a kindergarten area, nannies and free entrance for children up to the age of 11. Tickets range from €19–30 (pre-sale discounts available for students).

Thjodhatid i Eyjum in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland (August 1–3)

This is the ultimate “party till you drop” festival. Each year Icelanders have a shopkeeper’s holiday called Verslunarmannahelgi, and all over the country they celebrate it in their own outrageous ways with numerous parties and festivals. Held on a beautiful island in the south, Thjodhatid í Eyjum is the biggest celebration of them all.

Photo credit: Michele Bigi

Osheaga Music & Arts Festival in Montreal (August 1–3)

This is the largest music and visual arts festival in Canada with over 90 bands and artists. The line-up boasts world-famous names like Outkast, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Jack White, Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Lykke Li, The Kooks and many more. Osheaga is also famous for its visual arts segment with a host of art exhibitions and shows taking place at various venues across the city in the weeks leading up to the festival.

Granatos Live in Rumšiškės, Lithuania (August 1–3)

This is the first time the international Granatos Live music festival will take place at Rumšiškės – Lithuania’s biggest ethnographic museum. Located fairly close to the city of Kaunas, this festival offers beautiful scenery, open-air workshops and a cosy atmosphere as well as an amazing line-up of local and international musicians.

Fringe Festival in Edinburgh (August 1–25)

Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world. Designed to cater for everyone, the programme features comedy, circus, theatre and dance performances as well as concerts, cabaret and children’s shows. As there are so many events taking place, be sure to plan well ahead so you don’t miss any of your favourites.

Photo credit: Ed Schipul

Birgitta Festival in Tallinn (August 8–17)

This year Birgitta Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra will celebrate its 20th. Thus, the whole programme is a little more festive than usual. The idea behind Birgitta Festival is to combine the dark charm of a medieval convent with the latest in modern musical theatre to create a truly magical atmosphere. The programme includes the works of Verdi and Mozart.

Masters of Calm in Lithuania (August 9–16)

Masters of Calm festival is all about stepping off the stressful routine train and thinking about what’s important in life. In recent years it has become increasingly popular to try and solve one’s problems through spirituality. The organisers of this festival don’t claim to answer all your questions and solve all your problems, however they certainly can introduce you to techniques and teachings that might help you find your path. It’s bound to be an enlightening and exciting experience!

Sziget Festival in Budapest (August 11–18)

As one of the largest cultural and music events in Europe, Sziget Festival probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. Founded in 1993 as a low-profit student event, over the years it has grown into a pulsating international festival that attracts artists and visitors from all over the globe. This year’s line-up includes The Prodigy, Blink-182, Placebo, Lily Allen, Korn and a bunch of other world-class acts. Day passes, five-day passes and weekly passes are still available with the option of camping or non-camping.

Photo credit: Jonan Basterra

B.my.Lake Festival in Balatonaliga, Hungary (August 11–22)

This year B.my.Lake was named the Best New European Festival at the European Festival Awards. It offers an amazing programme for all you techno, tech-house, drum & bass and electro lovers. It takes place at a beautiful location by Lake Balaton, hence the name.

Chiemsee Summer by Übersee, Germany (August 13–17)

This lakeside music festival offers a varied programme of reggae, rock and electro concerts. Over 100 bands and artists are set to perform on five stages. The headliners include Blink-182, Casper, Seeed, Paul Kalkbrenner and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Bear in mind that children under six are not allowed in the festival area for their own safety.

Satta Festival in Pape, Latvia (August 14–17)

“Where electronic music meets nature” is Satta Festival’s tagline, and this sums up the festival perfectly. It’s held at a scenic seaside location just 15 kilometres from the Lithuanian border, so it might be easier to get there via Lithuania depending on where you’re coming from. The line-up includes top international artists such as DāM-FunK, Forest Swords, Lone, Dirty Beaches and more.

Photo credit: Laura Peta

Kubana in Krasnodar Krai, Russia (August 14–19)

Kubana is one of the most anticipated summer festivals in the whole of Russia. Besides a great local and an international line-up, this festival takes place in a picturesque location by the Black Sea. In addition to concerts, the programme features sports competitions, fireworks and other visual shows.

Karklė 2014 Live Music Beach in Lithuania (August 15–17)

This is the biggest international music and arts festival in Lithuania. And it’s set on a beach! The aim is to create a magical hippie atmosphere that makes you forget the “real world” and instead focus on the here and now. There will be six themed stages – Main Stage, Dune Stage, Electronic Stage, Underground Stage, Beach Stage and Rock Club – that will accommodate more than 80 bands and artists.

Photo credit: karkle.com

15th International Performing Arts Festival in Tallinn (August 21–31)

This festival showcases a wide variety of performing arts in various venues throughout Tallinn. The programme features world-famous names as well new talents. As the venues have limited space, events can sell out quickly so it’s recommended that you buy your tickets in advance.

Opening photo credit: daspunkt