Boring? You don’t know her. Spice up your travel plans with one of these quirky events happening around the world. From extreme food festivals to wrestling in oil (don’t ask), your next trip’s going to be anything but average…
Speaking of niche, you can now use our handy events finder tool to see what’s on around the world – start with your interests, a destination or a month and go from there. From country music and cous cous to cosplay, finding events you’ll love just got easier.
Ready to book? Start your search with our best deals.
La Tomatina
Location: Valencia, Spain
Date: 27/08/25
Every August, the small town of Buñol in Valencia, Spain, becomes a haven for tomato enthusiasts during the world-famous festival of La Tomatina. Participants engage in a friendly food fight by pelting each other with ripe tomatoes in the town’s streets. This unique event attracts thousands of attendees from around the globe, creating a vibrant and messy spectacle. With music, dancing, and an endless supply of tomatoes, La Tomatina promises an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.
The Elmalı Yeşilyayla Oil Wrestling Festival
Location: Elmali, Turkey
Date: 05/09/25 – 07/09/25
The Elmalı Yeşilyayla Oil Wrestling Festival, held in Antalya’s Elmalı district, is a captivating celebration of one of Turkey’s oldest traditions. Wrestlers clad in traditional leather trousers (kispet) and covered in olive oil compete in this centuries-old sport, showcasing remarkable strength and skill. Beyond the matches, the event transforms into a vibrant cultural festival, offering visitors a chance to experience Elmalı’s stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and rich heritage. It’s a unique blend of history, sport, and community spirit that attracts spectators from across the globe.
Chefs on Fire
Location: Estoril, Portugal
Date: 20/09/25 – 21/09/25
Chefs on Fire introduces a groundbreaking concept, bringing together top national and international chefs to craft dishes exclusively using fire, smoke, and wood around a sprawling 90m² fire pit, all set to the backdrop of emerging bands and artists. This unique and immersive festival unfolds in a family-friendly environment, ensuring dedicated and safe support for children while grandparents and parents revel in the culinary and musical delights. Emphasizing the “boutique festival” model, Chefs on Fire guarantees a more sustainable, intimate experience, meticulously designed to deliver both comfort and exhilaration.
Baum Fest Barcelona
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: 03/10/25 – 05/10/25
Dive into the heart of urban culture at Baum Fest Barcelona, where cutting-edge tattoo artistry, extreme sports, and captivating performances collide in a weekend of high-octane excitement. Whether you’re an ink aficionado or an adrenaline junkie, this festival offers a thrilling showcase of creativity and skill that you won’t want to miss.
Left of the Dial Rotterdam
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Date: 23/10/25 – 25/10/25
Left of the Dial is a three-day alternative music festival in Rotterdam, showcasing over 150 emerging bands across 20 unique venues in the city center. From clubs and churches to boats and art spaces, each location offers a distinct setting to discover new music. The festival spans a wide sonic spectrum—punk, psych, shoegaze, synth-pop, and more—with no headliners and many acts performing multiple times. It’s an immersive way to explore both Rotterdam’s vibrant music scene and its striking urban architecture.
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Now you know what you want to do, pick a holiday to get yourself there. Start with our picks or find out more about your destination. If you need more inspo, check out what else’s on around the world or search using our events finder.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Daisy Colley (she/her)
Last updated: 07/08/2025
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