Cool events you should not miss in 2024: festivals, concerts, markets, popups, fairs… here my pick of top things to see and do next year to make your event planning easier! Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and beyond… a multitude of regular events are coming back, and new ones emerge.
From groundbreaking technology conferences to electrifying music festivals, 2024 promises a plethora of experiences that will captivate enthusiasts and adventurers alike. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the coolest events around the globe that are set to define the year.
Stay tuned, watch this space, and maybe we’ll manage to meet at the one or other occasion. I would love that as I am always trying to meet as many of you in real life as possible.
If you are an events organiser and you would like to see your event featured here, please do not hesitate to reach out. And if you know of an event that I have not (yet) listed here, and that is cool and you can recommend, please drop me an e-mail!
February: 08.02.24, Wiener Opernball, Vienna, Austria
Annually, the Vienna State Opera transforms into the world’s most renowned and festive ballroom during the Vienna Opera Ball.
This distinctive celebration consistently stands out as the focal point of the entire ball season, evident in its significant international allure.
Simultaneously, the Vienna Opera Ball is an artist’s ball, as its unique ambiance is shaped by the creative contributions of talented individuals.
February: 14.02.24, Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with your special someone.
Remember, the essence of Valentine’s Day lies in the thought and effort you put into making your beloved feel cherished. Whether you choose a grand gesture or a simple, heartfelt moment, celebrating love in a unique and meaningful way will undoubtedly make this Valentine’s Day memorable.
Consider starting the day with a surprise breakfast in bed, complete with heart-shaped pancakes and fresh flowers. For an adventurous twist, plan a scenic hike or bike ride together, taking in the beauty of nature hand in hand.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, indulge in a couple’s spa day or a cozy movie marathon at home. Personalised gifts, such as a custom piece of art or a scrapbook of shared memories, can add a sentimental touch to the day.
For a romantic evening, explore a new restaurant or opt for a home-cooked candlelit dinner with your partner’s favourite dishes.
February: 15.02.-25.02.24, Berlinale, Berlin, Germany
Film festivals serve as platforms for artistic expression, promoting peaceful dialogue, encounters, and international understanding.
Through films and open discussions, Berlinale aims to cultivate empathy, awareness, and understanding, especially during challenging times.
The Berlin International Film Festival serves as a hub for dialogue and idea exchange. The festival aims to enhance society’s ability to discuss conflicts, emphasising its commitment to supporting filmmakers from underrepresented communities and regions like Iran, Belarus, and Ukraine.
The festival’s red carpet symbolizes the beating heart of Berlin, fostering joy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations among audiences and filmmakers. Enjoy unique film experiences and engaging encounters at the Berlinale!
February: 19.02.-21.02.24, Basler Fastnacht, Basel, Switzerland
Many Swiss towns celebrate winter with lively carnivals, complete with colorful parades, traditional costumes, and festive music.
In February, you might find Winter Carnivals in places like Basel or Lucerne, where locals and visitors come together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, street performances, and delicious Swiss cuisine.
The Carnival in Basel is part of the city’s identity – culturally speaking, it is at the heart of its creative energies and represents three days when the city goes wild.
The largest carnival of Switzerland is so unique and of such exceptional quality that it appears on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
February: 23.02.24, Semper Opernball, Dresden, Germany
The SemperOpernball in Dresden, one of Europe’s largest opera balls and a feast for the senses, is set to make a spectacular return on February 23, 2024.
The celebrated opera house will host a prestigious program and feature distinguished guests, including actors Dieter Hallervorden and Wolfgang Stumph, TV hosts Inka Bause and Laura Karasek, Dresden’s “Tatort” detective Cornelia Gröschel, celebrity chef Johann Lafer, sports journalist Waldemar Hartmann, and Dresden’s Olympic champion and seven-time bobsleigh world champion Sandra Kiriasis.
Renowned chef Stefan Hermann, in collaboration with his “bean&beluga” team, will contribute to the culinary experience, marking his eleventh significant involvement with this prestigious event.
The team will cater to the approximately 2,500 guests at this grand social event in the iconic landmark of the Saxon capital.
March: 08.03.-16.03.24, SXSW 2024, Austin, Texas
The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, has long been a melting pot of creativity, innovation, and entertainment.
In 2024, SXSW will once again bring together tech enthusiasts, filmmakers, musicians, and thought leaders for an immersive experience.
Attendees can expect cutting-edge discussions, groundbreaking tech showcases, film premieres, and live performances that push the boundaries of creativity.
SXSW Online: Web, @sxsw, #sxsw2024
March: 10.-12.03.24, ProWein, Düsseldorf, Germany
ProWein 2024 continues its 30-year success story. Over 50,000 wine and spirits professionals from all over the world are expected at ProWein in Düsseldorf from 10 to 12 March 2024. And these experts can be sure to experience the largest and most comprehensive line-up of wines and spirits in the world. To the tune of 5,700 exhibitors from over 60 countries have already registered for participation at the No. 1 industry event.
- International wine & spirits ranges are unique the world over
- Industry barometer for current trends & themes
- Premiere: Hall 5 becomes spirits hotspot
ProWein Online: @ProWein.tradefair, @prowein_tradefair, @prowein-tradefair, @ProWein
April: 12.04.-21.04.24, Coachella, Indio, California, USA
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, will return in 2024 with its trademark blend of diverse musical acts, immersive art installations, and a bohemian atmosphere.
Held in the picturesque California desert, Coachella promises a lineup that caters to every musical taste, along with an unforgettable experience where the love for music and art converges under the desert sun.
Coachella Online: Web, @coachella, #coachella
July: 26.07.-11.08.24, Summer Olympics, Paris, France
The pinnacle of global sportsmanship, the Olympic Games, will descend upon the City of Light in 2024.
Paris, with its rich history and iconic landmarks, will set the stage for the world’s best athletes to showcase their prowess.
From the opening ceremony to the closing festivities, the 2024 Olympics promise not only thrilling competitions but also a celebration of unity, diversity, and human achievement.
Paris Summer Olympics Online: Web, @olympics, #Paris2024
October: Tokyo International Film Festival, Tokyo, Japan
For cinephiles and film industry professionals, the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is a cinematic paradise.
Showcasing a diverse array of films from around the globe, TIFF provides a platform for emerging talent and established filmmakers alike.
With Japan’s rich cultural backdrop, attendees can immerse themselves in a cinematic journey that transcends borders and genres.
TIFF Online: Web, @tokyo_intl_film_festival, #tokyofilmfestival
January 25.-28.01.24: artgenève, Palexpo, Geneva
Every year, artgenève at Palexpo, is where art enthusiasts from across the globe are coming together. Celebrating artgenève 2024, its 12th edition, this art fair showcases 80 galleries, with 70% hailing from international destinations, solidifying its status as a must-attend event for art market enthusiasts.
Set against the influential backdrop of Geneva and Switzerland’s impact on the art market, artgenève stands out for the quality and diversity of its offerings. Its intimate format fosters meaningful exchanges between art collectors, dealers, and the public.
Since its inception in 2012, the fair has played a crucial role in invigorating and renewing Switzerland’s cultural scene.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where art transcends boundaries and Geneva becomes the epicenter of global creativity. For more information, visit artgeneve.ch.
January: 09.01.-12.02.24, CES International, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is a hotbed of technological innovation, attracting industry leaders, tech enthusiasts, and futurists from around the world.
In 2024, expect to witness groundbreaking developments in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, and more.
CES is the event where the future of technology is unveiled, making it a must-attend for those eager to glimpse tomorrow’s innovations today.
CES Online: Web, @ces, #CES2024
As we embark on the journey that is 2024, the global events landscape promises excitement, inspiration, and a sense of connection that transcends borders.
Whether you’re a sports fanatic, tech geek, music lover, film enthusiast, or someone who simply craves new experiences, the events of 2024 beckon with the promise of unforgettable moments and a glimpse into the cutting edge of our ever-evolving world.
Get ready to mark your calendars, because the coolest events of 2024 are about to unfold, offering a tapestry of experiences that will shape the year and beyond.