Winter is not usually a season for outdoor celebrations. The further north you are, the more likely you will be spending most of your winter indoors – unless you have a reason to go outside.
Residents …

Oktoberfest began in Munich, Germany in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. German immigrants took the tradition, known for consuming beer and sausages, with them when they moved to the U.S. Whether you’re headed for the official celebration in Munich or not, you can still celebrate at one of the top ten Oktoberfest festivals

One night only. All night long. Twelve hours. Three zones. 130 art projects. Get ready for Toronto’s all-night arts festival: ScotiaBank’s Nuit Blanche.

Autumn is perhaps the best time to visit New York City; the weather is usually glorious, summer tourist crowds are gone, and fall offers some of the top events and activities of the year.

The 500-year history of Puerto Rico has created a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is celebrated in the many festivals held year-round on this enchanting Caribbean island. A round-up of some of the most popular festivals may help you decide when to plan your trip for the highest fun quotient.

Salsa, the meeting point of European and African culture in dance, has been heavily influenced by Puerto Rico. The first seeds of the complex genre that we know as salsa today were sown in 1960s New York, where immigrants such as Tito Puente and Willie Colon made the music and dance form popular. Incorporating rhythms from African-based music, traditional Caribbean sounds and American R&B, Puerto Rican salsa has laid roots that have been elevated into an art form.

Austin, Texas has adopted the self-given moniker of “Live Music Capital of the World.” With more than 1,900 bands and performing artists living in and around the city, on any given night there are approximately 75 live music acts available to catch, from one guy with his guitar playing a coffeehouse, to a world-renowned band on tour at one of the major arenas.

The parks of New York City serve as the grounds for some of the world’s most popular music, arts and cultural festivals, and come summertime, there’s no shortage of things to do. The most scenic parks in NYC come alive with live entertainment, family activities and educational events that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy.

For travelers who put a premium on authentic experiences, the world’s great festivals are ideal attractions. What could be better—and less touristy—than spending Lunar New Year in Hong Kong or hopping the Atlantic to attend Oktoberfest in Munich?

Some festivals have an element of outrageousness (Carnival in Rio) or danger (Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls). And then there are those that can only be described as bizarre or extreme. These lesser-known festivals are compelling whether you are participating (not advisable for some of the events on the list, as you’ll learn) or simply observing them.

Despite the fact that its origins can be traced back to the British Isles, Halloween is known as a primarily American holiday. Religious holidays, such as All Saints Day and All Souls Day, occur …