November 2025 is set to offer a diverse array of global events. From vibrant lantern festivals and colorful celebrations in India to lively fall and spring music festivals, our curated selection guarantees something for everyone to enjoy.
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Iceland Airwaves
Where: Reykjavík, Iceland
When: Nov 6-8
History:
What began as a small concert in an airplane hangar at Reykjavik Airport in 1999 has evolved into one of the world’s premier showcases for new music. Today, Iceland Airwaves draws hundreds of journalists, industry professionals, and over 6,000 enthusiastic festival-goers. As the biggest annual event in Iceland, it’s an ideal reason to visit Reykjavik.
Events overview:
Iceland Airwaves is a multi-genre music festival held annually in early November across various venues in Reykjavík. Spanning three days (Thursday to Saturday), the festival primarily focuses on showcasing emerging talent, both from Iceland and abroad. Known for featuring artists before they achieve global fame, many past performers are now internationally recognized. In November 2025 standout acts will include 54 Ultra, Alex Amen, Tunde Adebimpe, and Joey Valence & Brae alongside exciting new names.
General tips:
- Plan to Visit Fewer Venues: While it’s tempting to hop between venues, doing so increases the risk of encountering long queues, especially after 10 pm. Airwaves organizers have improved crowd management, but there’s no guarantee you’ll catch every must-see band. To maximize your experience, plan to visit fewer venues and stay put after 10 pm. Check the Airwaves schedule and explore other artists performing on the same stage as your must-see band—you might discover your next favorite act by chance.
- Visit Geothermal Pools: Join the locals at one of the 17 outdoor geothermal pools in the capital area, all featuring hot tubs and slides. Several pools are within walking distance of downtown Reykjavík, with the large Laugardalslaug just a short bus ride away. Start your day with a visit to a pool—it’s the perfect way to recover from a night at Airwaves and mingle with locals. For better value, buy a ten-ticket card to share with friends, as single tickets are often considered “tourist fares” by locals.
- Get Out of Reykjavík: Explore Iceland’s stunning natural wonders, including geysers, the ancient parliament site, and the majestic Golden Waterfall. For a true Icelandic experience, drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often dubbed “Iceland in miniature.” This area offers a mix of the country’s natural highlights: a sub-glacial volcano, ancient lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, rugged beaches, unique rock formations, and charming coastal settlements.
Interesting fact: Iceland Airwaves is famous for featuring artists before they hit the big time. Many past performers include Fatboy Slim, Kaiser Chiefs, Florence & The Machine, Sinéad O’Connor, and Hurts.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
When: Oct 30 – Nov 5 (key events unfold in early November)
History:
The Pushkar Camel Fair originated in the 19th century as a gathering primarily focused on cattle trading, where camels and horses were bought and sold. Over time, it has evolved from a simple livestock market into a grand celebration of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture and heritage. Today, the fair attracts 400,000 – 600,000 visitors annually to Pushkar. The Pushkar Camel Fair 2025 is a must-see event for anyone traveling to Rajasthan.
Event overview:
The fair begins in late October but the main festivities fall in early November, so we’ve included it here. The event draws visitors with its wide array of attractions. The fair’s centerpiece is camel trading, where beautifully decorated camels are sold for racing, breeding, or transport. In addition to the trading, the event features folk music, dance, cultural performances, and traditional Indian sports. Highlights include lively competitions such as Tug of War, the longest mustache contest, turban tying, camel races, and even camel decoration and dance contests.
General tips:
- How to Get to the Fair: Getting to the Pushkar Fair is straightforward, with the nearest major city being Ajmer. From Ajmer, it’s a scenic 30-minute drive over the mountain pass to Pushkar. For transportation, an auto-rickshaw from the train or bus station costs about 400 rupees (around 5 US dollars), or less if you share.
- Where to Stay During the Fair: Book in advance! Hotel prices surge during the event and accommodations fill up quickly. For midrange options, consider Hotel Brahma Horizon and Treebo Raj Garden. They offer a peaceful stay away from the lakeside noise. For budget travelers, Moustache Pushkar and Hotel Everest provide affordable private rooms and dorms.
- How to Make the Most of the Fair: The best way to fully immerse yourself in the Pushkar Camel Fair is by camping. In India, camping often offers comforts similar to a hotel room, but with the unique experience of staying in a tent. At Pushkar Adventure Camp, prices rise significantly during the fair due to high demand. While luxurious tents are available, there are also more budget-friendly options. For current availability and pricing, visit the official website.
Interesting fact: Pushkar is one of India’s oldest cities. It’s home to the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. During the fair, this sacred site attracts countless pilgrims.
Read also: 8 Best International Economy Class Airlines for US Travelers in 2025
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Strawberry Fields
Where: Tocumwal, New South Wales, Australia
When: Nov 21-23
History
The Strawberry Fields Festival was launched in 2009. It was founded by a trio of young visionaries as a celebration of electronic music and the arts, all within a natural, outdoor setting. Their goal was to create an immersive experience blending music, art, nature, camping, and community. What started with fewer than 1,000 attendees has since blossomed into a dynamic event, drawing around 12,000 people from around the world.
Event overview:
The festival now unfolds each summer at its permanent home, “The Wildlands”. This is a 300-hectare private property just 15 minutes from Tocumwal. The site features over 0.6 miles of Murray River frontage. It offers sustainable infrastructure, making it ideal for several days of live music (primarily house, techno, disco, and funk), large-scale art, workshops, and food. Visitors can also enjoy wild river swimming in one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural settings. In 2025, you can look forward to standout sets from renowned DJs like DJ Afrodiziac, Anu, and Aurora Halal.
General tips:
- Secure Your Accommodation: While you can stay in Tocumwal, with hotels and Airbnb options available, a shuttle bus to the venue only runs on Friday and Sunday for train travelers. However, most festival-goers recommend camping at Strawberry Fields as the best experience. It’s fun, creates a great atmosphere with friends, and the festival ends early enough for a good night’s sleep.
- Choose the Right Camping Spot: Most camping areas lack natural shade. Arrive early to claim one of the few trees, or bring shade structures for your tent and group area. Alternatively, consider setting up near the back, where the area is tree-covered but slightly hilly and farther from the main action. Camping near the glamping tents is close to everything but offers no shade.
- Embrace the Dress-Up: Pack all your wildest, most colorful gear—sparkles, bright spandex, glitter, wigs, party shirts, and anything shiny or silly. Think leotards, crazy accessories, fur coats, and big sunglasses. The festival is all about embracing doof/party attire, so the weirder and more wonderful, the better!
Interesting fact: At Strawberry Fields, artists often create live art in real-time. For example, an artist might transform a blank canvas into a vibrant, surreal landscape that pulses with the music. This captivates the audience as they witness the artwork come to life before their eyes.
Read also: Why Ovago is a Reliable and Safe Platform to Book a Flight
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival
Where: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
When: Nov 5-6
History:
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival, rooted in Northern Thailand’s Lanna culture, marks the second full moon of the Lanna calendar. During these religious events, thousands of lanterns have been displayed to honor Buddha, with the highlight being the release of sky lanterns. It’s believed these lanterns carry away misfortune, paving the way for good luck and a bright future. Today, the festival is a major draw for both travelers and locals, attracting them to Northern Thailand each November.
Event overview:
During the Yi Peng Festival, Chiang Mai is illuminated with candles, creating a warm, enchanting atmosphere. Free celebrations include performances, parades, pageants, and religious ceremonies throughout the city. The main action for Loy Krathong, a tradition where people release decorated floats (krathongs) into the water, takes place along the Ping River. Floating docks along the river are the best spots to release your krathong, which can be purchased easily from vendors all around town.
General tips:
- How to Release Sky Lanterns: Chiang Mai has banned lantern releases within the city and riverside areas due to fire risks, and violators may face hefty fines. However, organized mass releases are available outside the city for a fee. The most popular event is the CAD Yipeng Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival, held during both festival nights in the Mae On district, about 25 miles from Chiang Mai.
- Sky Lantern Festival Tips: Basic tickets typically include roundtrip transfer, festival entry with seating, a dinner buffet, a cultural show, and lanterns for the release. VIP tickets offer closer seating, a private dining area, and slightly better transfer options, but the extra cost may not be worth it. We recommend choosing seats on the side, even in the last row. While the view of the stage may be limited, you’ll have an easier exit and a safer spot away from the cluster of lanterns, which can sometimes catch fire.
- Book Early: The Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai coincides with peak travel season due to the festival and the excellent November weather. Evening flights were canceled last minute in 2023 for safety reasons, so it’s best to arrive a day or two early. Choosing Ovago is smart for its flexible options like cancel-for-any-reason tickets. As for ground transportation, read a comprehensive article on how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train.
Interesting fact: The lanterns used in Yi Peng are typically made from thin rice paper and bamboo frames. They are carefully crafted to be lightweight, allowing them to float easily when the candle inside heats the air within.
Read also: Your Guide to the 10 Best Islands to Visit in Thailand for Amazing Beaches
Don’t miss these global events! Book your affordable flight with Ovago, your trusted travel partner, and start your adventure. Enjoy the ease of flexible payment plans, our price drop protection, and a low price guarantee. We’re here to help you travel smart and make every journey extraordinary!
