Spring is upon us, bringing forth the opportunity to enjoy a festival or two somewhere in the world. Here's a guide to where the Wise Traveller will be in April.
Coachella, California, USA
April 10-12, April 17-19
Coachella is one of the top music festivals to attend and be seen at. A-listers, celebrities and music fans flock to see some of the best Western musicians you can only ever hear on the radio or tour. Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G are some of the headliners for 2026.
World Surf League Championships, Victoria, Australia
April 1-27
Bell's Beach in Victoria State will herald the start of the 50th anniversary world tour from April 1-11, before heading to Margaret River, Western Australia, from April 17-27. The tour then goes around the world, calling in at such iconic surf spots as Rio de Janeiro, Tahiti, Fiji, Abu Dhabi, and Hawaii. Travellers will be able to watch some of the best surfers in the world in the men's and women's fields. The tour includes nine regular-season stops, two postseason showdowns, and a high-stakes, winner-takes-all finale.
Feria de Abril Sevilla, Seville, Spain
April 21- 26
Seville's April Fair fuses fire, dance, food and lots of flamenco music. It is a week full of tradition, colour and special moments. At midnight onApril 21, the official start is marked with the lighting of the "Alumbrao". Thousands of locals and tourists congregate to see the illumination of thousands of light bulbs. Then the Real de la Feria really comes alive.
Songkran Water Festival, Thailand
April 13-15
Songkran is Thailand's national holiday for the Thai New Year. Festivities are held countrywide with major activities in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Songkran is on April 13 every year, but the holiday period can extend. Songkran represents new beginnings, with traditional water splashing to cleanse away the past year's misfortunes and look to a New Year.
DGTL, Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 3-5
The future of electronic music is celebrated at DGTL Amsterdam 2026 at the NDSM Docklands. Cutting-edge stage designs, forward-thinking sounds, and a weekend full of art, innovation, and collective energy await. Globally renowned names alongside tomorrow's trailblazers offer a diverse lineup that defines the forefront of electronic culture and pure dance-floor magic.
Snowbombing Festival, Mayrhofen, Austria
April 6-11
Snowbombing is a premier week-long winter music festival on the Austrian Tyrol. Known as "The World's Greatest Show on Snow," the event combines the thrill of snowboarding with an extravaganza of electronic music and unforgettable parties. There will be top international DJs and headliners, including De La Soul.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Japan
April onwards
April is prime time to welcome cherry blossom (sakura) in Japan, as they symbolise the new season and a new lease on life. Cherry blossoms are a crucial component in Japanese culture. Their arrival is widely celebrated with events with food, song, dance, and camaraderie.
One such festival is the Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival. Osaka Castle Park is brimming with more than 4,000 beautiful cherry trees, which are illuminated after dark throughout Nishinomaru Garden.
Located within the boundaries of one of Japan's sacred UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Mt Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival dazzles with its far-reaching views of pink cherry blossoms and tranquil mountain scenery. The territory encompasses three distinct cherry blossom viewing areas: the top of Mt Yoshino, the Shimo (lower) area, and the Naka (middle) area. Best viewed early to mid-April, there are said to be 30,000 cherry trees across Mt. Yoshino.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
