Five Must-See Events Around the World in 2026

Remarkable journeys reshape who we are. Far past standard itineraries, these five extraordinary events invite you to experience the world through raw creativity, deep heritage, and genuine local connection. Across coastal cliffs, ancient rivers, and vibrant night markets, these five unmissable events in late 2026 bring together the fresh perspectives worth traveling for.

COASTLINE OF CULTURE

Sydney, Australia

October 16 – November 2, 2026

For eighteen days each spring, Sydney’s cliff walk between Bondi and Tamarama beaches hosts the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition. One hundred artworks by Australian and international artists dot the two-kilometer coastline for Sculpture by the Sea. Three decades in, admission remains free and the number of visitors sit at around half a million people – proof that successful galleries don’t always need white walls.

Inspired by the coastal art? Fly to Sydney with Thai Airways!

BUFFALO MEET

Rayong, Thailand

October 25 – November 3, 2026

For ten days each year, Pluak Daeng District in Rayong province gives the water buffalo the respect it deserves. In a part of Thailand better known for oil refineries and car factories, the Wing Kwai, or buffalo racing, festival harks back to simpler times. Ceremonial races that double as multi-generational displays of community pride will give way to buffalo parades, traditional folk performances, and nightly country music concerts. A reminder that the country we know and love today was built on rice – and that buffaloes once pulled every plow.

Ready for local heritage? Fly to Thailand with Thai Airways and extend the trip to Rayong.

THE ART OF GOOD AND EVIL

Bangkok, Thailand

October 29, 2026 – February 28, 2027

The title for the fifth edition of the Bangkok Art Biennale, Angels & Mara, is a fitting one: Thais call their capital Krung Thep, the City of Angels, while Mara, the Buddhist version of the devil, also has his place. Contemporary art that teases out this theme will appear at the famous temples Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho, as well as the Bangkok Art & Culture Center, Museum Siam, and One Bangkok, among other venues scattered across the city.

Drawn to contemporary art? Fly to Bangkok with Thai Airways!

RIVER OF LIGHT

Jinju, South Korea

October 3–18, 2026

Each autumn, the Namgang River in Jinju lights up with thousands of paper lanterns – a tradition stretching back four centuries to the 1592 siege of Jinjuseong Fortress, when floating lanterns were used to expose enemies making crossings at night. Now the same waters carry wish lanterns set adrift by visitors as fireworks, drone shows, and food trucks line the banks. Three and a half hours by high-speed train from Seoul, the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival turns a wartime innovation into a stirring ritual.

Chasing river lanterns? Fly to Seoul with Thai Airways!

DAZZLING DELICACIES

Hong Kong, China

October 29 – November 1, 2026

The Central Harbourfront becomes one long tasting menu during the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. Over 300 booths line the promenade with Bordeaux and Australian wines, Chinese and natural-wine selections, Cantonese delicacies, craft beer, sake, and whisky. And the backdrop, a lit-up Victoria Harbor, makes this annual gastronomic event a feast for the senses as well as the stomach.

Craving harbor flavors? Fly to Hong Kong with Thai Airways!