Cultural Festivals Perfect for Group Travel Adventures

22 September 2025

Traveling with friends or family is an experience like no other, especially when you throw in a cultural festival! These events offer a chance to see the world at its most vibrant—music, dance, food, and traditions that breathe life into a place. Whether you're looking for wild celebrations, historical reenactments, or food-filled feasts, there's a festival somewhere that fits the bill.

So, grab your squad, pack your bags, and set your sights on these incredible cultural festivals that are perfect for group travel adventures!

1. Oktoberfest (Germany) – The Ultimate Beer Festival

Where: Munich, Germany
When: Late September – Early October

Who doesn't love a good beer and a lively crowd? Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, and it’s best experienced with friends. Picture massive beer tents, traditional Bavarian outfits, and cheerful locals clinking steins in toasts that echo through the night.

But it’s not just about beer—there’s also delicious German food like pretzels, bratwurst, and roast chicken. Plus, carnival rides and lively folk music keep the energy levels high. If you and your group are ready for an unforgettable time, Oktoberfest should be at the top of your list.

Pro Tip:

Reserve your beer tent table in advance to avoid scrambling for a seat last minute!

2. Rio Carnival (Brazil) – A Dazzling Explosion of Color

Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: February/March (Before Lent)

Rio Carnival is hands down one of the most vibrant festivals in the world. Think of it as a massive dance party where samba rhythms fill the air, dazzling costumes shine under the lights, and the whole city turns into a never-ending parade.

This is perfect for group travelers because, let’s be honest, festivities are always better when you have people to dance with! Watch the world-famous Samba Parade, join a street party (bloco), or just soak in the lively atmosphere of Rio. It’s pure, unfiltered joy from start to finish.

Pro Tip:

Book accommodations early—Rio gets packed, and prices skyrocket the closer you get to Carnival.

3. Holi (India & Nepal) – The Festival of Colors

Where: India & Nepal (Celebrated nationwide)
When: March (Full Moon Day)

If you've ever wanted to be part of a live color explosion, Holi is your dream come true. During this festival, people throw brightly colored powders at one another, dance to upbeat music, and celebrate joy, love, and the arrival of spring.

Now, imagine experiencing this with your closest friends, running through the streets covered in every color imaginable—sounds pretty unforgettable, right? Add in sweet treats like gujiya and cooling drinks like thandai, and you’ve got the recipe for an epic adventure.

Pro Tip:

Wear white clothing to make the colors pop in photos—and don’t wear anything too expensive because those colors will stay with you for a while!

4. La Tomatina (Spain) – The World’s Biggest Food Fight

Where: Buñol, Spain
When: Last Wednesday of August

Ever dreamt of throwing tomatoes at your friends—without consequences? Welcome to La Tomatina! This insane festival turns the small town of Buñol into a massive red battlefield where thousands of people pelt each other with ripe tomatoes.

It’s chaotic, messy, and ridiculously fun. Bring your squad along, and you’ll have the time of your life getting covered head-to-toe in tomato pulp while laughing uncontrollably. It’s the kind of experience you’ll talk about for years.

Pro Tip:

Wear goggles—trust us, tomato juice in the eyes is no joke!

5. Mardi Gras (USA) – A Wild Street Party in New Orleans

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
When: February or March (Day before Ash Wednesday)

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a must-do for any group looking for an exhilarating experience. With massive parade floats, elaborate costumes, jazz music, and endless beads being thrown through the air, it’s the ultimate street party.

The best way to enjoy Mardi Gras? Grab some king cake, dress up in vibrant purple, green, and gold, and wander through the French Quarter with your friends. The energy is contagious, and you’re bound to have a blast.

Pro Tip:

The French Quarter gets wild—stick with your group to avoid getting lost in the crowd.

6. Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland) – A Theater Lover’s Dream

Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: August

For groups that love entertainment and comedy, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a goldmine. It’s the largest arts festival in the world, featuring thousands of performances ranging from stand-up comedy to mind-blowing theater acts.

Since there's something for everyone, your group can split up and explore different shows during the day, then reunite at a cozy Scottish pub in the evening to swap stories about what you’ve seen.

Pro Tip:

Book shows in advance for popular acts, but also leave space for spontaneous discoveries—you never know when you’ll stumble upon an unforgettable performance.

7. Songkran (Thailand) – The World’s Biggest Water Fight

Where: Thailand (Celebrated nationwide)
When: April (Thai New Year)

Imagine an entire country turning into a giant water park—welcome to Songkran! This traditional Thai New Year celebration involves epic water battles in the streets, and here’s the best part: everyone plays!

Whether you’re in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket, you and your friends can join in by arming yourselves with water guns and soaking strangers (and each other) in good fun. With music blasting and laughter all around, it’s group travel perfection.

Pro Tip:

Keep your phone and valuables in a waterproof pouch—unless you want a very wet (and non-functional) phone!

8. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (USA) – A Sky Full of Magic

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
When: Early October

If your travel group loves a more laid-back yet breathtaking experience, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a must. Picture hundreds of hot air balloons filling the sky in a mesmerizing display of color and movement. It’s downright magical.

You can take a balloon ride for an unforgettable aerial view or simply sit with your group and watch as the sky transforms into a dreamy painting. Either way, it’s an adventure worth having.

Pro Tip:

Dress in layers—mornings can be chilly, but it warms up quickly!

Conclusion

Cultural festivals offer some of the best opportunities for group travel. They bring people together through shared experiences, music, food, and traditions that make unforgettable memories. Whether you're looking for high-energy parties or cultural deep dives, there’s a festival for every kind of traveler.

So, which one is calling your name? Rally your crew and start planning—the world’s most exciting festivals are waiting for you!