Just like that, June is upon us! I don’t know about you, but I’m just getting around to planning my summer travel itineraries. If you’re in the same position as I am, don’t panic: We’ve scoped out some of the most exciting cities to check out this June (and beyond) to make your travel planning as easy as can be. Most of the events mentioned under each city happen annually, so if you can’t visit all of them this June, there’s always next year!
Montréal
In addition to perfect weather (sunny, not too hot), Montréal offers festivals and unique entertainment throughout the month of June. Catch the new Cirque du Soleil show, Luzia (inspired by the aesthetics and movement styles of Mexico), drink up at the annual beer festival, and stick around for Montréal’s iconic jazz festival (which begins on the last day of June and goes on into July).
Paris
It’s hard to think of a particularly bad time of year to visit Paris. That said, June is exceptionally fabulous because of the City of Light’s annual Fête de la Musique that takes place on the solstice (June 21). In addition to scheduled performances in venues throughout the city, musicians crowd into streets and public parks to play impromptu concerts for passersby. I love hopping from café to café (while stopping to listen to street performers on the way) and soaking up the unique spirit of this one-of-a-kind festival.
RELATED: Vist some of the beautiful covered arcades of Paris that are steeped in history. Read this article for more on these prominent passages you can visit this summer!
Minneapolis
Minneapolis positively teems with energy in June. Understandably so, since Midwesterners are fully out of their winter hibernation and in summertime manic mode. From art fairs to brewery tours and outdoor concerts, there is no shortage of things to do in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Governor Mark Dayton has declared June 7 to be Prince Day in Minnesota, and various music organizations around the city will be hosting Prince tributes throughout the month.
Oslo
Norway’s capital is a delightful place to visit during early summer. From June 10-13, rock n’ roll lovers can attend Norwegian Wood, an annual music festival held at Frogner Park (this year’s lineup includes Patti Smith, Jackson Browne, Calexico, and Mark Knopfler). On June 11, the annual Miniøya children’s festival will be held in Tøyenparken. Young travelers (it’s geared for ages 4-12) can experience Norwegian music, art, dance, and theater. Oslo’s Gay Pride festival happens later in the month (June 19-28) with a parade, concerts, lectures, performances, and lots of parties.
Tokyo
Not only is Tokyo beautiful in June (the rains don’t typically start until July), but it’s also a great place to attend a plethora of traditional festivals. June 14-16, the Hokkaido-Jingu Shrine hosts its annual festival with a parade of intricately decorated floats and over 1,000 people in traditional dress. There’s also the Chagu Chagu Umakko Horse Festival on June 11, during which 100 beautifully decorated horses are paraded around by their proud owners, and prayers are offered up for the longevity of these majestic creatures.
Where are you traveling (or where do you wish you were going) this June? What will you do there (festivals, concerts, etc.)? What does your city have going for it during the month of June? Let us know in the comments section!
