July 20 to 26, Hong Kong

First held in 1990, the book fair has become an annual major event in Hong Kong with the number of visitors reaching a new high every year. The show at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre goes well beyond books and explores the realms of electronic publishing, educational software and audio-visual learning aids. Expect more than 300 cultural events to promote reading.

NEBUTA MATSURI

August 2 to 7, Aomori, Japan

Recognised as one of Japan’s “Three Big Fire Festivals”, Aomori Nebuta is renowned internationally and is designated as a significant intangible folk cultural asset of Japan. During the festival, more than 20 large nebutas – large lantern floats depicting gods, historical or mythical warrior figures – are wheeled along the parade route in the city of Aomori. Ahead of each float, Nebuta dancers called haneto dance wildly to the hayashi music, making the summer night event lively and exciting. The festival attracts around 3 million visitors a year.

NAADAM

July 11 to 13, Ulan Bator, Mongolia

Naadam, the country’s largest and most famous festival, takes place as part of the celebrations for Mongolia National Day on July 12. The biggest festival in the land, it involves competitions in the three major traditional sports of Mongolia: wrestling, horse racing and archery. Naadam is believed to have existed for centuries in one fashion or another. Originally it was a religious festival and annual sacrifice honouring various mountain gods and celebrating success in battle or harvest. Now it commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared its independence.

SEOUL INTERNATIONAL CARTOON ANIMATION FESTIVAL

July 6 to 10, Seoul, South Korea

Animation fans from over the world are invited to join the Seoul International Cartoon Animation Festival (Sicaf), as animated characters from Korea and other countries take over the big screen. From animation classics to new talents, Sicaf presents new technology and the potential of animation through the event’s outstanding films. Visit Sicaf.org.

MIDNIGHT SUN MARATHON

June 18, Tromso, Norway

Runners from more than 50 different countries meet in the Norwegian Arctic city of Tromso. The Midnight Sun Marathon, the world’s northernmost certified marathon, is held at night, but all runners still run in bright daylight. The sun doesn’t set for two months, from the middle of May to the middle of July. This is one of the things that makes the Midnight Sun Marathon a special and exotic event. The pure feeling of the midnight sun in stunning surroundings is a major part of the reason the race is a target for a great number of runners around the world. Visit Msm.no.

BOSTON DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

June 11 and 12, Boston, USA

Every year Boston Dragon Boat Festival roars for two days on the Charles River between JFK Street and Western Avenue Bridge. Follow the thunder of drums to the river and you will witness New England’s biggest Asian-American celebration. Along with the boat races there are traditional Chinese crafts, martial arts and dragon dancing. Check out the action at BostonDragonBoat.org.