While we’re all deep in Olympics coverage — dissecting every second of the Opening Ceremony and suddenly enraptured with Flavor Flav’s love of women’s water polo — there are plenty more experiential happenings in August farther from the Seine. And into the air conditioning. The hottest month of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway) is packed with festivals, major sporting events, and some of the coolest new theater we’ve seen in a while. Keep reading for experiential inspiration from the biggest happenings this month — and check out how XP Land XLISTERS are involved in everything from Burning Man to AEW’s All In London.
CONFERENCES
Happily Fest: Aug 14-16; LA
Showcasing the latest in event production, marketing innovations, and experiential design, Happily Fest 2024 will unite industry pioneers like Shantell Martin and Margaret Kerrison, offering brands a prime spot to connect and discover actionable strategies to enhance their event marketing efforts. With a focus on networking, expert-led workshops, and immersive learning, Happily Fest 2024 is the go-to event for anyone looking to advance their career in the live event space.
Democratic National Convention: Aug 19-22; Chicago
Following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2024 and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, all eyes are on the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The convention will see delegates from all over the US gather to nominate the Democratic candidate. Despite Biden’s withdrawal, the DNC Chair Minyon Moore emphasized the convention’s mission remains unchanged. Harris, now the frontrunner, must secure support from nearly 4,000 delegates, making this convention crucial in shaping the Democratic Party’s strategy for the upcoming election.
CULINARY
Yes Chef Food Fest: Aug 10-11; NYC
Brooklyn’s Bk Backyard Bar is set to host Yes Chef Food Fest, curated by social media food influencer Jack Goldburg, aka Jack’s Dining Room. Known for taking his 2+ million Instagram, TikTok and YouTube followers along on his travels to try the world’s most viral foods, Jack will now bring his fans together for culinary demonstrations, tastings and musical performances. Local restaurants like Mesiba, Taqueria Ramirez, Taste of Heaven and Federoff’s Roast Pork are all participating, along with other notable eateries from outside Williamsburg.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival: Aug 29 – Nov 23; Orlando, FL
Since 1996, the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival has taken place at Disney World’s EPCOT. Guests can munch and sip on treats from all across the world at special kiosks around the World Showcase. While entry to the festival is included with a park ticket, attendees need to buy the food and drinks separately, and some special events require additional passes. New for 2024 are two cool spots, Autumn Blaze and Harvest Table, serving up fall flavors.
FESTIVALS
Lollapalooza: Aug 1-4; Chicago
Lollapalooza 2024 is happening in Chicago’s Grant Park, featuring headliners like Blink-182, SZA, The Killers, Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, Future X Metro Boomin, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez and Skrillex. With over 170 acts across eight stages, you’ll also catch performances from big names like Kesha, Deftones, Reneé Rapp and more. The music fest, which draws an estimated 400,000 people annually, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Chicago and recently agreed to another 10-year contract with the city.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Aug 2-26; Edinburgh, Scotland
Since 1947, thousands of performers and entertainment seekers have made the trek to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It started as an alternative event for performers who were not invited to participate in the Edinburgh International Festival, and it has grown to become the world’s largest arts festival. This year’s program is packed with incredible shows, from comedy to theatre, including a musical based on the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial. Highlights include Duncan Macmillan’s heartwarming “Every Brilliant Thing” and Rob Madge’s joyous “My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?).”
Outside Lands: Aug 9-11; San Francisco
Since 2008, San Francisco’s Outside Lands has been rocking Golden Gate Park every August. This festival — dreamed up by Superfly and Another Planet Entertainment — has nailed the perfect mix of Bay Area food, drinks, music and art, making it a summer favorite for foodies and music lovers alike. Over three days, you can catch epic performances from Tyler, the Creator, The Killers and Sturgill Simpson and up-and-coming artists while exploring over 100 local restaurants, wineries, breweries and cocktail spots. With 225,000 fans joining the fun each year, it’s no wonder Outside Lands has pumped over $1 billion into the local economy.
Burning Man 2024: Aug 25 – Sep 2; Black Rock Desert, NV
Burning Man is back in Black Rock City for another round of the world’s most unique, inclusive arts festival. Starting in 1986 with just 35 people on a San Francisco beach, it has grown into a lively metropolis in the Nevada desert, attracting 75,000 attendees. Guided by the 10 Principles created by founder Larry Harvey — and continued through Director of Creative Initiatives and XLISTER, Kim Cook — Burning Man focuses on radical inclusion, self-expression and communal effort. This year’s theme is “Curiouser & Curiouser,” promising an exciting blend of creativity and community.
Telluride Film Festival: Aug 29– Sep 2; Telluride, CO
Telluride transforms into a bustling hub for film enthusiasts every Labor Day weekend. The town swells with passionate movie lovers who spend four days diving into a cinematic adventure, guided only by their love for film, as the program is a mystery until they arrive. The Telluride Film Festival is more than just screenings; it’s a celebration with tributes to industry legends, candid chats with filmmakers, and serendipitous encounters with creators. The festival focuses on honoring the best in film without competition, creating a unique and immersive experience for all attendees.
SPORTS
AEW All In London 2024: Aug 25; London
This will be the second year All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) All In London 2024 will be held at Wembley Stadium, coinciding with the UK’s August Bank Holiday weekend. The event, from AEW’s founder and XLISTER, Tony Khan, will feature matches stemming from AEW’s ongoing storylines. With returning stars, intense rivalries and world championship matches from the winners of the Owen Hart Cup, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable night for wrestling fans.
US Open: Aug 26 – Sep 8; NYC
The US Open, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season, is held in New York City at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. This iconic venue boasts 22 courts, including the famous Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums. While Rafael Nadal is on the entry list, it’s still uncertain if he’ll compete due to his ongoing fitness assessment. Defending champions Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff will be back to defend their titles.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Aug 28 – Sep 8; Paris
This year’s Paralympic Games will feature about 4,400 athletes competing in 22 sports, with the opening ceremony happening outside a stadium for the first time. Exciting venues include the Stade de France for Para-athletics and a special stadium at the Eiffel Tower for blind football. With 549 gold medals up for grabs, it’s set to be an incredible celebration of athleticism and determination.
THEATER
Escape From Godot: Opens Aug 9; LA
Some shows make a splash and then become legends, like the original run of Escape From Godot. This clever remix of the unremixable play into an escape game debuted briefly at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, marking Mister & Mischief as talents to watch in LA’s immersive scene. The premise: You and the audience have an hour to piece together the scattered prompt book before the Beckett Estate shuts down the performance.
Life and Trust: Opens Aug 1; NYC
Life and Trust is gearing up to be NYC’s next big immersive show, following in the footsteps of Sleep No More. Set in the Financial District, it reimagines Faust and The Picture of Dorian Gray, with more uncomfortable black masks than white ones. The show is currently in previews throughout July, so there might be some changes before the official opening. Early reactions hint at a wild, dance-theater experience that’s already creating its own group of super fans.
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