From Jazz Fest to Dutch tulip season, Andrew Harper shares a curated list of notable events set to occur around the world in April 2015.

April 2015 Events

Throughout April: The Netherlands bloom with countless tulips from mid-March through May, but mid-April sees the flowers at their height. Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower garden in the world after Dubai’s, is perhaps the best place to witness one of the iconic sights of spring. Within easy reach of Amsterdam, the gardens explode with color, comprising an astonishing seven million bulbs representing more than 800 different varieties of tulips. And with the euro at a 12-year low against the dollar, this year is the best in a decade to vacation on the Continent.

April 5: Numerous cities around the world celebrate Easter in grand style, particularly in predominantly Catholic countries. In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, two weeks of festivities climax with the “Firing of the Judases,” when giant effigies of various unpopular historical personalities, public figures and Judas himself are summarily exploded in a hail of firecrackers. Florence, Italy, also celebrates with pyrotechnics, shooting the sacred dove-shaped Colombina rocket out the front doors of the Duomo into the piazza, igniting the Carro, a giant, fireworks-laden wooden cart. Antigua, Guatemala — a gorgeous colonial city any day of the year — is at its loveliest on Easter, when the streets are carpeted with intricate designs made from flower petals and colored sawdust.

April 6 – May 3: One of Asia’s great culinary destinations, Singapore brings together an array of Michelin-starred chefs for the annual World Gourmet Summit. In addition to various industry workshops, top restaurants in the city host master classes and wine dinners available to any gastronome.

April 7-12: The signature event of the weeklong Scottsdale Culinary Festival is the Great Arizona Picnic, where guests nosh on samples from 50 restaurants, observe cooking demonstrations by notable chefs and sip a variety of cocktails, wines and craft beers. Splurge on the VIP Experience, which gives ticketholders access to premium food and alcohol tastings in a private tent.

April 13-18: Maxi sailing yachts race against one another in spectacular fashion during Les Voiles de St-Barth, with the Caribbean island’s dazzling white beaches and emerald hills as a backdrop.

April 16 – May 3: One of the country’s premier equestrian events, the Del Mar National Horse Show began as part of the San Diego County Fair. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the show spans three weeks, encompassing a range of competitions. April 16-19 is the rodeo-themed “Western Week,” April 23-26 sees the elegant “Dressage Week,” and April 28 – May 3 is the exciting and high-stakes “Hunter/Jumper Week.”

April 18-25: The rolling, vineyard-clad countryside of Virginia bursts with spring flowers during the annual Historic Garden Week. One of America’s most beautiful wine regions, Virginia’s Albemarle County is home to two Harper-recommended resorts, as well as Jefferson’s Monticello Estate and world-class wineries such as Barboursville and Keswick.

April 22-29: China’s largest city fires on all cylinders for the biennial Auto Shanghai. The 2013 show drew more than 2,000 exhibitors from 18 countries, and this latest iteration promises to display the latest in concept cars, luxury vehicles and other exciting automotive innovations.

April 23-26: Held in the soaring National Building Museum, the 33rd annual Smithsonian Craft Show assembles a juried collection of some of America’s finest handiwork, ranging from textiles, leather and jewelry to woodwork, ceramics and glass. All proceeds benefit the Smithsonian.

April 24 – May 3: The Big Easy is a great city for jazz throughout the year, but during the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest), it’s at its very best. The Fair Grounds Race Course hosts multiple stages for musicians and numerous tents representing favorite local restaurants. Headliners this year include Elton John, The Who, Jimmy Buffet, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, John Legend, Ed Sheeran and Chicago. Make hotel and dinner reservations as far in advance as possible.

>>Click here to read more about the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.