Notable Events in June

The Hong Kong skyline, © Base64 and Carol Spears

JUNE 12-13: Rather than braving the insanity of Oktoberfest, help Munich celebrate its 852nd birthday by attending the colorful Stadtgründungsfest. In front of major landmarks such as the neo-Gothic City Hall and late-Gothic Church of Our Lady, musicians and folk dancers entertain the spectators who aren’t perusing the numerous food and handicraft stalls. Rumor has it that beer is also available.

JUNE 16: In honor of a third-century B.C. Chinese poet who drowned himself to protest a corrupt government, Hong Kong hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival. One hundred teams of 20 rowers race ornate dragon boats down the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, cheered on by crowds of locals munching traditional rice dumplings. Dragon dances and fireworks displays round out the festivities.

JUNE 25-28: One of North America’s most charming big cities, Montréal sparkles with music during its Baroque music festival. Although specifics for this year are not yet available, organizers plan to feature Renaissance masterpieces, focusing especially on the rich harmonies of Claudio Monteverdi. A Baroque music parade through Old Montréal is a traditional highlight of the festival.