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August 29, 2024

Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony Starts the Final Chapter on a Long Summer of Sport in Paris, France

The Associated Press
Amid Paris's iconic landmarks, the 2024 Paralympics began with a vibrant ceremony along the Champs-Elysées, celebrating inclusion and accessibility. Athletes from around the world were welcomed by a jubilant crowd, setting the stage for a historic event focused on unity and perseverance. Read More

See related story: Paris, France 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony: A Groundbreaking Ceremony for Historic Games (International Olympic Committee)

See related story: Paris 2024: First Paralympics in France Open With Stunning Ceremony (International Paralympic Committee)

Iowa's Des Moines Arts Festival Celebrates Community and Sustainability

Nationwide
The Des Moines Arts Festival is a major cultural event, drawing over 2.5 million visitors since relocating downtown. Nationwide, a key sponsor, invests in the festival's success by offering free parking, office space and supporting sustainability efforts with reusable waste stations built by employees. Read More

Opening Day of Nevada's Burning Man Marred by Woman's Death, Harsh Weather Conditions

USA Today
The 2024 Burning Man festival's opening day was overshadowed by a tragic death and significant delays caused by severe weather. Amid muddy conditions and a 12-hour gate delay, the event faced immediate challenges, highlighting the unpredictability of the Nevada desert. Read More

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Burning Man Not Your Style? Try This Fiery Santa Fe, New Mexico Festival Instead

National Geographic
Each Labor Day, Santa Fe's Zozobra festival lights up the night with a century-old tradition of burning a giant effigy, symbolizing the community's release of worries and fears. This fiery spectacle, rich in local culture and history, stands as a unique counterpoint to the more widely known Burning Man festival. Read More

Washington, DC Is Hoping Big Events Will Draw Even More Tourists to the Nation's Capital

WTOP
As D.C. tourism surges, the city prepares to capitalize on marquee events in 2025, like the presidential inauguration and World Pride, to drive even greater visitor numbers. With record-breaking potential, these events are expected to deliver a significant economic boost to the nation's capital. Read More

'Q in the Lou' Cites Money Problems for Cancelation While Other Festivals Draw Thousands to St. Louis, Missouri

KMOV-TV
While festivals like the Festival of Nations and Blues at the Arch draw record crowds in St. Louis, financial challenges led to the cancellation of Q in the Lou. Low VIP ticket sales and sponsorship issues were cited, disappointing local businesses eager to showcase a revitalized Laclede's Landing. Read More

At Mexico's Hera Music Festival, Women Were Both at the Forefront and Behind the Scenes

The Associated Press
Amid Mexico City's anticipation of its first female president, the Hera HSBC music festival gathered 48,000 attendees to celebrate female empowerment. With an all-women lineup, including Kesha and Demi Lovato, the event highlighted the strength and unity of women both on and off the stage. Read More

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An Attack at a Festival in a German City Kills 3 People and Seriously Wounds at Least 5

The Associated Press
A tragic knife attack at Solingen's festival celebrating the city's 650th anniversary left three dead and five injured, shocking the community. The assailant, still at large, forced the event's cancellation as police intensify their search for the perpetrator. Read More

See related story: Revealed: Identity of Man Accused of Deadly Solingen, Germany Festival Stabbings (The Independent)

As Scotland's 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Comes to a Close, Sustainability Concerns Rise

Playbill
Despite record-breaking attendance, the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe faces an uncertain future as escalating costs push many artists to the brink. Fringe Society Chief Shona McCarthy warns that the festival's success may be masking deeper sustainability issues threatening the arts in the U.K. Read More

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The Notting Hill Festival Boosts London, England's Tourism Industry With 1M of International Arrivals This August

Travel and Tour World
London's Notting Hill Carnival not only celebrated Caribbean culture but also delivered a major boost to the city's tourism, drawing 1 million international visitors recently. The festival's economic impact is expected to exceed £300 million, underscoring its significance to the local economy. Read More

La Tomatina Festival Paints Spanish Town Red

Reuters
Revelers in Bunol, Spain, engaged in the annual "La Tomatina" festival, hurling tons of overripe tomatoes at each other. The chaotic, fun-filled event turned the town's streets into rivers of red pulp as participants embraced the messy tradition. Local residents later began the extensive cleanup. Read More

Sziget Festival Boosts Tourism in Budapest, Hungary: Guest Nights Up by 10%

Hungary Today
Budapest's Sziget Festival not only electrified the city with music but also sparked a significant tourism boost. With guest nights up by 10% and hotel revenues soaring, the festival's impact on the local economy is unmistakable. Read More

Panel 'Green Day in Focus: Festival, Partners and Sustainability' on Positive Environmental Protection Practices

UNDP Bosnia and Herzegovina
At the Green Day panel, sustainability took center stage as Focus Festival partners discussed the vital role of cultural events in promoting positive environmental practices. The conversation highlighted the festival's commitment to driving awareness and encouraging actionable steps towards environmental protection. Read More

Waterbomb, Korea's Super-Soaked Music Festival, Sets Los Angeles for US Debut

Forbes
The event, featuring top K-pop acts and DJs, merges music with massive water battles, offering a unique, high-energy experience. Its U.S. arrival marks a significant cultural expansion. Read More

Shanghai, China Woos Foreign Tourists With Concerts, Operas, Symphonies Featuring Global Artists

South China Morning Post
Shanghai aims to attract 20,000 more foreign tourists by hosting prestigious arts events like the China Shanghai International Arts Festival in October. The festival will feature global artists and over 700 performances, boosting the city's international profile and economy. Read More

3 Huge Aussie Music Festival Lineups Have Dropped — and It Seems Organisers Have Figured Out the Key to Saving the Industry

9Celebrity
After a challenging few years, Australia's music festival scene is making a strong comeback with stellar lineups from events like Beyond The Valley, Lost Paradise, and Wildlands. Coordinated efforts by organizers are driving ticket sales, signaling renewed enthusiasm and a brighter future for festivals across the country. Read More

Attendance Records Smashed on 2024 Minnesota State Fair's First 2 Days

WCCO-TV
The Minnesota State Fair kicked off its 2024 season with a record-breaking 122,000 visitors on day one, the highest opening day turnout in the event's history. The unprecedented attendance highlights the fair's enduring popularity and sets a vibrant tone for the days ahead. Read More

See related story: Protest Temporarily Shuts Down Minnesota State Fair Gate, Stops Traffic and Bus Service (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Indiana State Fair Reports Attendance Increase From 2023

WTTK-TV
The 2024 Indiana State Fair experienced a notable rise in attendance, drawing over 850,000 visitors and surpassing last year's figures. This increase reflects the fair's growing appeal, with organizers optimistic about maintaining this momentum for future events. Read More

How Big Is Iowa State Fair's Record Economic Impact? More Than Some Taylor Swift Concerts

Des Moines Register
The 2024 Iowa State Fair drew over 1.1 million visitors. This record-breaking attendance underscores the fair's significant cultural and financial influence on the region. Read More

Wilson County — Tennessee State Fair Smashes Attendance Record

The Chronicle of Mt. Juliet
The Wilson County fair-Tennessee State Fair shattered previous attendance records in 2024, attracting over 800,000 visitors. The unprecedented turnout reflects the event's growing appeal, with organizers attributing its success to strong community involvement and a wide variety of attractions. Read More

Report Says Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Was the Most Visited Theme Park in the World in 2023

WFTS-TV
In 2023, Disney's Magic Kingdom was the most visited theme park in the world, according to a new report. This popular Florida destination continues to draw millions of visitors annually, outpacing other major parks globally. The report highlights the enduring appeal and widespread popularity of the Magic Kingdom. Read More

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