Bodies and Beats -- World Bodypainting FestivalLocation: Goethepark, Klagenfurt am Woerthersee, Austria Dates: July 12-14 The use of paint, makeup or fantasy costumes helps visitors to create new and daring exteriors. The heart of the festival is the Bodypaint City, where artists from more than 50 nations transform the human body into temporary works of art. In addition to competitions, visitors can take in installations, fashion shows, concerts and DJ sets, workshops and a children’s activity zone. Admission: Single day tickets online cost 21 euros when purchased in advance; a three-day festival pass goes for 49 euros. Online: https://bodypainting-festival.com/en

Namur Capitale de la bière/Namur Beer CapitalLocation: Esplanade de la Citadelle, Namur, Belgium Dates: July 13-15 (from 3 p.m. July 13 and from 11 a.m. July 14-15) More than 150 special and different beers made by 40 breweries, including three from the UK, may be sampled here. A program of live music and food trucks allow visitors to make a full day of it. Admission: 2 euros for one day, 3 euros for all days. Online: http://www.namurcapitaledelabiere.be/fr/namur-capitale-biere

Gentse FeestenLocation: Gent, Belgium Dates: July 13-22 One of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals in Europe offers a bit of everything from concerts to street artists. Hundreds of indoor and outdoor activities unfold throughout the city, including participatory activities such as dancing Indian folk dances or the Lindy Hop. Admission: Free; the purchase of food and drink on-site helps to finance the program. Online: https://gentsefeesten.stad.gent/en/practical

Scenes de Rue/Street ScenesLocation: Mulhouse, France Dates: July 12-15 This lively and thought-provoking arts festival offers dance, theater, concerts, acrobatics, installations, circus-like performances and other street arts and entertainment. Admission: Free Online: www.scenesderue.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/SDR-2018-DOC-APPEL-525x297-WEB.pdf

KinderzecheLocation: Dinkelsbuehl, Germany Dates: July 13-22 A pretty town of half-timbered houses is the backdrop to a festival harking back to 1632, when the Thirty Years War was being fought. Legend has it that the children of the town begged the colonel of the invading Swedish forces to spare their town, and he was so moved by their courage that he obliged. Today’s festivities include children in period costume engaged in plays and re-enactments, folk dancing, a historical military camp and an attraction-filled fun fair. Admission: Visitors must buy a badge at a cost of 5 euros in addition to tickets to any specific re-enactments they plan to watch; prices range from 6-13 euros. Online: www.kinderzeche.de

Hamburger Fischmarkt, Hamburg fish marketLocation: Karlsplatz, Stuttgart, Germany Dates: July 12-22 Enjoy the tastes of a stay on the northern coast without the travel when the fishmongers of Hamburg set up their wagons and sell tasty fish and seafood to be consumed on site. Groups performing jazz and show tunes add a maritime flair to the setting. Admission: Free Online: www.fischmarkt.events/stuttgart

Festa del Redentore/Festival of the RedeemerGiudecca Canal and St. Mark’s Basin, Venice, Italy Dates: July 14-15 When the plague that had ravaged Venice subsided in 1576, a temple in honor of Christ the Redeemer was erected on Giudecca Island, and a vow was made to hold a procession there on the third Sunday in July each year. Remaining true to their word even today, Venice’s citizens celebrate the date with religious ceremony and pyrotechnics. A pontoon bridge is set up to provide the faithful with access to the church. Fireworks light up the skies from 11:30 p.m. Saturday and on Sunday, rowing regattas get underway from 4 p.m. Admission: Free Online: https://events.veneziaunica.it/content/redentore-feast-2018

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