London, UK: Gumball 3000
April 28 - May 5
It’s been 8 years since the Gumball rally began its journey into becoming a social phenomenon with an impetuous edge. For 6 days drivers take a 300 mile adventure across the continents for fun! Yes for fun only, no trophy for the winner…however, there’s a prize, an actual gumball machine, for the person that best represents the name of the award - “Spirit of The Gumball.” Each year the expectations are getting higher with more powerful and influential people (in politics, fashion and music industries, even entrepreneurs) joining the wild ride. For more info, photos and tour schedule, visit:
www.gumball3000.com
 

Loire Valley, France: Festival International des Jardins
April 30 – October 16
In prior month’s global calendar of events I wrote about festivals where artists express themselves through mediums such as ice sculptures, dance, photography, colors on canvas etc. For the International Garden Festival, the ideas and methods of expression are just as innovative. The surrounding area of Château Chaumont will uncover landscapers’ own vision of “Les Jardins Ont De La Mémoire” – which translates to “Gardens Have a Memory.” Past years’ themes have included “Chaos”, “Weeds” and “Eroticism.” This annual event allows visitors to roam around 30 panoramically styled gardens with a special area for hands-on activities.
www.chaumont-jardin.com
 

Zimbabwe, Harare: Harare International Festival of the Arts
May 1- 6
Beneath Africa’s daily challenges lies a passion for art, dance and strong voices chanting a melody for peace and harmony. African flair emerges to the surface for everybody to get to know Zimbabwe and enjoy a program of ‘Music, Theater, Dance, Visual art, Spoken Word and Circus.’ It’s cultural, poetic, and avidly inspiring.
www.hifa.co.zw
 

Toronto, Canada: Contact Toronto Photography Festival
May 1-31
Stimulate your senses with a tour at what is considered to be “North America’s largest photography Festival.” Witness a cultural portrayal of reality through constructed images, using modern technology and a unique perspective of each artist’s work. During the month of May, The city of Toronto is transforming over 200 of its venues into a big hybrid art event showcasing radical creations from around the globe.
www.contactphoto.com
 

Istanbul, Turkey: 15th International Istanbul Theater Festival and 4th International Theater Olympics
May 11- June 6
For theater lovers, it is an open invitation to celebrate the manifestation of engaging performances taking place at the beautiful city of Istanbul. With so much character and long established urbanity, Turkey is an influential country in reflecting ethnic forms of art. In addition to the local theaters, the festival brings international participants for a thoroughly fulfilling experience.
www.iksv.org