Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix

Copenhagen, Denmark Aug. 4–5

The heart of Copenhagen beats a little faster every year as these “time machines” unwind around the racetrack at Faelledparken. This year’s special race features an iconic muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro. Stroll the Classic Car Park, where a thousand owners station their pre-1981 MGs, Opels and Porsches, and take a lap in a vintage Grand Prix racer with a professional driver at the wheel.

Games Of The XXX Olympiad

London, England through Aug. 12

The Games go on. The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, is a lightning rod on the track; and Michael Phelps, 16-time medal winner, a kingfish in the pool. Tennis will crown its Olympic champions at Wimbledon (Aug. 4–5); and gold medals await the winners in basketball (Aug. 11–12), beach volleyball (Aug. 8–9) and football, aka soccer (Aug. 9–11). Closing ceremonies combine 4,100 performers in “A Symphony of British Music,” featuring a living billboard of English music makers past and present.

New France Festival

Québec City, Québec, Canada Aug. 1–5

This very big historical celebration in a very historic city is famous for its giants — 20-foot-tall figures of local heroes guided through the streets by costumed marchers. The parades and a thousand other events inside the walls of Old Québec pay homage to the establishment of New France in the New World.

Cup Match Cricket Festival

Somerset, Bermuda Aug. 2–3

Concurrent commemorations of Bermuda’s discovery (1609) and the freeing of the slaves (1843) give a festive focus to this annual battle between Eastside and Westside cricket clubs. Enjoy the calypso singers and a once-in-a-year chance at the Crown & Anchor gambling tables, but at no point fret about unraveling the rules of cricket. Spectator seats come with free explanations of the baffling game.

York Mystery Plays

York, England Aug. 2–27

Dame Judi Dench is among the patrons of this cycle of medieval plays, which every four years sweeps the forces of good and evil into battle on a biblical scale. The York Museum Gardens at St. Mary’s Abbey provide the stage, and a thousand locals assist in creating the production. An added attraction is York itself, trimmed with fringe events to underline its 800th anniversary.

Berlin International Ber Festival

Berlin, Germany Aug. 3–5

Karl-Marx-Allee turns into the world’s longest beer garden, stretching a mile and more (actually 2.2 km). With music on 18 stages and beer every inch of the way, courtesy of 300 breweries from 86 countries, Berlin threatens to leave Munich in its suds.

Britt Classical Festival

Jacksonville, Ore. Aug. 3–19

Celebrating its golden anniversary, the Gold Rush town of Jacksonville welcomes to its natural amphitheater a host of glittering luminaries, including superstar pianist Andre Watts performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 (Aug. 10). Britt begins its 50th in style with a gourmet Champagne picnic, followed by a concert with violinist Sarah Chang.

European Medieval Festival

Horsens, Denmark Aug. 24–25

The buskers are brash, the crossbows crisp and the music merry at this bountiful Middle Ages spread in Jutland. More than 100,000 visitors go back seven centuries to watch blacksmiths forge swords, cobblers stitch shoes and dressmakers outfit noble ladies as cooks turn out feasts of venison, with apple pie on cabbage leaves for dessert.

2012 Paralympic Games

London, England Aug. 29–Sept. 9

Top athletes take to road and track to compete in 21 sports at London’s Olympic Park. Her Majesty the Queen opens the games, which range from bocce to volleyball.

Dates may change; always check in advance to confirm.