Tall Ships Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada July 19–29

This phase of the Tall Ships Challenge marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Masters of Nova Scotia music and cuisine will be on hand as waterfront visitors board the tall ships and mix with the crews.

International Royal Palace Fair

Visegrád, Hungary July 5–8

An early-14th-century meeting of kings is commemorated by a staging of ancient games including wall-running, battlestar-throwing and jousting. Mix with the knights and fair ladies at evening wine tastings in the Royal Castle.

Sound Symposium

St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada July 9–15

Indoor and outdoor stages reverberate across the riverfront with the world’s newest sounds. Improvisers rule here, whether throat singers on a lark or percussionists improvising to a kung-fu video. The keynote concert is a “Symphony for Ships’ Horns.”

Lasseters Camel Cup

Alice Springs, Australia July 14

Camel riders and rickshaw runners go all out on a dusty outback track, while belly dancers and other vendors liven up the infield during this charitable Down Under derby.

Pea Shooting World Championship

Witcham, Cambridgeshire, England July 14

Pea shooters give 12-inch targets a shelling in hopes of claiming the world title in this village north of Cambridge and west of Ely. Deadeyes dally on the Green not merely to compete but to participate in the Village Fair’s novelty games and lunchtime barbecue. You can polish off these old-time festivities with cream teas served in the village hall.

Beer Can Regatta

Darwin, Australia July 15

This ultimate in litter patrols features boats built primarily from beer cans and other seaside debris entering various sink-or-swim races off Mindil Beach. But the real action is back on land, where tug-of-war warriors, sandcastle sculptors and thong-throwing competitors kick up a sandstorm.

World Santa Claus Congress

Klampenborg, Denmark July 23–26

Santa’s favorite summer vacation spot since 1957 turns out to be Dryehavsbakken, “the world’s oldest amusement park,” located just north of Copenhagen. This is where the Santas of the real world meet to parade through the streets, run obstacle courses, fill onlookers with unseasonal cheer and, like merry conventioneers everywhere, abandon the workshop in favor of networking.

Games Of The Xxx Olympiad

London, England July 27–Aug. 12

Beijing raised the bar four years ago at the Bird’s Nest, and London is hoping to raise it again at Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, when Her Majesty the Queen bids the games begin and the opening ceremonies team, led by Oscar-winner Danny Boyle, entertains the world. Thereafter, more than 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries are slated to compete in 39 disciplines ranging from archery to wrestling. Athletes making the biggest splash in July are the swimmers, with finals for eight days straight beginning July 28. Watch for the return of the mightiest medalist of them all, Michael Phelps.

St. Olav Festival

Trondheim, Norway July 28–Aug. 5

In the 50th annual nod to King Olav and the 11th century, a medieval market materializes at the Archbishop’s Palace, but the real magic is the music. Opening night brings The Young Pilgrim, an attempt to build bridges among Christians, Muslims and Jews on stage. The other two top tickets are for rock legends Patti Smith (July 30) and Fairport Convention’s Sir Richard Thompson (Aug. 2).

Dates may change; always check in advance to confirm.