King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament

Hua Hin, Thailand Sept. 12–16

Pachyderm polo played with extra-long mallets pits international celebrity players against local favorites, all to benefit Thailand’s elephants. Between chukkars, elephants enjoy kicking the ball around on their own, and pitchside eateries keep fans fulfilled.

Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival

Willemstad, Curaçao Aug. 31–Sept. 1

No better time for that Caribbean vacation than at this jazz and blues concoction of salsa, Latin and pop. The lineup kicks off Friday with New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint and winds up with India.Arie and keynoter Alicia Keys on Saturday. Also in the mix: Carlos Santana, Jill Scott and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band.

Brusselicious Restaurants Festival

Brussels, Belgium Sept. 6–9

The region’s Year of Gastronomy reaches a tasty finale as 100 marquees host pâtissiers, chocolatiers and celebrity chefs. Wine bars and beer pubs polish off this palate-pleaser staged in a green, outdoor setting.

Soaked

Orlando, Fla. Sept. 7–8

Soak up the excitement at this inaugural extreme watersports festival on Lake Eola, the world center of waterskiing. Wakeboarding and slalom skiing competitions make way for the grand finale, the Night Jump, as skiers soar 200 feet over illuminated waters.

Pafos Aphrodite Festival

Pafos, Cyprus Sept. 7–9

At the 14th edition of this annual musical retreat, the Slovak National Theatre performs Verdi’s Otello in the square in front of the Medieval Castle on the harbor. The setting perfectly matches the original plot of the opera, which unfolds in a palace in Cyprus during the 15th century.

World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

Ramsbottom, Lancashire, England Sept. 9

The cause of this Yorkshire-Lancashire rivalry is lost in the mists of time, but the grudge in this annual competition is played out by hurling black puddings (made with blood sausage) at a pile of Yorkshire puddings. Those who prefer to eat the puddings rather than toss them away will find unsullied black puddings for sale at the event.

Nova Scotia Fal Wine Festival

Nova Scotia, province-wide Sept. 13–Oct. 14

Local wines receive plenty of plaudits these days, and they are the toast of some 55 events including picnics among the vines, grape stomps, tours and dinners. Nova Scotia’s celebrated seafood and hearty ciders make this a complete harvest.

World Of Wearable Art Awards Show

Wellington, New Zealand Sept. 27–Oct. 7

Dance, theater, music, art and incredible garments spring to life, blurring the lines between fashion and art in a spectacle attracting 50,000 visitors from around the world. Designers compete for a place in the spotlight by stripping art off the gallery walls and fitting it with extravagant flair to the human form.

Accordion Extrava Ganza

Edmonton, Alberta Sept. 28–30

At this squeeze-box soirée, serenading soloists, duets and bands are all in accord as they pump out tunes both traditional and trendy in world-class competition. Nary so many accordionists in one spot since the heyday of Lawrence Welk.

Dates may change; always check in advance to confirm.