All articles tagged with #festivals
A second Burning Man attendee died at Black Rock City in Nevada; 60-year-old Craigh Mann was found dead by his campmates after a medical emergency, with no cause released. The death comes days after another fatal medical incident at the festival, as organizers expressed condolences and the nine-day event faced weather-related disruptions, including rain that affected gate operations and travel.
Burning Man’s 2025 census shows attendance around 70,000 with under-30 participation dropping from 30% in 2014 to 14% in 2025; the crowd remains majority male (56%), topless nudity has declined, and about half of attendees earn over $100k (up from 25% in 2015). Ticket prices have climbed to about $775 plus extra vehicle fees, and inflation is pricing out younger burners even as veterans endure the event’s discomfort and unique culture.
Burning Man 2026 opens in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert with a record display of ‘mutant’ art vehicles—ranging from fire-breathing octopuses to ship-on-wheels like Monaco—built by wealthy collectors and artist crews, often costing hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The nine-day festival bans money and logos and enforces a leave-no-trace policy, with up to 79,000 attendees arriving by bike and relying on generators for power.
Katseye canceled their Daisy Chain Fields Festival performance after Megan Skiendiel sprained her ankle during rehearsals; the band, already performing with a reduced lineup due to prior absences, plans to be back for their Wildworld Tour starting September 1.
More than 30 Chicago events fill the weekend, headlined by the Chicago House Music Festival & Conference with free DJ sets, panels and dance classes, plus Taste of Greektown in the West Loop, Panda Fest making its Windy City debut, and a patchwork of neighborhood fairs offering live music, food and crafts across the city.
Reggie Watts was dropped from Shambala and Greenbelt festivals (with Bristol shows canceled) after Rolling Stone published a probe into his late ex-girlfriend Katherine Early McCollough and allegations about drug use and his past relationships; Electric Picnic in Ireland also removed him, and Comedy Bang! Bang! dropped his theme song. Watts’s attorney denied responsibility for McCollough’s death, and while some US dates remain on his schedule, the fallout from the investigation is ongoing.
After a Rolling Stone investigation accused Reggie Watts of toxic, controlling behavior and encouraging heavy drug use in romantic relationships, outlets distanced themselves: the Comedy Bang! Bang! intro music was omitted from a recent episode, and Watts’s name was dropped from festival lineups. Watts’s attorney denies the claims, calling them false and noting his former partner Katherine McCollough’s death occurred after their relationship; the fallout continues as the story develops.
Reggie Watts’ signature theme song for Comedy Bang! Bang! has been dropped, and several music festivals have removed his name from lineups following Rolling Stone’s report detailing alleged reckless drug use and abusive behavior in Watts’ relationships, including encouragement of ketamine; Watts’ ex Katherine McCollough died by suicide after their relationship. The show hasn’t publicly commented, Watts’ attorney denies responsibility, and the intro has been replaced with a generic voice in recent episodes.
A Block Club Chicago roundup highlights 28 weekend happenings across the city, from the return of Dine Out On Broadway in Lakeview and the Lakeview Taco Fest to back-to-school supply drives, street festivals, art crawls, and family-friendly activities—from Ravenswood’s Thirsty Ears classical festival and West Loop Art Fest to community walks and pop-up markets—offering free events, ticketed experiences, and options for all ages.
The Guardian's photos of the day assembles striking images from around the world, including Bristol's international hot-air balloon fiesta, candyfloss sellers, heatwaves, and scenes from Edinburgh's fringe and other events, offering a broad visual snapshot of global life.
Chicago launches a busy weekend of festivals, food events, markets, and climate-week activities across neighborhoods—from West Fest in West Town and Tacos y Tamales in Pilsen to Bevapalooza in Beverly—featuring live music, vendor markets, sidewalk sales, family activities, and sustainability-focused programs.
A weekend roundup of 30 Chicago events—from Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade and Andersonville’s Midsommarfest to Wells Street Art Fest, Greek Fest, Thai Festival, and Pride Night at the Shedd—plus family-friendly activities at Lincoln Park Zoo, the Field Museum, pop-up Renaissance Faire, markets, tours, and more across neighborhoods.
Netflix Is a Joke Fest 2026 announced its first wave of shows for May 4-10 in Los Angeles across 35 venues with 350+ events, including Night of Too Many Stars for autism charity, Kevin Hart-hosted Funny AF taped episodes, headlining sets from Nate Bargatze, Shane Gillis, John Mulaney and Katt Williams, Feid & Marcello Hernández at the Hollywood Bowl, a Lizzo-hosted night, a Pee-wee Herman tribute, a Flight of the Conchords reunion, and multiple live podcasts; tickets go on sale January 23 at 10 a.m. PT.
Lagos's annual Detty December festival transforms the city into a vibrant carnival with concerts, parties, and cultural events, attracting both locals and the diaspora, despite economic pressures, rising prices, and security challenges, showcasing Nigerian resilience and cultural pride.
Osaka's danjiri matsuri, a centuries-old float festival, combines craftsmanship and adrenaline as participants race massive wooden floats through the streets. Known for its danger, the festival celebrates woodworking and community spirit, with floats adorned by hand-carved figures. Despite its rich history, the festival faces challenges due to Japan's declining population, impacting participation. Artisans like Akihiko Maeda continue to build and restore these floats, hoping to preserve the tradition for future generations.