All the Major Cultural Events Worth Traveling for This Summer—Where to Stay and What to Pack for Each
I'm not going to sugarcoat it: Planning a summer itinerary is stressful. Asking for PTO is intimidating. Coordinating with the group chat? Overwhelming to say the least. The wrong choice in a hotel feels catastrophic. And from experience, last-minute packing never ends well. To prevent any crashouts, I’ve spent 13 hours curating only the most anticipated and travel-worthy events of summer 2026, along with where to stay and what to pack. Nothing is off the table—this summer is going to be well-rounded. That means art, culture, music, and sports.
If, by some chance, you’re unaware of all the happenings from now until September, don’t worry. I’ll clue you in. Harry Styles is going on tour—that’s right. After stops in Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, and Mexico City, he’ll be in NYC for a 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden. Ariana Grande returns to the stage too with her version of The Eras Tour. Oh, and in the world of sports, the FIFA World Cup, US Open, and British Grand Prix are all competing for our attention.
Ahead, the buzziest hotels in L.A., NYC, and Austin; what we learned from Coachella fashion that we’re adopting for Lollapalooza; and the chic art exhibit New Yorkers are flying to Paris to see. Psst, keep an eye out for insider tips on maneuvering New York and New Jersey public transit.
If your Instagram algorithm looks anything like mine, then chances are you’ve already been privy to the outfit changes and setlist spoilers of Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour. Returning after a six-and-a-half-year hiatus since the Sweetener Tour, Grande has graced us with her dazzling vocals and storytelling performances once again. Pulling from Dangerous Woman; Thank U, Next; Positions; and her latest single from the highly anticipated Petal (expected July 31), Grande takes her audience on a journey through her past eras and into the future. In simpler words, the setlist is stacked.
Where to stay: Grande opened the tour in Oakland, California, and will be making stops across North American cities, from Los Angeles to Austin to Brooklyn to Montreal, plus a 10-night stay in London at the O2 arena, until September 1. If L.A. is the vibe, we recommend the Fairmont Century Plaza for its central location. If Austin’s food scene sounds enticing, the Carpenter Hotel or the Austin Motel is the move. Be sure to check out Terry Black’s BBQ while you're there. And for those booking transatlantic flights, One Hundred Shoreditch, located in East London, or, as our entertainment director, Jessica Baker, put it, “Think L.A.’s Eagle Rock.”
What to Pack
I’m a Jersey girl born and raised, and my father is a devoted football fan—correct, we say football in this house—so New York New Jersey Stadium hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 finals is a truly historic moment: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 host cities, one winner. Argentina is the returning champion after beating France in the 2022 games. All eyes will be on France’s Kylian Mbappé, Spain’s Lamine Yamal, and of course, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has racked up over 22 years in the sport. England and Brazil are also fan favorites.
Where to stay: The USA, Mexico, and Canada will host many of the matchups, from L.A. to Monterrey to Vancouver. But the finals? That’s New York New Jersey Stadium, baby. You’ll never find me bashing my home state, but if you’re going to make the trip to the East Coast, NYC should be your destination. The Mercer Hotel located in SoHo, or, if you’re down to get the true Jersey experience, try the George in Montclair. Though, be warned: NJ Transit will be an experience in itself. Be early and be prepared for delays.
What to Pack
The US Open is home to legacy names and unforgettable moments in tennis history. It is where sisters Venus and Serena Williams faced each other in the 2001 women’s final, where Billie Jean King demanded equal prize money for both men and women, and where Althea Gibson became the first Black player to compete in the US Nationals (now the US Open). Whether you attend the US Open to see or be seen, there is lots of excitement around the players (ahem, Naomi Osaka's outfits), celebrities sitting courtside, and the usual popped collars, tennis skirts, and preppy windbreakers.
Where to stay: Held in Flushing, Queens, the US Open is another NYC summer event we recommend staying in Manhattan for. The Kimberly Hotel and the Pendry Manhattan West are both a five-minute walk to the express 7 train.
What to Pack
Returning to Madison Square Garden, Harry Styles will be performing an impressive 30-show residency beginning August 26 and ending October 31. (There are rumors of another “Harryween” taking place.) His latest album release, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, is expected to make up a majority of the setlist. “American Girls” seems like a fitting choice—you know, being in NYC and the Zoë Kravitz of it all. On the other hand, the Berlin influence is undeniable. Keep that in mind when planning your concert outfits. Think five-inch-inseam (or less) athletic shorts, an air of nonchalance, and Chanel-inspired suitings—yes, I’m talking about Styles’s 2026 BRIT Awards red carpet look and his post-SNL leopard-print Chanel Métiers d’Art 2026 jacket.
Where to stay: Having lived in Midtown NYC for many years, I recommend a neighborhood such as the East Village or the LES. The Bowery Hotel or the Standard East Village will be not only a welcoming return after the concert but also a great location for sightseeing, brunching, and shopping. That, and the atmosphere is prime for celebrity spotting.
What to Pack
It’s only been a few months of life post-"Bieberchella," and I’m already looking for my next soul-stirring performance. Lollapalooza’s lineup just might be the solution. Headliners include Lorde, Charli XCX, Olivia Dean, Jennie, Tate McRae, and that’s just to name a few. The four-day outdoor festival takes place in Downtown Chicago from July 30 to August 2. Taking into consideration this year’s Coachella fashion trends, thick belts, bikini tops, hot pants, and bug-eye sunglasses are likely to make an appearance alongside Sombr, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Little Simz, who are set to perform on day one.
Where to stay: When traveling for a music festival, convenience and discretion are key. The Silversmith Hotel and The Drake are both located in Downtown Chicago just a few minutes away from the venue, or, in the Silversmith’s case, an easy two blocks away.
What to Pack
How a fashion person does Paris: a latte from Café Nuances, a trip to Officine Universelle Buly, and an outfit pic at the Grand Palais Matisse 1941-1954 exhibit. The showcase offers views of Matisse’s later works, with over 300 paintings, textiles, stained glass, and cutout gouaches on display. Dressing for a museum visit is an art in itself. Matisse’s work is already filled with such beautiful hues; a limited color palette is perhaps best. That means elegant combinations of black and white or tapping into his Nus Bleu series by wearing cobalt-blue trousers. The exhibit will be on display now until July 26.
Where to stay: To experience Paris like a true local, discovering that hidden spot is essential. The Hôtel Madame Rêve is just that. If you prefer a more star-studded experience, the Hôtel Château Voltaire is a better fit.
What to Pack
From July 3 to 5, die-hard motorsport fans will descend on Silverstone, a town 56 miles outside London, for the oldest race on the Formula 1 calendar: the British Grand Prix. (Fun fact: Silverstone Circuit hosted the first race of the inaugural F1 World Championship all the way back in 1950.) It’s a sprint format in 2026, meaning attendees and viewers at home will get double the competitive action. There are two qualifying sessions, two races, and plenty of World Championship points to go around, though. This season, there's a high likelihood they'll all go toward Kimi Antonelli’s tally. That said, given Lewis Hamilton’s historic record in the UK, there's always a chance he makes magic happen through Maggots and Becketts. Beyond the drivers, eyes will be on celebrity and WAG sightings. Speaking of, Lily Muni He's and Alexandra Leclerc's paddock 'fits are a master class in how to dress for a Formula 1 race. And who knows, we might get a glimpse of Kim Kardashian.
Where to stay: The British Grand Prix is the perfect excuse to find a cozy place in the English countryside on Airbnb and live out your own version of The Holiday. I found this White Cottage in Abthorpe just a 10-minute drive from the circuit. But if you're up for a ride through the rolling hills, try Estelle Manor or Soho Farmhouse.
What to Pack
