THE LUXURY TRAVELER

Updated for

THE SEASONS EVENT CALENDAR

Frances Moorhouse, Arts & Calendar Editor

Calendar Links

Winter 2010

March 2010

Spring 2010

April 2010

May 2010

June 2010

Photo: OT Lille / © maxime dufour photographies

Enjoying refreshments outside a
restaurant in Old Town Lille, France

Calendar Links

Summer 2010

July 2010

August 2010

September 2010

Autumn 2010

October 2010

November 2010

December 2010

topics of other pages in this issue of The Luxury Traveler

CONTENTS  |  DESTINATIONS  |  LONDON THEATRE  |  MUSIC VENUES  |   MUSEUMS & GALLERIES  |  ENCORE  |  VERNISSAGE

The cultural diversity, heritage and civilization of  nations, cities and towns is brilliantly portrayed throughout Europe.  Our calendar offers the viewer a  selection of festivals, historical commemorations, arts and cultural events plus the pageantry, pomp and circumstance for which Europe is especially renowned.  You may peruse the entire calendar or use the links above to skip directly to the month of your choice.

Events in Progress

Through September 5th in London
Somerset House 10th Anniversary - Somerset House will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer with a spectacular programme of music, visual arts, fashion, dance, opera and film. The opening up of Somerset House, one of London’s most important 18th century buildings, has been one of the great success stories of the last decade, transformed from its days as a government office to a vibrant cultural hub for London and now visited by around 1.5 million people a year. London,  England

Currently in Washington, D.C. Until September 10th
Jazz in the Garden Returns - The National Gallery's popular summer tradition, is already in full swing. In its 10th consecutive season, the series continues with weekly performances through September 10. The free concerts feature an array of jazz artists performing a range of styles—from swing to progressive to Latin—every Friday evening in the Sculpture Garden, rain or shine. Musicians perform in front of the Pavilion Café, while visitors relax around the grand central fountain or arrange picnic blankets on the beautifully landscaped grounds. www.nga.gov/exhibitions/sculptureinfo.htm (Sculpture Garden)  National Gallery of Art, Washington,  D.C.

Through September 11th in London
The Proms.  One spring morning in 1894 the impresario, Robert Newman, arranged to meet the conductor, Henry Wood to talk through his idea: 'I am going to run nightly concerts to train the public in easy stages,' he explained. 'Popular at first, gradually raising the standard until I have created a public for classical and modern music.'  116 years later the Proms continue to present the widest possible range of music, performed to the highest standards, with the Royal Albert Hall's arena a central feature to its unique and informal atmosphere.  London,  England

Until September 11th in Bern
While developing his theory of relativity and revolutionizing humanity's world view, Albert Einstein lived in Bern. The open-air performances of “Einstein” will take place on Bern’s own mountain, the Gurten.  The park in its lush hilltop setting is an ideal local recreational area on the edge of town, easy to reach with the panoramic funicular. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the Alps, of Bern and its surroundings. Switzerland

Until September 12th in London
The Surreal House  - Barbican Art Gallery - Featuring art, film and architecture, The Surreal House presents the individual dwelling as a place of wonder, desire and foreboding. The haunted house, the cabinet of curiosities, the ruined castle, the cage, the cave, the box, the labyrinth, the bell jar and the womb are among the uniquely surreal habitats explored.  London,  England

Until September 18th in France
Chartres en Llumieres  - A musical visit to Chartres by night.  Starting on 23rd April, each evening at nightfall, twenty four of the finest monuments in Chartres will be highlighted through light and music. Listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and famous throughout the world for the incomparable splendour of its stained glass windows, the cathedral of Chartres will be showcased as never before. Shapes and images will appear throughout the city and building façades will display colours, scenes and script. The scenography will reveal the architecture of each monument and is sure to go down in the history of the town. The light show will end on 17th and 18th September with the Festival of Light!   Chartres,  France

Currently on Mondays through September in Santa Barbara
Monday wine & Cheese on the Canary Rooftop Returns - This summer, Canary Hotel invites visitors and locals to come soak up the sun, taste fine regional wines and indulge in artisan cheeses every Monday night on their coveted rooftop setting, The Perch. Monday Night Wine & Cheese Tasting takes place 5pm-8pm every Monday through September. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind breathtaking views of Santa Barbara from the best rooftop in town, while enjoying local wines and cheeses.  Santa Barbara,  California

Until September 24th in London,
Tea Dance at Spitalfields - Foxtrots, quicksteps, cha chas and many more... whether this will be your first experience or you are more expert at tripping the light fantastic, release those inhibitions and join the acclaimed Covent Garden Dance Orchestra, the musicians that re-introduced the tradition of social dancing back to the Royal Opera House, in a feast of popular tea dance classics through the summer.  Taking place in Crispin Place off Brushfield Street, E1. For more information visit http://www.spitalfields.co.uk

Until September 26th in London
Grace Kelly:  Style Icon -  The spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly will be on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.  Tracing the evolution of her style from her days as one of Hollywood's most popular actresses in the 1950s and as Princess Grace of Monaco, the display will present over 50 of Grace Kelly's outfits together with hats, jewelry and the original Hermes Kelly bag.  London,  England

Through September 29th in London
Take tea on the terrace at Buckingham Palace - Specially created for the eight-week Summer Opening, the café welcomes visitors at the end of their tour of the State Rooms as they walk from the Bow Room into the Palace garden. Perfectly positioned on the West Terrace, it offers views over Palace’s famous lawn and lake. For more information visit www.royalcollection.org.uk  London,  England

Until September 30th in Scotland
New Tours of the Holyrood Abbey.  Join a guided tour of the historic Abbey ruins and discover 900 years of fascinating history.  Edinburgh,  Scotland 

Through October in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Bowl 2010 Season Opens - Live music venues simply don’t get much better than the Santa Barbara Bowl. The 4,562-seat amphitheater is nestled in Santa Barbara’s foothills and there’s not a bad seat in the house—some even grant ocean views. It’s a long-standing favorite of music fans and international rock stars alike. Case in point: Radiohead front man Thom Yorke chose Santa Barbara as one of five cities on his eight-gig Atoms for Peace (Yorke, Flea, Mauro Refosco, Joey Waronker and Nigel Godrich) mini-tour. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out April 17 show go on sale March 6. Other 2010 shows recently announced include Alicia Keys (April 7), Sugarland (April 25) and Carole King/James Taylor (May 18). The 2010 season will run through October and acts will continue to be announced as summer approaches.  Santa Barbara, California

Until October 1st in Germany
Since 1710, the first European porcelain manufacture has produced the world-famous Meissen porcelain (invented by Johann Friedrich Boettger on behalves of August the Strong, King of Saxony) in its traditional form. Table sets, figurines and accessories are still designed, processed and artistically decorated by hand. In 2010 (April 18 - October 1) the Meissen porcelain manufacture will celebrate 300 years of its existence. Therefore visitors can enjoy several exhibitions in Meissen and Dresden with limited editions of the world famous porcelain, along with celebratory events. Dresden,  Germany

Until October 1st in London
A Royal Day Out - Perennially popular, this special three in one ticket, offers the best value way to spend a day visiting the State Rooms, the Royal Mews and The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.  Pre-booking for The Queen’s Gallery is strongly advised. A small number of tickets is held back for sale on the day. These tickets are available from the ticket desks at the Gallery from 09:30 on a strictly 'first come, first served' basis and are for one of the timed admissions that day. All three visits are part of Buckingham Palace, and we estimate that your Royal Day Out will last approximately 3½ to 4 hours.  London,  England

Until October 3rd in Germany
Oberammergau - A spiritual delight in southern Bavaria is Oberammergau, about one hour south of Munich. The town is already rehearsing for the decennial Passion Play in 2010. This world renowned event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, many of them from the US.  Oberammergau,  Germany

Until October 17th in Scotland
Impressionist Garden - A major international exhibition of around 90 works examining the significance, origins, influence of the Impressionist Garden.  This is the first exhibition ever to be devoted to this subject.  Events and activities devised in collaboration with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.  Exhibition organized by the National Galleries of Scotland and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid  In the Royal Scottish Academy Building (Upper Galleries).  Scotland

Until October 31st in Scotland
Marriage in the Movies -  presents some of the most memorable wedding moments captured on film as we showcase gowns and accessories from the big (and small) screens. The exhibition features wedding dresses worn by Keira Knightley, Helena Bonham-Carter and Meryl Streep, examines the iconic work of Oscar-winning costume designers, and explores the history of the wedding gown from its symbolism and tradition to fashion and style. While all the wedding gowns on display were made especially for the screen, they also represent the story and the style of the time – from the 1770s in Frankenstein and the late eighteenth century in The Duchess, to the early 1900s in Howard’s End.  The National Museum of Costume - Edinburgh,  Scotland

Until November 14th in the Loire Valley
The Garden of Antonin at the Chateau de Valencay - A discovery walk in an aromatic scented garden.  On the 20th March, the château de Valençay will open the doors to a new garden: the garden of Antonin. Distributed over 600 m², this garden has been created with a culinary theme in mind, and will contain more than 300 culinary aromatic species. The garden is dedicated to Antonin Carême, the greatest chef in the 19th century who worked at the service of Talleyrand for 12 years. The 10-stage olfactory walk around the garden offers the visitor the opportunity to distinguish the origins of various flavours. This new garden situated in the château grounds will breathe new life into the 18th century French gardens and is a complement to the new feature of 2009, "the floral chess board" boasting giant multi-coloured mosaics of country flowers. Valencay - Loire Valley,  France

Until December in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid, Always and Forever - Copenhagen's beloved Little Mermaid is taking a vacation from her post in the harbor and traveling to World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Some interesting things will go on in Copenhagen while she's away. In exchange for the Little Mermaid, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has been commissioned to create a multimedia art installation around her usual perch at Langelinie. It will include a 24-hour video link to the Little Mermaid in Shanghai so people can keep tabs on her. At the same time, the Little Mermaid's "sister"-a copy of the statue made by its sculptor, Edvard Eriksen - will be on display in Tivoli Gardens beginning in April.

Until December 12th in Germany
Into Modern Times - The railways as the driving force for Germany on its way into modern times will be the central topic of the exhibition "Die Strecke des Adlers" (The Journey of the Adler) in the Museum for Industrial.  Celebrate 175 years of German Railway and experience unforgettable railway nostalgia in one of Europe’s most beautiful sceneries. Center of the festivities are the cities of Nuremberg and Fuerth in Bavaria, which the first railway connected on its maiden voyage. Locomotive and vehicle parades as well as a comprehensive jubilee exhibition in the Deutsche Bahn Museum are some of the exciting highlights that can be included in your itinerary this year.  Nuremberg,  Germany

Until January 17th, 2011 in California
The Norton Simon Museum presents Hiroshige: Visions of Japan, an exhibition of nearly 200 prints by Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858), one of the most celebrated and prolific artists of his time. Drawn from the Museum’s extensive collection of Japanese woodblock-prints, the exhibition features works from Hiroshige’s seminal series Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road, One Hundred Famous Views of Edo and Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, among others. All together, the images offer visitors a glimpse into everyday life in 19th-century Japan, with its festivals, rituals, and sublime natural beauty.    Pasadena,  California

Events in September 2010

In the Autumn in London
St Martin’s Courtyard opens in Covent Garden - A brand new shopping and dining destination, St Martin’s Courtyard, opens this autumn in Covent Garden. This hotly anticipated destination will be a must visit for shopping, style and restaurants with independent labels, flagship stores, international brands and new concepts handpicked to create an exclusive shopping experience. At the heart of St Martin’s Courtyard is a beautiful open air landscaped courtyard. Al fresco seating and greenery create a relaxed yet vibrant urban oasis.  London,  England

During September in London
The World’s biggest destination for shoes opens at Selfridges - The most spectacular shoe department ever will launch in Selfridges this September. From Topshop to Lanvin, thousands of shoes will be available in 6 major salons, with 11 exclusive brand boutiques.    At Selfridges in London,  England

Middle September to beginning October in Germany
Oktoberfest - There simply aren't enough superlatives to describe Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest. Held on the Wies’n fairground from the middle of September to the beginning of October, the festival is opened with the traditional cry of "O'zapft is" (the barrel is tapped).  Munich,  Germany

September to January 2011 in Duesseldorf
Quadriennale - A series of high caliber exhibits in nine of the city's major art houses and galleries.  Situated in the west on the Rhine River, Duesseldorf is one of the German centers of design, fashion and architecture. The city has made its name for its galleries and collections of worldwide significance. The new annual highlight of Duesseldorf’s art scene is the second Quadriennale.   It is titled "Presence of Art" and features contemporary art in and from Duesseldorf of the past 50 years   Duesseldorf,  Germany

September 1st to 10th in Germany
The Rheingau Wine Festival in Frankfurt showcases the vintners from Germany’s famous wine growing area, the Rheingau. Over 600 types of wines, including the region’s Riesling, are featured in the stalls along the Fressgasse, one of Frankfurt’s charming small streets.  Frankfurt,  Germany  www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

Opening September 2nd in Berlin
Friedrichstadtpalast Enchants with Yma - A world premiere in Europe’s largest show palace: beginning on September 2, 2010, Berlin will be inspired by “Yma – Too Beautiful to Be True”. A diva is at the center of the new production. Together with sixty dancers and supremely gifted artistes, she whisks the audience away into a realm of fantasy.  Berlin,  Germany

September 2nd through 5th in Switzerland
Omega European Masters - For several years now, the European Masters have occupied a choice position in the calendar of the European Circuit. Being a tournament with impressive sporting characteristics, it also plays the conviviality card, thanks to the incomparable ambiance at Crans-Montana. Just as much as
the spectators, the players appreciate the September rendez-vous; for them, going to the Valais means something authentic, alpine, almost bucolic, something quite different from other destinations. Although fully concentrating on their game, the professionals none the less display a certain relaxed style which cannot be discerned in them during the rest of the season. Golf at an altitude of 1'500 metres is a whiff of air, both literally and figuratively!  Certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world!  Crans-Montana,  Valais,  Switzerland

September 2nd to 5th in Bellinzona
La Bacchica Wine Festival - The traditional Grape Harvest Fete features, along with the unmissable costumed parade, many other smaller events.  Wine tasting with the Sopraceneri wine makers will certainly be for many the pivotal attraction of the event, but the traditional costumes, theatre and quantity of music in all its varieties will no doubt entertain the many people attending.  La Bacchica,   Switzerland

September 2nd through September 10th in Rotterdam
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival will stage over 30 concerts and events in Rotterdam. Valery Gergiev and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra invited a selection of top international orchestras, choirs and soloists, including the Mariinsky Theatre, Zefiro Torna, the Henschel Quartet, European Camerata, B’Rock, Jean-Guihen Queyras, Philippe Graffin and many others.  The Rotterdam Gergiev Festival is a cross-border symphonic festival featuring the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. This internationally renowned event offers broad programming on a different theme each year, under the artistic direction of world-class conductor Valery Gergiev.  Rotterdam,  The Netherlands

September 2nd to 20th in Berlin
Musikfest Berlin 10  - The Berlin concert season is ushered in spectacularly by the orchestra festival at the Berliner Festspiele - run jointly with the Stiftung Berliner Philharmoniker. Top international orchestras, instrumental and choral ensembles and the great symphony orchestras of the city of Berlin together present an ambitious festival program with a new thematic focus each year. www.berlinerfestspiele.de    Berlin,  Germany

September 3rd in Leipzig
Leipzig's Unique System of Arcades - Night of the Arcades - The flair of the Leipzig city centre is due to the special features of its urban architecture.  There is no other European city with a comparably compact inner-city system of arcades and passageways that emerged from centuries of trading and trade fair activities.  Leipzig,  Germany

September 3rd, 4th and 5th in Rotterdam
33rd edition of the World Port Days. Along the Maas river and quayside, visitors are offered a wide range of activities. There are spectacular stunts on the water and fully organized excursions to one of the many companies located in the port of Rotterdam. The Saturday night programme is filled with music and festivities on the river, ending with a dazzling fireworks display.  Rotterdam, The Netherlands

September 3rd through 26th in Copenhagen
Golden Days are Here Again - Globalization, gossip and greed: We could be talking about Wall Street in the 21st century, but in fact we're talking about Denmark in the 1700s, the period when Denmark "met the world" and became a force in international commerce and intrigue. That's the theme of this year's Golden Days Festival in Copenhagen ,.  An annual month-long celebration designed to highlight a particular period of Danish history from all angles. The program will include exhibitions, lectures, films, concerts, dance recitals - and even a masquerade ball - all in the context of early 18th century Denmark. The official schedule will be released shortly. Copenhagen,  Denmark

September 4th to 19th in Scotland
Scottish Foodie Fortnight - Venues across the country will take part in the Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight.  Home to 15 Michelin starred restaurants and over 120 whisky distilleries, Scotland is proud of its food and drink.  Stretching from the Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides a lineup of events will include farmers’ markets, exhibitions, samplings, and debates on attracting the best talent into the food and drink industry. Go to www.scottishfoodanddrinkfortnight.co.uk for more information  Scotland

September 8th through September 19th in London
The Prince of Wales is opening the gardens at Clarence House, together with the gardens at Lancaster House and Marlborough House, for a ‘Garden Party to Make a Difference’. The event brings together exhibitions, interactive displays, activities and live performances by comedians, musicians and speakers in aid of The Prince's initiative.  London,  England 

September 9th through October 2nd at 8:oopm in Pacific Palisades
Elektra - One of the poet Sophocles' most elegant and hunting works, Elektra celebrates the human desire for justice, and the costs exacted upon those who seek it.  The story follows the unrelenting Elektra after the murder of her father, King Agamemnon, by his vengeful wife.  Pacific Palisades,  California

September 10th to 12th in Czech Republic
Palava Wine Festival, Mikulov - Wine aficionados, don't miss the harvest time in Moravia.  You can enjoy the festivities in Mikulov offering wine tastings, folklore and music.  Mikulov,  Czech Republic

September 10th to October 11th in Bonn
Beethoven Festival, Bonn - Every year in autumn the Beethoven Festival Bonn attracts the attention of music lovers from all over the world. More than 60 concerts of international orchestras, meaningful ensembles and prominent soloists, as well as an extensive accompanying program are performed at more than 20 venues in Bonn and the region: the Beethoven Hall, the house of birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, old castles and fortresses along the river Rhine. www.beethovenfest.de   Bonn, Germany

September 11th & 12th in London
The Mayor's Thames Festival - With activities all along the River Thames between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, The Mayor's Thames festival offers everything from a lantern procession to live music, art installations, street theatre and pyrotechnic displays. Best of all - it's free! For further information visit www.thamesfestival.org  London,  England

September 11th & 12th in London
The Royal Horse Gala - The Royal Horse Gala is a spectacular presentation of magical, artfully choreographed dressage performances by Lipizzaner, Lusitano, Andalusian Arabs and Friesian stallions from five of the world’s outstanding classical riding schools. O2 Arena      London,  England

September 12th to 19th in London
Agatha Christie Afternoon Tea - Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel - This year marks the 120th anniversary of celebrated crime writer Agatha Christie’s birth. To celebrate, Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel is offering a special ‘Agatha Christie Afternoon Tea’ in its award-winning English Tea Room. There is nowhere more appropriate than Brown’s Hotel to pay homage to the ‘Queen of Crime’, as it is believed Agatha Christie was inspired to write the infamous ‘At Bertram’s Hotel’ after her regular visits to the hotel. The tea costs £50 per person and will include a copy of ‘Agatha Christie, An Autobiography’, signed by Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson.   London,  England

September 13th in Bern
"Sichlete" in the Swiss Capital - The beginning of the "Sichlete" Festival, starts on September 13th with a procession of Alpine farmers and their livestock through the Old Town of Bern. The "Sichlete" is a typical Bernese custom, a kind of harvest thanksgiving when all those who have helped bring in the harvest are invited to partake in a delicious feast.  Bern,  Switzerland

September 17th through October 4th in Munich
200 years of original Oktoberfest in Munich - an anniversary to celebrate,  To take advantage of the warmer weather, the Bavarians moved up the date of Oktoberfest in Munich to September. Opening day this year is Friday, September 17th and runs through Monday, October 4th.  Visitors are invited to enjoy beer gardens outside the tents and the stroll over "die Wiesn" long into the warm nights. Special anniversary happenings will commence with a historic reconstruction of the original festival using an antique Oktoberfest tent and exhibition of historical fun fair attractions. Horse races, also part of the royal fete, will be held daily. The official tapping of the first beer barrel will be celebrated on Saturday the 18th at noon.  Those who partake in the festival’s last day will have easy access. Only a limited number of beer tent seats are reservation only, and the vast first majority are available on a first come first serve basis. The festival tents open at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and close at 11:00 p.m. On the weekends the tents open at 9:00 a.m. Beer is served until 10:30 p.m. Admission to the Oktoberfest is free. In honor of the anniversary the city of Munich is hosting a unique Oktoberfest exhibition at the City Museum of Munich that will run  through the end of October.  Munich,  Germany

September 18th at the Hollywood Bowl
Phoenix Headlines Hollywood Bowl - Grizzly Bear and Girls Also Perform - French band Phoenix make their Hollywood Bowl debut on September 18, 2010, headlining the iconic venue in support of their acclaimed release Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, which topped almost every critic’s top-10 list for 2009, and won a Grammy award for Best Alternative Music Album. Brooklyn-based band Grizzly Bear, also making their venue debut, have gone from local buzz to national acclaim following the chart success of their latest album Veckatimeist. Girls makes their Hollywood Bowl debut as well, touring in support of their debut release, Album.   

September 18th to October 3rd in Germany
The world’s most famous beer festival in Munich will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2010. In October 1810 the festival took place for the first time to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later to become King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxony. This 16-day festival is held each year in Munich (September 18 - October 3, 2010) and is the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year.  Munich,  Germany

September 19th to October 3rd in Germany
200th Anniversary Celebration of Oktoberfest in 2010  - The Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, celebrates its 200th anniversary. Beer tents and fairground rides as far as the eye can see guarantee an exuberant atmosphere for a whole two weeks attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Experience the real Germany of traditional music and costumes, Wurst (sausage), pretzels, and an inexhaustible supply of the finest beer in the world. www.oktoberfest.de   Germany

September 19th – November 11th in Prague
The traditional "Strings of Autumn“ will offer an eclectic mix of jazz, classical and world music.  Prague,  Czech Republic

September 22nd to 26th in London
LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair Berkeley Square - The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers is the UK’s largest trade organisation for professional dealers.  Its prestigious annual Fair is a showcase for 90 members to display for sale fine, rare and beautiful works of art, furniture, jewellery, pictures, silver and sculpture from the 15th to 21st centuries.  This year’s Fair is held from Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th September 2010 in a special marquee in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1.  From an exquisite C15th Flemish manuscript miniature to an exuberant watercolour by C20th Spanish artist Joan Miró, a centre table made for Queen Victoria for Windsor Castle to a recently discovered rare Lalique jewel, there is truly something for everyone at this Fair. : www.lapadalondon.com.   

September 22nd to 26th in Vienna
MQ Vienna Fashion Week  -  Visitors can look forward to more national and international fashion highlights in 2010. Fashion shows will be held daily in the marquee in front of the MuseumsQuartier (MQ). The designers use the shows to give a preview of their collections for Spring/Summer 2011. MQ Vienna Fashion Week is also a sales fair: the current collections and accessories are available to try on and buy. Events and collection sales also take place at Quartier21 in the MQ. Visitors to MQ Vienna Fashion Week can look forward to side events in the evening.  This year, these include the Austrian fashion labels pitour/Maria Oberfrank, Michel Mayer, superated, Callisti, Gina Drewes, Kayiko and DKSHW (Darkshow, a side-project of Dernier Cri). The spectrum of presented international designers ranges from Spain to Thailand.  Detailed program at: www.mqviennafashionweek.com

September 23rd through 26th in London
Vodafone London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House - Vodafone London Fashion Weekend gives designerholics the chance to experience the buzz of London Fashion Week at Somerset House, whilst shopping from brands such as DKNY Jeans, Twenty8Twelve, Beatrix Ong, House of Harlow, Sass & Bide, Ghost, Linda Farrow, Mawi, Olivia Rubin and Pauric Sweeney. When it’s time to take a break from shopping around the amazing designer discounts, visitors can book a haircut and blow dry with top stylists at Toni&Guy, get a makeover and receive beauty advice from Elizabeth Arden’s professional makeup artists.  London,  England

September 24th to October 3rd
The Colgate Windsurf World Cup Sylt 2010 is one of the largest water sport events in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the island in the North Sea- Island of Sylt, Germany  www.windsurfworldcup.de

September 24th to October 10th in Germany
164th Cannstatt Festival  - Every year, millions of guests join the locals to enjoy the world’s second largest beer and folk festiva. Up to 5000 visitors frolic and celebrate in each festival tent. Bands wearing traditional clothing ensure the cheerful entertainment and the Stuttgarter and visitors enjoy delicious Kaesespaetzle (Swabian noodles with cheese), roast, potato noodles with sour kraut, Goeckele or crispy knuckles. www.cannstatter-volksfest.de

September 25th through October 11th in Germany
Also in Germany’s south, the Cannstatter Wasn, in Stuttgart near the Black Forest, is the world’s second largest beer festival. This year will be the 164th Cannstatter Wasn and the festival is famous for Swabian pasta, such as Spaetzle .  Stuttgart,  Germany  www.cannstatter

September 26th In Hollywood 
Vampire Weekend make their Hollywood Bowl debut on September 26, 2010, headlining the iconic venue in support of Contra, the follow-up to their wildly successful self-titled debut. Beach House also makes their venue debut, and is touring in support of Teen Dream, their third and most recent release. The Very Best, another debut appearance, recently released Warm Heart of Africa, which includes a guest appearance from Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig.  Tickets are on sale Sunday, May 2 at HollywoodBowl.com, at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office (May 2 – 9, 10am – 6pm; Beginning May 11, 12pm – 6pm, Tues. – Sun.); via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000, or through Ticketmaster.

September 28th through October 3rd
The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair - The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair is the leading antiques and 20th century design event for interior decoration.  Now in its 25th year, The Decorative, housed in a convenient marquee in Battersea Park three times a year, is famous for the unusual and individual range of works offered for sale, dating from the 17th to 21st centuries.  A useful, free Renault shuttle service operates between the Fair and Sloane Square. For more information visit www.decorativefair.com  At Battersea Park,  London,  England

September 30th to October 3rd in Rotterdam
Ahoy Rotterdam - The Netherlands Military Tattoo is a colorful indoor-show around Dutch military music, in which marching music, modern and classical, is presented. Show, tradition, topical matters, leisure and reflection alternate in the show. The Tattoo is held once a year at the end of September / beginning of October. During the five-day lasting event, the two-hour show will be presented seven times.    Rotterdam,  The Netherlands  www.ahoy.nl

Events in October 2010

October Through March in Wales
Llancaiaich Fawr Manor (easier to see ghosts here than pronounce its name), the living history museum of the year 1645, voted one of Britain's 10 most-haunted buildings, has no less than eight raucous residents ghosts including prank-playing children, soldiers and a maid. Ghost tours run from October through March. www.caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr. Close by, Caerphilly Castle is said to be home of the “Green Lady of Caerphilly.” While the castle is fairytale-like, the story of the green lady is tragic: she is thought to be the spirit of Alice, a star-crossed lover who died tragically.  Wales

October 2nd to 23rd in Warsaw
Fryderyk Chopin Competition - 6th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.  Renowned Jury, extraordinary concerts and traditionally - great excitement at the Warsaw Philharmonic.  Warsaw,  Poland

October  8th through 10th in Germany
Onion Market Weimar  - The 300 year old Weimar Onion Market is an annual happening that always takes place in early October. The fields around Weimar still produce great onions, and the three day event has more than 550 market stalls and about 350,000 visitors the biggest festival of the state Thuringia. In every year as one of the festival highlights a local girl is announced onion queen. Besides onions, the festival is famous for the variety of German wines presented. www.weimar.de

October 15th to January 30th, 2011 in Switzerland
The Kunsthaus Zurich will revive the first museum exhibition devoted to Pablo Picasso.  The 1932 show personally curated at the Kunsthaus Zurich and featuring pieces chosen by the artist himself, covers Picasso's work from his pink and blue periods to his Cubist and Neo-classical phase and Surrealist creations, and includes outstanding originals from the best known international collections.  Zurich,  Switzerland

October 16th to 23rd in Bath
Bath Bach Festival - Bach Festivals have been taking place at intervals in Bath for 50 years.  The Festival is organized and promoted by the Chantry Singers, one of the leading small choirs in the South West.  For 2010, Andrew Marr has agreed to be our Festival Patron, and the artists will include Catherine Bott, Florilegium, James Gilchrist, Dame Emma Kirkby, Dame Gillian Weir and the Academy of Ancient Music. The Academy of Ancient Music will be playing the complete Brandenburg cycle of 6 Concerti.  Bath,  England

October 17th at 7:00pm in Munich
Vivaldi:  The Four Seasons - Enjoy Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", and other musical masterpieces at the Schloss Nymphenburg in Munich.  
Outstanding artists in historical costumes perform in the baroque Hubertussaal of the palace. The concert can also be booked together with a festive three-course meal at Schlosswirtschaft Schwaige restaurant.  The royal flair of the palace and the combination of music and dining offer an unforgettable experience.  Munich,  Germany

October  19th to 31st in Germany
Festival of Lights - Berlin will sparkle as a range of illuminations and projections light up landmarks and spaces, including Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and the radio tower.  Berlin,  Germany

October 30th, Halloween Eve in Wales
Stay in a haunted hotel. Lady Gray is the resident ghost of North Wales' Ruthin Castle Hotel, executed for murdering her husband's lover.  She is often seen roaming the castle grounds and battlements.  Ruthin is hosting a Mediaeval Banquet Murder Mystery (£44.00 per person) on Halloween eve, Saturday, October 30, 2010, and offers murder mystery dinners and guided tours of the castle walls and dungeon year-round. www.ruthincastle.co.uk.

October 30th at  8 pm & October 31st at 3 pm in California
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus Season Opening Concert  - The season opens with a program resplendent in color. Guest artist Noriko Kawai performs Alexandre Scriabin’s Prometheus, scored for piano, chorus, orchestra, and “color organ.” Acclaimed video artist Ross Karre creates a concerto grosso of light, color, image and shadow for this multi-media presentation. The program begins with Leonard Bernstein’s sassy Overture to Candide and concludes with Gustav Mahler’s mighty First Symphony. Steven Schick conducts. Free pre-concert lecture one hour prior. Ticket prices: $15-$29. Call 858-534-4637 or visit www.lajollasymphony.com.   at the Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD  La Jolla,  California

Events in November 2010

November 1st through March 25th in London
The Royal Mews opens this Winter at Buckingham Palace - One of the finest working stables in existence, the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace provides a unique insight into the department of the Royal Household that provides transport by road for The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.  For more information visit www.royalcollection.org.uk  London,  England

November 2nd in New York
The internationally acclaimed Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain—a virtuosic singing and strumming musical ensemble featuring performers on ukuleles of many different registers—performs on Tuesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. In the 25 years since the group’s inception, its repertoire has ranged from Tchaikovsky and Beethoven to swinging jazz numbers, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Who.  At Carnegie Hall.  New York City

November 3rd through 6th in Zurich
Glamorous Fashion:  Charles Vogele Fashion Days Zurich.  Zurich is getting its own fashion week with the Charles Vogele Fashion Days Zurich.  During four days in November, all eyes in the fashion world will be focused on Zurich.  Having top quality event organizer like IMG Schweiz, guarantees it.  Throughout four days and evenings, national and international designer shows will be held.  In addition, the "Swiss Textiles Award", endowed with 100,000 Euros, and the "Annabelle Award" prize for up and coming designers, will be awarded in conjunction with the Fashion Days.  Zurich,  Switzerland

November 13th & 14th in London
Discover Dogs - Discover Dogs began in 1996 and has now become one of the must-sees in the canine calendar. It is a fantastic experience and one that can't be missed by any dog lovers. Discover Dogs, organized by the Kennel Club, is London's leading dog event and this year, our 15th event will be showcasing 200 breeds of pedigree dog for visitors to meet. For more information visit www.eco.co.uk    At Earls Court,  London,  England

November 22nd in Bern
The "Zibelemärit" (onion market) is a traditional folk festival which takes place on the fourth Monday every November. Farmers from the surrounding area bring more than 50 tons of onions - in artistically woven plaits - and garlic to the federal capital. Colorful market stalls offer ceramic pots, bread, vegetables and mementos to the visitor. To help resist the winter cold, don't miss the Glühwein stand.  The bustle starts at 5.00 h and hundreds of visitors from home and abroad stream through the town. This is the day when cheese, cheesecake, onion cakes and onion soup are on offer in all the restaurants, giving off a spicy aroma. Younger visitors scatter confetti in the streets, and have fun at the fairground.  Bern,  Switzerland

November 28th to December 29th in Bern
Bern Christmas Markets - The streets and alleys are aglow with the warm light escaping from living rooms. Little Christmas trees decorate the facades of the houses, adding to the romantic mood. The Old Town houses, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, provide a fantastic and unique backdrop for the distinctive Bern Christmas Market. Münsterplatz is devoted mainly to arts and crafts. Traditional market fare can be found 10 minutes away on Waisenhausplatz.  You will find special candles, gifts and handmade souvenirs. Glühwein will help to warm you up again, and there are plenty of stalls offering snacks and nourishment. A visit to one of the legendary restaurants in the Old Town - either the 350-year-old Klötzlikeller or the Kornhauskeller - turns a visit to this magical market into something really special.  Bern,  Switzerland

Events in December 2010

December 30th in Budapest
New Year's Eve Gypsy Concert - New Year's Eve celebration starts early on 30th of December featuring the Hundred Member Gypsy Orchestra.  Welcome the New Year with Gypsy and Hungarian folk music.  Budapest, Hungary

09/01