Break your routine by experiencing some fun, unique virtual events during the month of August. From music and art festivals to a celebration of 19^th century literature, figs, and more, you can enjoy all of it from the comfort of your home thanks to live streaming!

Lollapalooza

July 30-August 2

Other than Coachella, Lollapalooza is arguably the most prominent music festival in the nation. Attracting music lovers by the thousands to Chicago, Lollapalooza has earned a reputation for a fun festival atmosphere over the years and has featured some of the biggest acts in the music industry, spanning all popular genres. Like Coachella, Lollapalooza is a sure bet to catch acts on top of their game in addition to rising stars.

This year’s festival has been taken online, with digital streaming performances scheduled to take place around Chicago in addition to historic sets, “never before seen footage,” and more. There is a signup form on the Lollapalooza website to learn more about this year’s festival. Although a formal lineup has not been announced, given the track record of this monumental music festival, viewers will not be disappointed! For more information check out the Lollapalooza website.

Minnesota Fringe Festival

July 30-August 9

Catch the largest performing arts festival in the Midwest live as the Minnesota Fringe Festival takes its ground-breaking performances to a virtual stage. Long heralded as a platform that pushes the boundaries of performing arts and artistic expression, the Minnesota Fringe Festival is sure to delight and captivate audiences with cutting-edge creativity from artists ascending their own visions and pushing boundaries. There are free performances as well as paid options with plenty of absurd concepts available to watch regardless of how you choose to participate.

More information and a lineup of streaming events may be found on the Minnesota Fringe Festival website.

Ocracoke Fig Festival

August 1-8

Head to the opposite coast and savor the versatile fig at the virtual edition of the Ocracoke Fig Festival, live from Ocracoke, North Carolina. This weeklong celebration will be broadcast on the festival’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, chock full of content with ways to use figs in the kitchen and how to preserve them. The festival will also feature interviews with “fignitaries” as well as a tour of Fig Island. You can also participate in a Virtual Fig Bake-Off from your own kitchen by entering your recipe, photo, and/or video.

For the full slate of details, branch over to the Ocracoke Preservation Society’s website.

Twainfest

August 1-16

Celebrate iconic American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, lecturer, and publisher Mark Twain and his works at 2020 Twainfest – a virtual celebration. In addition to Twain’s legendary literature, other 19^th century authors will be on full display, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and others. Actors will bring these transcendent literary figures to life with select readings from each.

Head over to the 2020 Twainfest on the Write Out Loud website for the full scoop and to sign up for updates.

Virtual Jersey City Comedy Festival

August 12-15

We could all use a good laugh these days! Good thing you can catch up-and-coming comedy acts from the Virtual Jersey City Comedy Festival, streaming live. Featuring stand-up, roast battles, improv, podcasts, and more, this festival has something for everyone and prides itself on being a platform for an inclusive and diverse lineup of artists.

For the full details, including a rundown of the daily performances and to purchase tickets, visit the festival website.

Bosworth Medieval Festival

August 22-23

Commemorate the battle that changed English history forever with the Bosworth Medieval Festival, marking the 535^th anniversary of the battle of Bosworth. Learn how Henry Tudor and a small army of rebels defeated the army of King Richard III, leading to the rise of the powerful Tudor Dynasty. The virtual festival will include a rose-laying ceremony August 22^nd, with more details to be announced in the weeks and days leading up to the festival.

Check out the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park website for more.

Festival of Books

August 29

Whether you like reading, discussing, or learning more about the process of writing books, the San Diego Union Tribune Festival of Books has you covered. There are three virtual events happening throughout the month of August for you to check out, including Live Q&A events, a Virtual Book Club reading Broken People by Sam Lansky, and a Children’s Storytime to enjoy with your family.

Check out the San Diego Union Tribune’s website for the full schedule of events and additional details on the guest speakers.