Summer Starts Here: Fun Festivals, Food, and Fabulous Escapes

From star-studded music festivals and coastal dining gems to must-see summer events and concert-filled hotel escapes, explore what’s hot this season.

Inspirations & Celebrations welcomes you to indulge in the sights, sounds, and flavors of summer’s most unforgettable experiences. From legendary live performances in Napa Valley to charming restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula, this month’s features are designed to spark your wanderlust, elevate your entertaining, and inspire stylish escapes.

Explore hotels that bring the concert stage to your stay, discover buzz-worthy events worth traveling for, and uncover hidden gem eateries perfect for a scenic summer meal. Whether you’re craving culture, cuisine, or a little curated adventure, this roundup of recent stories invites you to savor the season in the most luxurious way.

BottleRock Napa Valley turned up the heat this year with unforgettable performances by global superstars like Justin Timberlake, Ice Cube, Kaskade, Sofi Tukker, Green Day, and rising sensation Benson Boone, delivering a dynamic mix of music, energy, and crowd-pleasing moments. From celebrity chef cameos by Andrew Zimmern, Kristen Kish, and Brooke Williamson and star-studded culinary demos with Gavin Rossdale, Anthony Kiedis, and Kate Hudson to immersive brand activations by Defender, Hendrick’s Gin, Aperol Spritz, and Pacifico and stylish festivalgoers, the three-day event that attracted 125,000 attendees was a feast for the senses. With exclusive photos, behind-the-scenes highlights, and firsthand coverage of the festival’s biggest acts, this story captures the electric spirit and luxurious allure of Napa’s most iconic summer event.

Discover five enchanting restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California where exceptional cuisine meets breathtaking surroundings. From ocean-view patios and historic hideaways to flower-lined courtyards and charming village settings, this curated selection offers more than just a meal. Whether you're savoring fresh seafood with coastal vistas or enjoying a romantic dinner in a quaint courtyard, these dining spots provide the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences.

This summer, elevate your travel plans with “gig tripping”, a curated collection of luxurious hotels that double as live music venues, offering unforgettable performances by icons like Janet Jackson, Bruno Mars, and John Legend. From the vibrant energy of Las Vegas to the tropical allure of the Bahamas, these destinations blend world-class accommodations with exclusive concerts, ensuring your getaway is as entertaining as it is relaxing. Whether you're dancing under the stars or enjoying intimate shows in chic settings, discover how to make your next vacation a blend of leisure and live music.

This curated guide spotlights ten of the season's most stylish and immersive events, from Napa Valley’s wine-soaked galas and Carmel-by-the-Sea’s coastal culinary week to Aspen’s haute cuisine gatherings and Dallas’s rooftop design showcases. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine wine, a style-savvy fashion or interior design enthusiast, or a lover of artful experiences, these must-attend events and festivals promise unforgettable moments in picturesque settings. Each event is thoughtfully selected to inspire your summer travels and elevate your lifestyle with a blend of culture, cuisine, and creativity.

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