2012

BBC Proms, London Join up to 1,500 “Prommers” at concerts at Albert Hall and get caught up in the excitement that engulfs the city during the annual Proms. The program is packed with world premieres, classical favorites and internationally renowned musicians. Part of the Cultural Olympiad 2012, a four-year program of cultural events that culminates with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Through Sept. 8. bbc.co.uk/proms

The Paris Biennale, ParisSet in the glorious Grand Palais, this event immerses connoisseurs in some of the finest art and antiques in the world. Now in its 27th year, the festival’s exhibits draw nearly 100,000 visitors including art dealers, collectors and fine jewelers. Sept. 14 to 23. sna-france.com

Ringling International Arts Festival, SarasotaThe fourth annual RIAF introduces its first film series and continues its celebration of avant-garde arts with performances in dance, music and theater in the Ringling Museum of Art’s theaters, galleries and courtyard. Produced by the museum and New York’s Baryshnikov Arts Center. Oct. 10-13. ringlingartsfestival.org/2012

Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, OntarioA repertory theater festival, the Stratford Shakespeare festival begins in early April and continues through October. Naturally, it focuses on the works of Shakespeare, but the playbill also includes works in classical and contemporary repertoire. ThroughOct. 28; tickets for 2013 on sale in January. stratfordfestival.ca

Art Basel Miami, Miami Miami Beach hosts the 11th edition of Art Basel with more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. Considered one of the most prestigious art shows in the Americas, the event features works by 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.Dec. 6-9. miamibeach.artbasel.com

2013

Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah Help advance the work of risk-taking storytellers worldwide at the Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in America. Founded by Robert Redford, Sundance is a magnet for celebrities as much as for documentaries and dramas. Jan. 17-23. sundance.org/festival

Naples Winter Wine Festival, Naples, Fla.The highlight of Florida’s annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, a fund-raising event for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, is a dinner auction billed by Wine Spectator as the most successful charity wine auction in the nation since 2004. Theme for the 2013 festival (Jan. 24-27) is “When Stars Align.” napleswinefestival.com

The 59th Annual Winter Antiques Show, New York CityNow celebrating its 59th year as America’s most prestigious antiques show and featuring renowned experts in American, English, European and Asian fine and decorative arts. Jan. 25-Feb. 3, at the Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue. winterantiquesshow.com

South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Miami The Cannes of wine and food festivals is studded with stars of Food Network TV shows, who are among the 200 chefs, 150 vintners and other culinary personalities attending this 50-event happening. Now in its 12th year, the festival has raised more than $17 million for Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Feb. 21-24. sobefest.com/2013-festival

The Armory Show, New York CityA potpourri of works from the world’s leading galleries, arts events and exhibitions throughout New York City, Armory Arts Week’s signature event is The Armory Show. Held at Piers 92 and 94 in central Manhattan, it focuses on artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. March 7-10. thearmoryshow.com

Monumenta 2013, Paris, France Monumenta invites an internationally renowned contemporary artist to appropriate the 13,500-square-meter Grand Palais Nave with an artwork created for the annual five-week event. Artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov provide the installation for 2013. Cultural learning events and concerts are presented throughout Monumenta. May-June. monumenta.com/en

Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, FranceThe French Riviera springs to life at the end of May for the Cannes Film Festival, the most prestigious film festival in the world. The best private party venues overlook the red carpet, offering spectacular views of stars and filmmakers posing for paparazzi.May 15-26. festival-cannes.fr/en.html

Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, S.C.For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, and a wide range of music. Internationally recognized as one of America’s premier performing arts festivals. May 24-June 9. spoletousa.org

Art Basel, Basel, SwitzerlandArt Basel 44 will showcase 300 leading contemporary and modern art galleries from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Museum-quality paintings, drawings, sculpture, installation, prints and more by 2,500 artists. Events held in myriad venues, from medieval buildings to world-class museums. June 13-16. basel.artbasel.com/go/id/ss

Fête de la Musique, Berlin, Germany You can choose from 100 other countries simultaneously celebrating summer solstice under the Fêtes de la Musique umbrella, but Germany offers an amazing variety of live concerts on around 90 stages. All music genres represented, including world music and jazz; all performances are free. Venues include the House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt) and the Volksbühne. June 25. lafetedelamusique.com

Spoleto Two Worlds Festival, Spoleto, Umbria, ItalyAn ancient city in the heart of Umbria, Spoleto hosts a whirlwind of artistic activity during its annual Two Worlds Festival from the end of June to mid-July. Known for quality classical music, theater, ballet, visual arts and cinema presented in the historic Piazza Duomo, Teatro Nuovo and other venues. 2013 dates TBA. festivaldispoleto.com

The Venice Biennale, Venice, ItalyRanking high on the list of the most prestigious contemporary art festivals worldwide, The Venice Biennale encompasses the Venice Film Festival as well as dance and music festivals on odd-numbered years. Installation artist Sarah Sze has been selected to represent the U. S. in 2013.November-June. labiennale.org/en/Home.html