- Upcoming Beauty Expos to Know in 2026
- January – April: Winter Escapes, Culture, and Early-Year Energy
- May – June: Spring Travel, Film Festivals, and Global Sports
- July – September: Summer Festivals and Global Culture
- October – December: Conferences, Art Basel, and Detty December
- Journalist & Creator Specific Highlights
- How to Use This Calendar
This calendar was built by creators for creators and travelers alike who care about timing and being in the right rooms this year.
If you consider yourself to be a frequent traveler, event goer, or creator and would like to be in the ‘know’ for all major events happening this year, use this as a guide to your planning. As a creative, you can find the brands associated with these events in advance on LinkedIn or on social media.
This calendar works especially well for long weekends, stacked holidays, and intentional PTO use.
Upcoming Beauty Expos to Know in 2026
If you like trying products in person, getting ahead of trends, and building your beauty calendar early, these are the ones to watch.
SEPHORiA
Sephora’s large-scale beauty experience with brand activations, masterclasses, panels, product previews, and a high-value swag bag.
- You want early access to new launches before they hit shelves.
- You like hands-on demos, tutorials, and trying products in person.
- You want an energetic event that still feels organized.
- You actually care about the swag bag value.
Beautycon
A beauty and culture festival centered on creators, trends, and community, with panels and interactive brand moments.
- You follow beauty creators and want to see them live.
- You care about what’s trending right now, not last season.
- You want discovery moments, not just shopping.
- You like events that feel social and community-forward.
Allure Best of Beauty LIVE (NYC)
A live version of Allure’s Best of Beauty awards, with sampling, demos, editor-led moments, and expert panels.
- You want to try award-winning products before buying.
- You prefer editor-curated picks over random hype.
- You like smaller, more focused beauty experiences.
- You want practical tips from pros, not just brand pitches.
Beauty New York
A newer NYC-based beauty event focused on brand showcases, hands-on product testing, and educational sessions.
- You want a fresh event that doesn’t feel overrun.
- You like discovering brands in a more relaxed setting.
- You want networking without it feeling forced.
- You want experiences you can actually document.
January – April: Winter Escapes, Culture, and Early-Year Energy
The first quarter of the year is about escaping winter or leaning into it, depending on your travel style. This season combines snow trips, film festivals, sports weekends, and some of the most important cultural celebrations in the Black diaspora.
January Highlights
- MLK Ski Weekend in Ontario: A popular winter getaway that combines ski culture with community gatherings and nightlife.
- Sundance Film Festival in Park City: One of the biggest independent film festivals in the world and a magnet for creatives and filmmakers.
- Grammy Weekend in Los Angeles: Even if you are not attending the awards, the city fills with music events, private showcases, and industry mixers.
- NFL Super Bowl: Host cities rotate, but travel demand spikes wherever the game lands.
February Highlights
- New York Fashion Week: A major moment for fashion, media, and brand activations.
- NBA All‑Star Game: A weekend that mixes sports with concerts, pop-ups, and nightlife.
- Mardi Gras in New Orleans: One of the most culturally rich events in the U.S., deeply tied to Black history, music, and food.
- Trinidad Carnival and Brazil Carnival: Two of the most iconic carnival experiences in the world, both known for music, costume culture, and nonstop movement.
- CIAA Tournament in Baltimore: A major HBCU-centered sports and social weekend that transforms the city.
March Highlights
- SXSW in Austin: A blend of music, tech, film, and brand experiences that pulls a global crowd.
- Jazz in the Gardens in Miami: A relaxed music festival weekend that pairs well with warm weather and beach time.
April Highlights
- Coachella in Indio: A major music and fashion moment that drives prices up across Southern California.
- Black in Tech Conference in Houston: A professional travel moment that blends networking with city exploration.
- Ulta Beauty World Meetup: Join the Facebook Group for the BYOB (Bring Your Own Beauty) in Orlando happening during the UBW weekend for those who did not have the opportunity to get a ticket for the already sold out event.
If you want to travel early in the year, these months let you choose between snow trips, warm getaways, or culture-heavy cities. Flights are usually manageable outside of holiday weekends, and planning ahead makes a huge difference.
May – June: Spring Travel, Film Festivals, and Global Sports
Spring is one of the strongest travel seasons of the year. Weather improves, events stack closely together, and international travel starts to feel easier before summer crowds peak.
May Highlights
- Miami Grand Prix: A newer F1 race that has already become a lifestyle and nightlife weekend.
- Kentucky Derby in Louisville: A classic American event with strong fashion and social traditions.
- Cannes Film Festival in Cannes: One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and a major reason to visit the French Riviera. You can also apply to come as a creator here.
- Preakness Stakes in Baltimore: A hometown favorite if you are DMV-based and want a quick, high-energy weekend.
- Soul Beach Music Festival in St. Maarten: A music-focused beach getaway that blends concerts with vacation time.
June Highlights
- Tribeca Film Festival in New York: A strong option for creatives who want a city-based festival.
- Monaco Grand Prix: One of the most glamorous sporting events in the world.
- World Cup matches across various host cities: Travel demand shifts depending on the host country and the match schedule.
- Black Food & Wine Experience in Napa Valley: A food-focused event highlighting Black chefs, winemakers, and culinary voices.
- Fête de la Musique in Paris: A citywide music celebration where performances spill into streets and public spaces.
- Wimbledon in London: A classic summer sports event that pairs well with a longer European trip.
April through June is perfect for international travel. The weather is comfortable, cities feel active but not overwhelmed, and you can plan trips around major cultural moments without the intensity of peak summer pricing.
July – September: Summer Festivals and Global Culture
Summer travel is about energy. These months are loud, social, and packed with festivals that define cities.
July Highlights
- Essence Festival in New Orleans: One of the largest Black cultural festivals in the world, combining music, panels, and community.
- Afro Nation in Lisbon: A major Afrobeats and global Black music festival set along the coast.
- Curlfest in New York: A celebration of natural hair and Black beauty culture.
- Barbados Crop Over in Barbados: A summer carnival experience with deep cultural roots.
August Highlights
- Caribana in Toronto: One of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America.
- Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival in Martha’s Vineyard: A relaxed but meaningful cultural gathering.
- Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival in Cali: A powerful celebration of Afro-Colombian music and heritage.
- Notting Hill Carnival in London: One of Europe’s largest street festivals rooted in Caribbean culture.
September Highlights
- U.S. Open Tennis in New York: A major sports and social calendar moment.
- Toronto International Film Festival: A key stop on the global film circuit.
- Urban Golf Weekend in Miami: A newer lifestyle-focused travel weekend.
If you love festivals and social travel, this is your window. Prices are higher, but the experiences are unmatched. Planning early and booking group housing helps control costs.
October – December: Conferences, Art Basel, and Detty December
The final quarter of the year blends professional travel, art, nightlife, and end-of-year celebrations.
October Highlights
- ComplexCon in Los Angeles: A fashion, streetwear, and culture convention.
- Black Travel Summit in Milwaukee: A professional event focused on representation in travel.
- Paris Art Basel in Paris: A strong reason to visit Paris in the fall.
- Oktoberfest in Munich: A cultural event that draws global crowds.
November Highlights
- AfroTech in Houston: One of the largest Black tech conferences in the world.
- Las Vegas Formula 1 in Las Vegas: A newer race that reshapes the city for the weekend.
December Highlights
- Miami Art Basel in Miami: a major art, fashion, and nightlife moment.
- Detty December in Ghana and Nigeria: One of the most searched travel periods for the African diaspora.
October through December is perfect for mixing work trips with leisure. Detty December, in particular, requires early planning but delivers some of the most memorable travel experiences of the year.
Journalist & Creator Specific Highlights
October Highlights
Black Travel Alliance – Wavelength: An industry conference focused on equity, ethics, and representation in travel media and tourism.
International Media Marketplace (IMM North America): A press-only event built around one-on-one meetings between travel journalists and tourism boards.
November Highlights
TBEX North America (Travel Blog Exchange): A global conference for travel journalists and creators centered on pitching, storytelling, SEO, and destination partnerships.
Skift Global Forum: A travel industry conference ideal for journalists covering tourism trends, airlines, and the business of travel.
How to Use This Calendar
- Pick two or three anchor events per year and three to five if you’re a creator, and build trips around them.
- Stack PTO with long weekends and federal holidays.
- Watch flight prices early for festival cities.
- Book accommodations before tickets go on sale when possible (with free cancellations).
- Consider nearby cities if the host city prices spike.
This calendar is not about doing everything. It is about doing more with fewer trips.
Do I need to attend the actual event to enjoy the trip?
No. Many cities are at their best during major events even if you do not attend officially. The energy, street celebrations, and cultural activities surrounding events often create an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the entire city.
Which months are best for international travel?
April through June and September are generally the most balanced for weather and pricing. These shoulder season months offer pleasant conditions in most destinations while avoiding peak summer crowds and costs.
Is Detty December beginner-friendly?
Yes, with planning. First-timers should book early and stay centrally. The event has become increasingly organized over the years, making it accessible for travelers new to West African destinations.
Are these trips good for solo travelers?
Many of these events are popular with solo travelers, especially festivals and conferences. The social atmosphere at major events makes it easy to connect with other attendees and fellow travelers.
How far in advance should I book?
For major festivals, six to nine months ahead is ideal. This gives you the best selection of accommodations and flights at reasonable prices before demand drives costs up significantly.
Can this calendar work for budget travelers?
Yes, but flexibility is key. Travel slightly before or after peak dates to save on accommodations and flights. Many events have free or low-cost activities that let you experience the atmosphere without premium ticket prices.
