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LAS VEGAS: WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Nevada desert may not be a natural site for a curling bonspiel, but anything’s possible in the Entertainment Capital of the World! On the heels of the Winter Olympics, this tourney provides ample opportunity for rivalries to be rekindled among the world’s best rinks, including the host Americans, seasoned Scandinavian squads and two-time defending champions, Canada. Mar. 31–Apr. 8
AUSTRALIA: COMMONWEALTH GAMES
First staged in 1930 as a celebration of the British Empire, the Commonwealth Games now bring together athletes from 70 nations in a show of sportsmanship. This year’s games are the first of any major multi-sport event to feature the same number of competitions for men and women—275 in total, across 18 sports. Their host city, Gold Coast, is equally notable for its subtropical climate, popular surfing beaches and urban canals. Apr. 4–15
DENMARK: IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
You might not think of Copenhagen as a hockey town, but there’s certain to be some excellent on-ice action as the Danish capital (and the city of Herning, three hours west) hosts the International Ice Hockey Federation’s biggest tournament. Many of the game’s greats will be lacing up for their national teams—while absorbing the good vibes of one of the world’s happiest countries outside the arena. May 4–20
LOUISVILLE: KENTUCKY DERBY
Don your Sunday best, order a mint julep and place your bets as speed-demon thoroughbreds compete in what’s been called the fastest two minutes in sports. More than 150,000 horse lovers head to Louisville’s Churchill Downs to witness the mile-and-a-quarter “Run for the Roses”—the culmination of a two-week festival featuring a huge parade and one of the largest fireworks displays in North America. May 5
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Check out this four-day Derby package with three nights accommodation, Horse Farms & Distillery Tour, Derby reception and more; from $2,635 USD
INDIANAPOLIS: INDY 500
Want an unforgettable taste of the U.S.A.? Visit the Midwest heartland and mark Memorial Day weekend with close to 400,000 car-racing fans. Despite the colossal size of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s not easy to get tickets to the 200-lap, 500-mile race, so try to book early. Before the engines’ roar, don’t miss autograph sessions, classic car displays and tailgate parties galore. May 27
ENGLAND: WIMBLEDON
The world’s most prestigious tennis tournament is a proper English occasion; come prepared with a stiff upper lip and a taste for strawberries and cream. (And an umbrella. It’s London, after all.) The event’s early rounds are easier to attend than the finals, but if you really must see a clash of tennis titans, it’s possible to snag day-of rush tickets—assuming you’re willing to queue up for them, potentially overnight. July 2–15
FRANCE: TOUR DE FRANCE
The 2018 edition of La Grande Boucle stops in 39 towns and passes through dozens more along its 3,329-km route. Following the peloton for a few stages can be fun way to see some lesser-known (though still very hospitable) parts of France. But the grueling ride always winds up on Paris’s Champs-Élysées, with the fastest rider to the finish donning the coveted yellow jersey. July 7–29
NEW YORK: NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
On the first Sunday of November, NYC’s traffic-clogged streets clear out for more than 50,000 finishers in the world’s largest marathon. Runners start on Staten Island, then stride through the city’s five boroughs on their way to the Central Park finish. A million-plus cheering spectators also line the route in a 42-km block party that’s bolstered by live bands and entertainers. Nov. 4
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EDMONTON: GREY CUP
Edmonton knows how to host a championship. The last time the CFL’s title game came to Commonwealth Stadium in 2010, it sold out in record time and fans were treated to a memorable tilt (Montreal beat Saskatchewan, 21–18). Organizers have already stated that this year’s tickets will be priced to sell, and you can bet the big game will be preceded by concerts, parties and other events celebrating Canadian football from coast to coast. Nov. 25
LAS VEGAS: NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
Anyone with a Smithbilt hat knows that Christmas isn’t December 25. It’s earlier in the month, when America’s top cowboys and cowgirls compete in the National Finals Rodeo—10 days of saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more. It all happens just off the Vegas Strip, so the fun is guaranteed to continue even after the horses have been stabled. Dec. 6–15