September 1-10
Modern Pentathlon World Championships
It may have been been an Olympic sport since 1912, but the pentathlon has often flown under the radar. With disciplines of fencing, swimming, riding, shooting, and running – originally chosen to determine the best cavalry soldier – the very best multidisciplinary athletes in the world will head to Mexico for the World Championships.
Mexico City, Mexico.
September 4
The oarsmen that pepper Venetian canals in their iconic monochrome stripes are not just for tourists: to train in the traditional sculling style known as voga takes years. In September, a full day of rowing races allows the gondolieri to dress up in full 15th-century costume, with Venice seeming to breathe the magic of the olden days.
Venice, Italy.
September 8
A celebration of the passions of 2018, the Financial Times festival features hot debate from columnists, artists, and adventurers. In what the FT describes as “an age of disruption”, a new stage will host tech powerhouses and provocateurs. The other stages are split like the sections of the paper, including Books, Food & Drink and How To Spend It.
Kenwood House Gardens, London.
September 13-28
The biennial tournament is set to be held in the UAE for the very first time this autumn, as the 14th edition of the Asia Cricket Cup comes to Dubai International Cricket Stadium. More than 25,000 fans are expected to attend the eagerly-anticipated tournament, with the biggest crowds surely reserved when arch sporting rivals India and Pakistan face off.
Zayed Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
September 29-30
Bangkok Underground Film Festival
Unconventional and emerging cinema is not so much encouraged as essential in this niche festival. Submissions are asked to be “bizarre, specific, and to broaden the boundaries of cinema.” Expect anything from documentaries on Myanmar punks to silent films with live scores.
DAFDA, Bangkok, Thailand.
