Public celebrations have taken place for over 4,000 years; back in the 12th Century B.C., the ancient Egyptian public shared over 11,000 loaves of bread and 385 jars of beer at a festival thrown by the ruling monarchy.

Today, communities across the globe have ramped up the party by making their soirees international marvels with million dollar fireworks displays and grand holiday parades that feature some of the most prominent celebrities in the world.

Not to be outdone, countless film festivals play host to A-list actors, directors, and producers, as well as a variety of movies ranging from summer blockbusters to smaller, art films that might eventually make an Academy Award push.

Perhaps a sun-soaked outdoor day sounds more appealing than one spent in a cold, dark theater; if that’s the case, don’t miss some of the best music festivals the world has to offer like Lollapalooza in Chicago, which annually hosts the world’s biggest musical acts including The Killers, Kings of Leon, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The best way to thank the Egyptians for getting the party started is by rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ben Affleck on a red carpet or jamming out with Bruce Springsteen after getting confetti in your hair and beer in your stomach at a St. Paddy’s Day Parade.

Thank you, Egypt!