In April, all the world’s a festival

The world’s a stage, and the public revelries that happen all over it are a tribute to mankind’s pan-cultural capacity for collective joy.

Here’s a calendar of international festivals, events and open-to-everyone parties for April that are worth traveling for.

And remember, all dates and events are subject to change, so check it out before buying a ticket.

ONGOING

Ashland, Ore.: Through Nov. 2. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. A months-long tribute to the Bard and his works.

Quebec City, Canada: Through Oct. 31. Quebec 400th. This 10-month party celebrating Quebec’s 400th anniversary includes concerts, art exhibits and Cirque du Soleil performances; the city expects 5.5 million visitors.

APRIL

Monaco: Through April 13. The Spring Arts Festival. Musical concerts, theater, film, art and dance span styles from the 11th century up until now.

Washington, D.C.: Through April 13. The National Cherry Blossom Festival. When myriad cherry trees bloom in the nation’s capital.

Miami: Through April 13. Miami Beach Dance Festival. Contemporary and traditional dance.

Los Angeles: April 10-13. Los Angeles Art Weekend. L.A. artists, curators and cultural leaders at events, programs and exhibits throughout the city.

New Orleans: April 11-13. French Quarter Festival. In its 25th year, the South’s largest free music festival showcases musicians, food and culture to some 425,000 visitors.

Whistler, Canada: April 11-20. The Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival. Billed as North America’s biggest music and snow sport celebration.

Orlando, Fla.: April 13. 21st Annual Fiesta Medina. During Orlando’s longest-running Latin community festival, national and international performers take the stage.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: April 18. Urban Desert. A one-day festival celebrating hip-hop and R&B singers; Akon headlines.

San Antonio: April 18-27. Fiesta San Antonio. Up to 3.5 million people go for the food, music, arts, sports, parades and multicultural parties.

Houston: April 19-20, 26-27. Houston International Festival. This annual world music event highlights a different region each year - this year, it’s Africa.

Indio, Calif.: April 25-27. The Coachella Valley Music Festival. This year’s performers include Roger Waters, Death Cab for Cutie, Jack Johnson and various other cool kids.

New Orleans: April 25-27, May 1-4. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Jazz Fest 2008 will include performances by Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffett, Tim McGraw, Santana, Sheryl Crow, the Neville Brothers and Elvis Costello.

Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago: April 25 -27. Plymouth Jazz Festival. This year’s lineup includes Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Shakira and Rod Stewart.

Chicago: April 25-28. Art Chicago. Touted as the most important art fair in the United States.

Petaluma, Calif.: April 26. Sesquicentennial Butter & Egg Days Celebration. An annual, lively celebration of Petaluma’s 150-year heritage.

Los Angeles: April 26-27. Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Held annually on UCLA’s campus, it’s America’s largest literary gathering.

Punda, Curacao: April 30. Queen’s Birthday. Islandwide festivities.

Cozumel, Mexico: April 30-May 5. El Cedral Festival. Celebrated at the site of ancient ruins to commemorate the Day of the Holy Cross, it includes fairs, traditional feasts, bullfights, music and competitions.