Festivals and Events

Music, Dance, and Timeless Traditions

Regions
    Hotels
      Oct 15, 2026
      Oct 16, 2026
      Celebrate the world’s most vibrant traditions — from dazzling carnivals to cosy winter markets — and discover the music, flavours, and stories that bring each destination to life.

      Autumn Cultural Escapes

      Experience Europe's vibrant harvest festivals, from traditional celebrations to contemporary arts

      Festival Cards
      September
      Oktoberfest
      Munich, Germany
      20 Sept – 5 Oct
      The world's biggest beer festival with Bavarian music, parades and hearty food.
      September
      La Mercè
      Barcelona, Spain
      19 – 24 Sept
      Catalonia's grand street festival with fireworks, human towers (castells), and concerts.
      October
      Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE)
      Amsterdam, Netherlands
      15 – 19 Oct
      Europe's largest electronic music gathering with top DJs and club events.
      October
      Alba White Truffle Fair
      Piedmont, Italy
      5 Oct – 8 Dec
      Markets and tastings dedicated to Italy's prized white truffle and regional wines.
      October
      Thessaloniki International Film Festival
      Thessaloniki, Greece
      30 Oct – 9 Nov
      Premier film festival in Southeast Europe.
      October
      Skopje Jazz Festival
      Skopje, North Macedonia
      October 16 to 19
      The festival offers blend of traditional and contemporary jazz, featuring renowned international artists alongside local talents.
      November
      Eurochocolate
      Perugia, Italy
      14 – 23 Nov
      Chocolate lovers' paradise with tastings, sculptures, and workshops.
      November
      Taksirat Festival
      Skopje, North Macedonia
      Late Nov – Early Dec
      Alternative and rock music festival attracting international artists.
      November
      Christmas Market Openings
      Vienna, Prague, Zagreb, Strasbourg
      from mid-Nov
      Historic squares transform with festive lights, mulled wine, and crafts.

      Winter Magic Carnival Spirit

      From enchanting Christmas markets to vibrant pre-Lenten celebrations across the continent

      Festival Cards
      December
      Zagreb Advent
      Zagreb, Croatia
      29 Nov – 6 Jan
      Consistently ranked among Europe's best Christmas markets.
      December
      Dubrovnik Winter Festival
      Dubrovnik, Croatia
      29 Nov – 6 Jan
      Music, lights, and festive treats in the UNESCO Old Town.
      December
      Hogmanay
      Edinburgh, Scotland
      31 Dec – 1 Jan
      Scotland's legendary New Year street party with torch processions and fireworks.
      January
      Vevčani Carnival
      Vevčani, North Macedonia
      13 – 14 Jan
      Ancient pagan masquerade with satirical masks and music.
      January
      Surva Festival
      Pernik, Bulgaria
      24 – 26 Jan
      One of Europe's biggest masquerade parades (kukeri).
      January
      Up Helly Aa
      Shetland Islands, Scotland
      28 Jan
      Viking fire festival featuring torchlit processions and longship burning.
      February
      Rijeka Carnival
      Rijeka, Croatia
      1 – 23 Feb
      Colourful masked parades and lively concerts along the Adriatic.
      February
      Patras Carnival
      Patras, Greece
      19 Jan – 2 Mar
      Greece's largest carnival with floats, street parties, and masquerade balls.
      February
      Venice Carnival
      Venice, Italy
      22 Feb – 4 Mar
      Elegant masks, grand balls, and parades on the canals.
      March
      Basel Fasnacht
      Basel, Switzerland
      10 – 12 Mar
      UNESCO-listed carnival with elaborate costumes, piccolos and drummers.
      March
      Las Fallas
      Valencia, Spain
      15 – 19 Mar
      Giant paper-mâché sculptures burned in spectacular nightly fireworks.

      Festival Magic: Where to Stay

      A curated guide to the most vibrant festivals and events, paired with top accommodation options.

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