Best festivals in Europe
Best festivals in Europe
Historic midsummer celebrations and multi-day music gatherings in Europe
Europe's festival culture spans everything from centuries-old religious carnivals to music festivals that didn't exist before the 1990s. Some traditions stretch back generations, while newer events have built an entirely modern festival economy around contemporary music.
The festivals on this list range from massive multi-day music festivals drawing hundreds of thousands to local traditions rooted in a single town's history. Some turn an entire city into a festival for the best part of a month.
Booking accommodation early is essential for Europe's biggest festivals, where host cities can sell out months ahead as the date approaches. Many of the smaller, more local festivals remain genuinely affordable even as the bigger events grow more expensive each year. Researching specific neighbourhood events ahead of time can also reveal smaller, less crowded celebrations worth seeking out.
Lists by region
City in Germany
Munich
Bavarian capital of beer gardens and museums
The capital of Bavaria lies in southern Germany, just north of the Alps. Oktoberfest takes place on the Theresienwiese from late September to early October. Visitors drink beer in large tents, wear traditional clothes and ride fairground attractions. Christmas markets in December are a quieter alternative.
City in Germany
Cologne
Gothic cathedral, Roman ruins and Kölsch
With about one million residents, this is one of the largest cities in Germany. Its carnival is a major street festival in Europe. Costumed crowds gather in the old town from the Thursday before Lent. The Rose Monday parade is watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. Floats throw sweets into the crowd.
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