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 United Kingdom
London
A Tapestry of History and Modernity
Compared with most European cities, this capital hosts festivals in almost every month. Notting Hill Carnival, held on the August bank holiday weekend, features Caribbean music, costumes and food on the streets. Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown include lion dances. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park runs before Christmas.
City in Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canals, culture and a vibrant spirit
This city in the western Netherlands is built around a ring of 17th century canals. On King's Day, held every year on 27 April, the streets and boats are full of people dressed in orange. Street markets and open air parties take place across the centre. Amsterdam Pride holds a canal boat parade in summer.
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 Belgium
Bruges
Medieval Charm and Chocolate Bliss
Trade in the Middle Ages made this city rich. Many old traditions have survived since then. A well known example is the Procession of the Holy Blood, held every year on Ascension Day. Hundreds of people in costume walk through the old streets. Christmas markets in the main squares are also popular.
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.
City in France
Nice
Sun, Sea and Sophistication on the Riviera
Until it joined France in 1860, this Riviera city was part of the Savoy lands. Its Carnival has records going back to the 1200s and takes place in February. Parades of giant floats and the Battle of Flowers are the main events. Winters are mild, so a visit is pleasant.
City in Italy
Venice
A floating city of romance and history
Unlike most festivals, many events in this canal city use boats and narrow lanes instead of wide streets. The Carnival in February is known for masks and costumes. The Venice Film Festival runs in late August and early September on the Lido. The Biennale shows art in odd years and architecture in even years.
City in Switzerland
Zurich
A city of lakes, luxury and history
At the north end of Lake Zurich, this city has hills around it and views towards the Alps. The Street Parade is a large techno music parade held on a Saturday in August along the lake. In spring, people burn a snowman figure called the Böögg at the Sechseläuten festival.
City in United Kingdom
Edinburgh
History, Culture and Festival Fever
Many main festivals take place in August, including the Fringe, the International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a very large arts festival with comedy, theatre and music in venues across the city. Hogmanay street parties on 31 December are another highlight.
City in Spain
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
As the capital of Andalusia, this city hosts two large festivals in spring. During Semana Santa, around 60 brotherhoods carry religious floats through the streets. The Feria de Abril usually takes place a couple of weeks after Easter. It has flamenco dresses, horse carriages and decorated tents.
City in Spain
Valencia
Sunlit Shores and Rich Culture
Residents of this city spend months building huge sculptures of wood, cardboard and papier mâché for the Las Fallas festival. The figures are set on fire on the last night of the festival, around 19 March. Loud firework displays called mascletàs take place each day. UNESCO lists the festival as intangible cultural heritage.
City in France
Cannes
Glamour, Sun and French Riviera Charm
This glamorous resort city on the French Riviera has a long seafront promenade and sandy beaches. The Cannes Film Festival takes place each May at the Palais des Festivals and awards the Palme d'Or. Entry to most screenings is limited to industry guests. Visitors can still watch the red carpet arrivals from the street.
Town in United Kingdom
Glastonbury
Mystic abbey shadows, festival spirit alive
A rest year every few years is a tradition of the Glastonbury Festival. It is held on a working farm in Pilton near this Somerset town. Many stages host music acts. Circus, theatre and healing fields add variety. In town, the Tor hill and abbey ruins can be visited year round.
City in Spain
Pamplona
Beyond the Running of Bulls
Local pride is clearest in this old northern Spanish city during the San Fermín festival. From 6 to 14 July people dress in white with red scarves. The encierro, the running of the bulls, takes place each morning along a short route through the old streets.
City in Norway
Tromsø
Arctic Lights, Culture and Wild Beauty
Festivals are held at both ends of the dark and bright seasons in this Arctic city in northern Norway. In late January, the Northern Lights Festival has concerts in churches and halls. In June, the Midnight Sun Marathon is run under a sun that does not set.
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