Our guide on the best Fall Festivals in Europe for your next trip to Europe.
Europe’s fall season is brimming with vibrant festivals celebrating everything from harvest traditions to arts, music, and local culture. With cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, autumn is the perfect time to experience some of Europe’s best festivals.
These festivals showcase Europe’s diverse culture, from traditional harvest celebrations to lively music and art events. Here’s a guide to the top festivals across the continent that are worth adding to your itinerary this fall.
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Tips for Fall Festival Travel
Some festivals may vary their dates slightly each year, so always confirm before planning.
Fall weather in Europe can range from mild to chilly, so pack layers, a warm coat, and comfortable shoes.
Major festivals can cause hotel prices to spike, so book well in advance.
Whether it’s dressing up for Halloween in Derry or joining a grape harvest in La Rioja, getting involved in local customs will enhance your experience.
Best Fall Festivals in Europe
1. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
When: Late September to the first weekend in October.
Why Visit: The world’s most famous beer festival, Oktoberfest is a bucket-list experience. Over six million visitors flock to Munich each year to enjoy traditional Bavarian beer, food, and lively festivities.
Highlights:
Visit iconic beer tents like the Hofbräu Festzelt and Löwenbräu.
Enjoy traditional foods such as bratwurst, pretzels, and roast pork.
Participate in games, folk music, and parades.
Tip: Book accommodations and beer tent reservations early, as they fill up months in advance.
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2. Fiesta de San Mateo – Logroño, Spain
When: Mid-September.
Why Visit: Also known as the Grape Harvest Festival, this event in the heart of La Rioja wine region celebrates the grape harvest with wine tastings, parades, and cultural events.
Highlights:
Participate in traditional grape stomping ceremonies.
Enjoy local cuisine and sample some of the best wines in Spain.
Experience colorful parades and fireworks.
Tip: Take a tour of nearby vineyards and bodegas (wineries) for an immersive wine experience.
3. Truffle Fair – Alba, Italy
When: Weekends from early October to early December.
Why Visit: Situated in the Piedmont region, Alba’s International White Truffle Fair is a haven for food lovers, offering the chance to taste and buy some of the most prized truffles in the world.
Highlights:
Attend truffle auctions, cooking demonstrations, and tastings.
Explore local markets with cheese, wine, and truffle products.
Join a truffle hunt with local experts.
Tip: Pair your visit with a wine tour of the nearby Langhe region, famous for Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
4. Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) – Amsterdam, Netherlands
When: Mid-October.
Why Visit: One of the largest electronic music festivals in the world, ADE draws top DJs, producers, and music lovers for five days of non-stop dance events.
Highlights:
Over 1,000 events held across the city, from underground clubs to large concert halls.
Attend industry workshops, conferences, and networking events.
Explore Amsterdam’s nightlife in unique venues such as repurposed factories and historic buildings.
Tip: Get tickets early for popular shows, as they often sell out quickly.
5. Halloween Festival – Derry, Northern Ireland
When: Late October.
Why Visit: Widely regarded as one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world, the Derry Halloween Festival transforms the medieval city into a spooky wonderland with haunted trails, parades, and ghostly activities.
Highlights:
Join the vibrant Samhain Parade through the historic walled city.
Enjoy live music, spooky storytelling, and themed tours.
Experience the atmospheric City of Bones trail.
Tip: Dress up and join the festivities — costumes are highly encouraged!
6. Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) – Lyon, France
When: Early December.
Why Visit: This festival transforms Lyon into a stunning illuminated city with spectacular light displays on buildings, parks, and public spaces.
Highlights:
Admire breathtaking light installations across the city, especially in Place des Terreaux and Fourvière Hill.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Rhône and Saône rivers, illuminated with glowing artwork.
Savor local treats such as pralines and mulled wine.
Tip: Arrive early to find a good viewing spot for the main light shows, as the city gets crowded.
7. Chestnut Festival – Cuneo, Italy
When: October.
Why Visit: The Cuneo Chestnut Festival (Fiera Nazionale del Marrone) celebrates the seasonal chestnut harvest with food stalls, live music, and family-friendly events.
Highlights:
Sample local chestnut delicacies such as chestnut pasta, desserts, and roasted chestnuts.
Visit traditional markets selling regional products like cheese, honey, and wine.
Enjoy folk performances and cooking demonstrations.
Tip: Combine this with a visit to the beautiful town of Turin, located just an hour away.
8. L’Escalade – Geneva, Switzerland
When: Early December.
Why Visit: This unique historical festival commemorates Geneva’s victory over a surprise attack by the Duke of Savoy in 1602. Expect reenactments, parades, and plenty of chocolate.
Highlights:
Attend the torch-lit procession through the Old Town, featuring participants in period costumes.
Enjoy traditional chocolate marmites (cauldrons) filled with marzipan vegetables.
Watch the historical reenactment at the Parc des Bastions.
Tip: Break a chocolate cauldron together with friends or family — it’s a traditional way to celebrate!
9. Saint Martin’s Day – Alsace, France
When: November 11th.
Why Visit: Celebrated throughout Alsace, Saint Martin’s Day is a harvest festival featuring wine tastings, feasts, and vibrant folk traditions.
Highlights:
Participate in lantern parades through picturesque villages.
Feast on goose dishes, a traditional Saint Martin’s meal.
Visit local wineries for new wine tastings.
Tip: Visit the charming towns of Colmar and Strasbourg for a magical, festive atmosphere.
10. Jazzfest Berlin – Berlin, Germany
When: Early November.
Why Visit: One of Europe’s premier jazz festivals, Jazzfest Berlin brings together world-class musicians for performances, workshops, and jam sessions.
Highlights:
Attend concerts featuring a mix of avant-garde, contemporary, and traditional jazz.
Enjoy live performances at iconic venues like the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
Participate in interactive workshops and meet-the-artist sessions.
Tip: Get tickets in advance, as popular shows often sell out.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.