Fairs and Festivals in Europe

Europe is home to countless markets, festivals, and sporting events. With Fairs and Festivals, discover the diversity of European culture. Discover unique festivals like cheese rolling in England or tomato tossing in Spain. Experience significant sporting events, carnival parades, or opera festivals with Fairs & Festivals, your ultimate guide to the continent’s most exciting events.

For each event, you will receive extensive background information, tips on how to get there and information about the venue. Find out what else to discover near the event venue and where to stay overnight.

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Hand-picked Highlights

Are you looking for Maritime Events or Medival Fairs? Look at our hand-picked selection of festivals, fairs and sports events.

Step back in time to a world of mystery and elegance at the Carnival of Venice. Known for its stunning masks and elaborate costumes, this festival is a visual feast. Venice’s narrow streets and canals come alive with parades, masked balls, and street performances. It’s like being part of a living painting where history and fantasy blend seamlessly.

For the adrenaline junkies, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona is a must-see. This daring event is part of the San Fermín festival, where participants sprint through the streets alongside a herd of charging bulls. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, the energy and excitement are infectious. Even if you’re watching from the sidelines, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Imagine a city turned into one giant beer garden – that’s Oktoberfest in Munich! Every year, millions of people from around the globe don their lederhosen and dirndls to celebrate Bavarian culture. With massive beer tents, traditional music, and mouthwatering sausages, it’s a feast for the senses. But Oktoberfest isn’t just about beer; it’s about community and camaraderie. Cheers to that!

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If music is your thing, Glastonbury Festival is the place to be. Known as the granddaddy of all music festivals, Glastonbury features an eclectic mix of music, from rock and pop to electronic and folk. But it’s not just about the tunes; the festival celebrates art, performance, and community spirit. Muddy boots are part of the charm, so embrace the mess and dance like nobody’s watching!

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world, transforming the city into a hub of creativity every August. With thousands of performances ranging from theatre and comedy to dance and music, there’s something for everyone. The streets are alive with performers, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a cultural extravaganza that celebrates the weird, the wonderful, and everything in between.

Midsummer in Sweden is a celebration of light, nature, and tradition. As the days reach their longest, Swedes gather to dance around maypoles, sing folk songs, and enjoy feasts of herring and potatoes. The festival is a joyful celebration of life and love, often culminating in a night of bonfires and revelry. It’s a magical time when the sun barely sets, and the spirit of summer is in full swing.

Germany’s Christmas markets are a winter wonderland of festive cheer when the holiday season arrives. Cities like Nuremberg, Dresden, and Cologne host markets filled with twinkling lights, handcrafted gifts, and the irresistible aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine. These markets are the perfect place to soak up the holiday spirit, whether ice skating, sipping hot chocolate, or simply wandering among the charming stalls.

Each event carries unique charm, customs, and cultural significance from the La Tomatina tomato fight in Spain to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, from the Cannes Film Festival in France to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ireland.

Learn about the best times to visit, the must-see attractions, and travel tips that only the locals know. We make navigating your European adventure as smooth and enjoyable as possible.