Autumn has arrived but that doesn’t have to signal the end of fun events and festivals. Europe is still a treasure trove of exciting and interesting things to do at this time of year ranging from traditional, to cultural and crazy to down-right fun. There are too many to choose from for me to provide an extensive list, but here are some cracking examples of 6 awesome autumn festivals in Europe to consider including in your calendar this year…
Oktoberfest, Germany
Most people have heard of Oktoberfest but it’s such an awesome affair that I couldn’t compile such a list without including it. Lasting for a mammoth 16 days from late September into early October, it’s one of the world’s biggest festivals combining plenty of people (6 million of them from around the world in fact!) and lashings of beer in the many, many beer tents which are actually rather large wooden halls! The fantastic food, various events and rides all create an atmosphere unlike any other festival in the world and it’s definitely something you should try once in your life so why not tick it off your list this autumn?
Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, Ireland
Attracting more than 20,000 people each year, Ireland’s Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival takes place at the end of September and into October. Born out of old traditions, the whole purpose of the event is, as the name suggests to find a mate essentially. The event has progressed and all of the bars and pubs in the town get involved, with rowdy Irish music, dancing and plenty of drinking setting the tone quite impressively! Get acquainted with Ireland and have a whale of a time.
Lyon Film Festival, France
Many major cities host an annual film festival with the most popular in France of course being Cannes, filled with many glitzy and glamorous celebrities. At this time of year however, the Lyon Film Festival or Festival Lumière as it is otherwise known, makes for an enjoyable alternative if you are a bit a film aficionado. This festival is unique in that it doesn’t actually present any new movies; it’s all older films combined with the opportunity to brush shoulders with the stars and producers. There are also stalls to wander around during the day and the flea market too!
Castells Competition, Spain
The town of Tarragona in Catalonia plays host to an annual Castells Competition which basically sees teams compete to build the tallest and most complex human towers they can in a tradition which stems from the 18th century! It’s only a one day event so not really a festival per se, but it’s probably unlike anything you will have seen before. There’s usually a live audience of around 20,000 people so the atmosphere is sure to be electric!
Eurochocolate, Italy
For the most delicious festival you’re likely to find in Europe this autumn, look no further than Italy which plays host to Eurochocolate, an international chocolate exhibition! It takes place each October in Perugia and welcomes around 1 million chocolate-loving tourists, who flock to experience experimental chocolate tastings, chocolate art displays, street performances and chocolate sculpting! I’m not sure I can think of a better or more delicious way to experience Italy in the autumn.
British Musical Fireworks Championships, UK
The UK has a wealth of autumnal events to choose from but one of the more extraordinary offerings comes in the form of the British Musical Fireworks Championships which take place in Southport in early October! For fans of fireworks it’s a must see as seven different fireworks displays, choreographed to music, light up the sky over the course of three nights. Jaw dropping, this one of a kind event is a fantastic addition to your plans.
What awesome autumn festivals in Europe can you recommend?
