8 European Festivals to Discover This Season

PARIS, FRANCE: FESTIVAL D’AUTOMNE | SEP 08 - JAN 26

The Paris Autumn Festival is an annual celebration of contemporary arts, spanning dance, theatre, and music. Held across iconic venues in the city, from museums to public spaces, the festival offers a diverse array of performances from September to January. Whether you're into cutting-edge theatre or mesmerising dance, this festival has something for everyone, making it a must-attend for art lovers. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Paris.

PIEDMONT, ITALY: ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL | OCT 12 - DEC 08

Alba’s White Truffle Festival in Piedmont is a haven for food lovers. Celebrating the region's famous truffles, this festival offers everything from tastings and cooking demonstrations to wine pairings and sensory workshops. Held from October to December, it's the biggest truffle event in Italy. Beyond truffles, visitors can also enjoy food markets, concerts, and cultural events. No digging required—just bring your appetite and savour the best of Italy's culinary delights in the heart of the Langhe region.

MUNICH, GERMANY: OKTOBERFEST | SEP 21 - OCT 06

Munich’s Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, steeped in Bavarian tradition. Held every autumn, it draws millions to enjoy Bavarian food, music, and, obviously, around 7 million litres of beer. Oktoberfest boasts lively tents filled with celebrations, from music to contests, all while locals and visitors alike don traditional dirndls and lederhosen. With a history dating back nearly 200 years, this is the ultimate festival for beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS: AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT | OCT 16 - OCT 20

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is Europe’s largest electronic music festival, transforming the city into the global capital of dance music. By day, ADE is a vibrant conference where experts share their insights on the industry, and by night, the city’s clubs come alive with performances from over 2,500 artists. It's a must for electronic music lovers, combining learning with non-stop partying, and offering everything from workshops to sets by top DJs in the world’s most famous nightclubs.

SEVILLE, SPAIN: BIENAL DE FLAMENCO DE SEVILLA | SEP 11 - OCT 05

Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco is the world’s premier flamenco festival, held every two years. It features an incredible range of performances in iconic venues like Teatro de la Maestranza and the Alcázar Palace, celebrating flamenco in all its forms—from traditional to modern interpretations. With over 70 shows, expect passionate guitar music, dancing, and singing that reflect Andalusia’s rich cultural heritage. Seville’s plazas and theatres come alive with the soulful sounds of Spain’s most celebrated art form.

PERUGIA, ITALY: EUROCHOCOLATE | OCT 18 - OCT 27

Perugia becomes a chocolate lover’s paradise during Eurochocolate, Europe’s largest chocolate festival. The entire town transforms into a giant open-air chocolate market, complete with sculptures, tastings, and parades. Visitors can enjoy chocolate-making workshops, indulge in sweet treats, and even learn the art of chocolate sculpting. The festival draws chocolate experts from around the world, offering seminars, exhibitions, and interactive experiences. It’s a true celebration of everything chocolate, perfect for both enthusiasts and professionals.

DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND: DERRY HALLOWEEN | OCT 28 - OCT 31

Derry’s Halloween festival is one of the world’s largest, celebrating the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain (pronounced Sowen). The city’s historic walls set the stage for spooky parades, fireworks, and haunted tours through the City of Bones. From the Haunted Harvest Market to eerie music and carnival celebrations, Derry embraces its Celtic roots with a magical, festive atmosphere. It’s a fun and frightful way to experience Halloween, full of interactive installations and community spirit.

LYON, FRANCE: FESTIVAL LUMIÈRE | OCT 12 - OCT 20

The Lumière Festival in Lyon celebrates the birthplace of cinema with a week-long tribute to filmmaking. Named after the Lumière Brothers, who invented cinematography, the festival showcases restored classics, cult favourites, and cinematic gems. Visitors can attend masterclasses, exhibitions, and live music screenings. It’s an opportunity for cinephiles to celebrate cinema’s history and future, with filmmakers, critics, and historians all gathering to honour the art of film in the city where it all began.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 7TH OCTOBER 2024