Europe’s Top Fall Festivals!

By Barbara L. Nelson, Content Writer

Harvest celebrations are back in full swing after a two-year hiatus. So, enjoy the upcoming harvest season at some of these top European festivals. From grape to truffle and oysters to chocolate festivals, the number of fall events in Europe is expansive. We’ve listed just over a handful of the most popular.  

La Mercè Festival, Spain – 23-26 September

From artwork from Spain’s latest artists to Catalonian street parades, Les Festes de la Mercè is not to be missed. And September is a wonderful time to visit Barcelona. The city’s patron saint, La Mercè, is the centre of all the festivities. You can also experience the fascinating Catalan culture, with plenty of music, street performances, contests, and fireworks across the city.

Book now in Barcelona!

Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, Ireland – 23-25 September

If you love oysters and seafood, the city of Galway is the place to celebrate and savour them! At the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, you’ll enjoy Ireland’s finest delights, including Guinness, live music, and gourmet seafood. The main attractions include Oyster Pearl Contest, a street festival, the National Oyster Opening Championship, and a closing banquet. You’ll also enjoy a variety of street performances, live music concerts, colourful parades, cooking demonstrations, all-night dancing, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Book now in Galway!

Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival – Paris, France – October 5 to 9

For over 90 years, wine lovers have enjoyed the five-day festival in Montmartre, the artsy district of Paris, to celebrate the wine harvest. The giant street party includes colourful street parades, Parisian and French foods, wines and art. The grand finale is an open-air concert at the base of Sacré-Coeur, a church, as well as one of the most iconic monuments in Paris. 

Book now in Paris!

Eurochocolate, Perugia, Italy — 14 to 23 October

Chocolate lovers will enjoy Europe’s largest chocolate festival in Umbria, transforming Perugia into a huge open-air chocolate shop, complete with towering chocolate sculptures, chocolate laboratories, choco-inspired parades and plenty of sweet treats to keep your sugar levels up. 

Book now in Umbria!

Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany – 17 September to 3 October 

Held in Bavaria for nearly 200 years, the famous traditional German harvest celebration is the world’s biggest beer festival.  You’ll enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine like soft pretzels, accompanied by sausage and sweet mustard, bratwurst and currywurst on bread rolls.  There are also plenty of sweets, including warm crepes with applesauce and waffles with chocolate sauce.  The huge festival includes traditional Bavarian live music, street parades, and carnival rides. Many tourists opt for total emersion in the experience and dress up in Bavarian attire to join in tabletop dancing.

Book now in Munich!

Alba White Truffle Festival, Italy — 8 Oct to 4 Dec

Two months of truffles and festivities. Alba’s International White Truffle Festival is a great opportunity to sample one of the world’s most desirable delicacies without getting your hands dirty. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, food and wine pairings, and plenty of tastings. Alba in Piedmont is the truffle capital of Italy, and this two-month-long festival includes concerts, food markets, food fairs, and cultural programs, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural and culinary experience.

Book now in Italy!