Braemar Royal Highland Gathering 2026 – Program, Tickets & Visitor Guide
Scotland's most iconic Highland Games take place on 5 September 2026 in Braemar. Experience caber tossing, Highland dancing, world-class pipe bands and the presence of royalty in the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Tickets from £20.
Giostra del Saracino Arezzo – 150th Edition September 2026
On 6 September 2026, Arezzo's <strong>Piazza Grande</strong> hosts the <strong>150th edition of the Giostra del Saracino</strong>. This medieval jousting tournament, complete with a 300-person historic procession, is one of Italy's most spectacular and authentic historical events.
Kinderdijk Illumination Week 2026 – Lit Windmills, Program & Visitor Guide
From 7 to 12 September 2026, all 19 UNESCO windmills at Kinderdijk are illuminated from 8:15 PM in a spectacular nightly display. Boat tours, kayaking, photography workshops and craft beer evenings make the Verlichtingsweek an unforgettable autumn experience.
Festival del Peperoncino Diamante 2026 – Calabria's Famous Chilli Festival
The Festival del Peperoncino returns to Diamante, Calabria from 9 to 13 September 2026 for its 34th edition. Five days of tastings, concerts, culture and the legendary Italian chilli eating championship – all free of charge.
Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt 2026 – The World's Largest Wine Festival in Bad Dürkheim
The Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, the world's largest wine festival, takes place from 11–15 and 18–21 September 2026 in Bad Dürkheim. Nine days of celebration, 36 wine cart stands, around 300 Palatinate wine specialities and two spectacular fireworks displays await over 600,000 visitors. Entry is free.
Detour Discotheque Matera 2026 – La Dolce Vita Disco Part II
Detour Discotheque returns to southern Italy from 11 to 13 September 2026, taking over a 16th-century UNESCO-listed convent in Matera for an intimate weekend of retro disco, silent dancing, sunset aperitivo and cultural exploration. Just 300 tickets available.
Bruges Beer Festival 2026 – Program, Tickets & Visitor Guide
The Bruges Beer Festival takes place on 12 and 13 September 2026 at the BMCC in Bruges. Around 50 breweries present some 350 beers including rare Trappist ales and geuze specialities. Free entry with tasting packages from €14.50.
Haverskerque Tomato Festival 2026 – Fête de la Tomate, Program & Guide
On 13 September 2026, Haverskerque hosts the 19th Fête de la Tomate et des Légumes Anciens. Discover thousands of heirloom tomato varieties, expert talks, tastings and free seed packets across 70 exhibitor stands. Entry €3, free for children under 16.
Palio della Tonna Civita di Bagnoregio – Donkey Race in the Dying Town
On 13 September 2026, the Piazza San Donato of Civita di Bagnoregio hosts the ancient Palio della Tonna donkey race. Four contrade compete for the coveted banner in one of Lazio's most unique medieval villages, accessible only by footbridge. Village entry €5.
San Sebastián Film Festival 2026 – Program, Tickets & Visitor Guide
The 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival runs from 18 to 26 September 2026. Over 150,000 visitors experience world premieres competing for the Golden Shell alongside the 2026 Donostia Award ceremony honouring Jennifer Lawrence. Tickets from €8.75.
Ifestia Festival Santorini 2026 – Volcanic Fireworks Over the Caldera
On 19 September 2026, Santorini's caldera comes alive at the Ifestia Festival with a drone light show and spectacular volcanic fireworks launched from Nea and Palea Kameni. Free to watch from all caldera viewpoints in Fira, Imerovigli and Oia.
