October 2026

October 2026 Events and Festivals in Europe

430 events are happening across Europe this month – from festivals to concerts to cultural celebrations.

Donaueschinger Musiktage 2026 in Donaueschingen, Germany – World’s Oldest New Music Festival Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Donaueschinger Musiktage 2026 in Donaueschingen, Germany – World’s Oldest New Music Festival

The Donaueschinger Musiktage 2026 take place from 15 to 18 October in Donaueschingen, Germany. The world’s oldest festival for contemporary music features world premieres, sound installations and concerts with leading ensembles under the motto “polyphonies”. Tickets from 12 euros for local residents.

Oct 15, 2026
🇩🇪 Donaueschingen, Germany
Oktoberfest Thun 2026: Bavarian Beer Festival near Lake Thun Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Oktoberfest Thun 2026: Bavarian Beer Festival near Lake Thun

Oktoberfest Thun 2026 takes place over two weekends in a beer tent at Parkplatz P8. Bavarian food, live music and original Munich Oktoberfest atmosphere await guests near Lake Thun.

Oct 15, 2026
🇨🇭 Thun, Switzerland
Feuchtwangen Medieval Market 2026: Season Finale with Barbarians and Goblins Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Feuchtwangen Medieval Market 2026: Season Finale with Barbarians and Goblins

The Feuchtwangen Medieval Market 2026 forms Turba Events' season finale from 16 to 18 October, with barbarians, a goblin forge, a cage carousel and live bands across two stages.

Oct 16, 2026
🇩🇪 Feuchtwangen, Germany
Ouest Park Festival Le Havre, France 2026 – Rock, Rap, Electro & Folk Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Ouest Park Festival Le Havre, France 2026 – Rock, Rap, Electro & Folk

Ouest Park Festival 2026: 16 and 17 October at Fort de Tourneville in Le Havre. Rock, rap and electro. Tickets from 38 euros.

Oct 16, 2026
🇫🇷 Le Havre, France
Bremen Freimarkt 2026 – The Biggest Funfair in Northern Germany Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe
Free

Bremen Freimarkt 2026 – The Biggest Funfair in Northern Germany

The Bremen Freimarkt 2026 turns the Bürgerweide into northern Germany's biggest funfair for 17 days, with rides, beer tents and the traditional parade through the city centre.

Oct 16, 2026
🇩🇪 Bremen, Germany
Nuit des Châteaux 2026: Illuminated Castles Across France and the Loire Valley Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Nuit des Châteaux 2026: Illuminated Castles Across France and the Loire Valley

From October 16 to 18, 2026, around 300 castles across France open their doors at night for the Nuit des Châteaux. The illuminated castles of the Loire Valley, led by Château de Chambord, are a particular highlight.

Oct 16, 2026
🇫🇷 Chambord, France
Vienna Smooth Jazz Festival 2026: Concert Cruise on the Danube Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Vienna Smooth Jazz Festival 2026: Concert Cruise on the Danube

The Vienna Smooth Jazz Festival 2026 runs October 16 to 23 as a Danube river cruise departing from Vienna. Aboard the MS AMADEUS Star, guests enjoy nine live concerts by international smooth jazz stars along the way.

Oct 16, 2026
🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2026: World Class Surfing in Peniche Illustrative photo
Sports Events in Europe
Free

MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2026: World Class Surfing in Peniche

From October 16 to 25, 2026, the world's best surfers compete at Supertubos beach in Peniche for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal title. Beach access for spectators is free.

Oct 16, 2026
🇵🇹 Peniche, Portugal
Merano Grape Festival 2026 in Merano, Italy – Dates, Parade & Visitor Guide Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe
Free

Merano Grape Festival 2026 in Merano, Italy – Dates, Parade & Visitor Guide

The Merano Grape Festival 2026 takes place from 16 to 18 October in the centre of Merano and marks its 140th edition. The highlight is the grand parade on Sunday with brass bands, traditional groups and spectacular floats. Admission is free.

Oct 16, 2026
🇮🇹 Merano, Italy
Mahrs Bräu Bockbieranstich Bamberg 2026: Tradition in the Wunderburg Illustrative photo
Food & Drink Festivals in Europe
Free

Mahrs Bräu Bockbieranstich Bamberg 2026: Tradition in the Wunderburg

The Bockbieranstich at Mahrs Bräu in Bamberg's Wunderburg takes place on Friday, October 16, 2026. Admission is free; guests only pay for the bock beer on site.

Oct 16, 2026
🇩🇪 Bamberg, Germany
Liszt Festival Raiding 2026: Classical Music at the Birthplace of Franz Liszt Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Liszt Festival Raiding 2026: Classical Music at the Birthplace of Franz Liszt

The Liszt Festival Raiding 2026 brings top class classical concerts to Franz Liszt's birthplace in Burgenland from October 16 to 25, featuring orchestras and soloists at the Liszt Center Raiding.

Oct 16, 2026
🇦🇹 Raiding, Austria
Liszt Festival Raiding 2026: Classical Music at the Birthplace of Franz Liszt Illustrative photo
Festivals in Europe

Liszt Festival Raiding 2026: Classical Music at the Birthplace of Franz Liszt

The Liszt Festival Raiding 2026 brings top class classical concerts to Franz Liszt's birthplace in Burgenland from October 16 to 25, featuring orchestras and soloists at the Liszt Center Raiding.

Oct 16, 2026
🇦🇹 Raiding, Austria