As autumn colors begin to envelop the landscapes of Europe, October emerges as a delightful time to explore the continent. Tourist crowds have thinned, there’s a refreshing nip in the air, and a wealth of cultural events and festivals beckon. If you’re contemplating where to go in Europe during October, here’s a guide that might pique your wanderlust:
Munich, Germany – Oktoberfest:
Arguably the most famous beer festival in the world, Oktoberfest, typically starts in late September and runs into the first week of October. It’s not just about beer; there are amusement rides, games, traditional foods, and lively Bavarian music.
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Good Food Festival:
Celebrate the culinary delights of Croatia in Dubrovnik. This festival showcases traditional and international dishes, wine tastings, and workshops. Also, take advantage of the fewer tourists and wander the medieval streets and walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Perugia, Italy – Eurochocolate:
For the sweet-toothed traveler, Perugia’s Eurochocolate festival is heaven. Taking place in mid-October, the city transforms into a chocolate wonderland with sculptures, tastings, and workshops all centered around cocoa.
London, UK – BFI London Film Festival:
Film buffs will adore London in October. The BFI London Film Festival features hundreds of screenings from both established and emerging filmmakers. Outside of the cinema, London’s parks are adorned in auburn hues, providing the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls.
Transylvania, Romania – Halloween:
Experience Halloween in Dracula’s homeland. Tour Bran Castle (often linked with the Dracula legend) and partake in night-time events and festivities in nearby Brasov. The eerie ambience and legends that surround Transylvania offer a unique way to celebrate October 31st.
Sitges, Spain – Sitges Film Festival:
Not far from Barcelona, Sitges comes alive with one of the world’s premier fantasy and horror film festivals. It’s a genre film lover’s dream, with international premieres, conferences, and special events.
Grape Harvest Festivals – France:
October is harvest time in many of the wine regions in France. Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Alsace, among others, have local events celebrating the grape harvest. Enjoy wine tastings, grape stomping, and parades celebrating the age-old tradition of winemaking.
Budapest, Hungary – Budapest International Documentary Festival:
For those who love real-life stories, this festival is a must-attend. Documentaries from around the world are showcased, addressing a variety of pressing topics. While in Budapest, make sure to take a dip in one of its historic thermal baths, especially soothing as the weather turns cooler.
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE):
This electronic music conference and festival is one of the most influential of its kind. With over 2,500 artists from around the world, ADE takes over the clubs, bars, and venues of Amsterdam for five days of non-stop music and dance.
Bilbao, Spain – Semana Grande:
Though it starts in late September, it’s worth mentioning Bilbao’s Semana Grande, a festival that boasts concerts, fireworks, theatre performances, and traditional Basque sports. The cultural immersion and lively spirit of the festival make it a memorable experience.
Brussels, Belgium – Brussels Beer Challenge:
For those who missed Oktoberfest or want to keep the beer appreciation rolling, the Brussels Beer Challenge in late October evaluates beers from all over the world. The capital city of Belgium, renowned for its beer, becomes a paradise for beer enthusiasts.
Salzburg, Austria – Jazz & The City:
Salzburg’s alleys and squares resonate with the sounds of jazz, world music, and electronica. Free concerts take over the city, and the festival provides an intimate, immersive musical experience.
Conclusion:
Europe in October is a fusion of cultural celebration, epicurean delights, and natural beauty. Whether you’re sampling chocolates in Perugia, dancing the night away in Amsterdam, or soaking in the haunted tales of Transylvania, there’s an October adventure waiting in Europe for every kind of traveler. So, grab your scarf and suitcase, and dive into the enchanting autumnal charm that Europe has to offer.
- Munich, Germany – Oktoberfest:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Oktoberfest Munich official website.”
- Dubrovnik, Croatia – Good Food Festival:
- Official Website
- To find: Navigate to Dubrovnik Tourist Board website and search for the “Good Food Festival.”
- Perugia, Italy – Eurochocolate:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Eurochocolate Perugia official website.”
- London, UK – BFI London Film Festival:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “BFI London Film Festival official site.”
- Transylvania, Romania – Halloween:
- Bran Castle Information
- To find: Search for “Bran Castle official site.”
- Sitges, Spain – Sitges Film Festival:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Sitges Film Festival official website.”
- Grape Harvest Festivals – France:
- Official Bordeaux Information
- To find: Visit Bordeaux’s official tourism website and look for events in October.
- Budapest, Hungary – Budapest International Documentary Festival:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Budapest International Documentary Festival website.”
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE):
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Amsterdam Dance Event official site.”
- Bilbao, Spain – Semana Grande:
- Bilbao Tourism
- To find: Navigate to Bilbao’s official tourism website and search for “Semana Grande.”
- Brussels, Belgium – Brussels Beer Challenge:
- Official Website
- To find: Search for “Brussels Beer Challenge official website.”
- Salzburg, Austria – Jazz & The City:
- Official Information
- To find: Visit Salzburg’s official tourism site and search for “Jazz & The City” event details.
