Some of the best festivals in the world are in Europe. Here’s where you have to be this October and November.
Throughout the year, revellers flock to Europe to live it up at some of best dance and music parties in the world.
Dress up and get down in Prague at the sexiest Halloween party or an epic trance night. Check out Munich’s world-famous Oktoberfest that needs no introduction, or head to Tarragona to see a tower made of humans.
If you are stuck on where to go this October and November, here is the ultimate guide to the top music, arts and culture festivals that you just can’t miss.
Top 4 European arts and culture festivals in October
Image: Oktoberfest
1. Oktoberfest | 22 September - 7 October 2018
The world’s largest beer fest is Munich’s famous 16-day festival, filled with traditional costumes, food, games, parades and very large quantities of beer - more than 7 million litres to be exact.
While the beer is the obvious main attraction, leave some room for the parade of colourful brewery wagons, brass bands and the funfair.
If this sounds like the place to be for you, get yourself into a beer tent, grab yourself a greasy sausage or two and drink the night away.
Image: Frieze Art Fair
2. Frieze Art Fair | 4-7 October 2018
Some of the world’s most exciting artists come together annually to exhibit at this international contemporary art fair.
The 2017 fair will feature more than 160 of the world’s leading galleries, and visitors can view and buy art from more than 100 artists. Typically, there are also sections dedicated to live performances, ‘90s art and emerging talents from Shanghai to Berlin.
This highly anticipated fair will take place at the beautiful Regent’s Park in London.
Image: Cafe Budapest
3. Cafe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival | 5-21 October 2018
The Cafe Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival offers more than a hundred different programs in design, literature, music, dance and more. The shows, concerts and exhibitions are held at various venues across Budapest, with some offering free admission. Local Hungarian artists are featured alongside an array of international artists.
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the festival. If you love contemporary art, this is the place to be.
Image: Salon du Chocolat
4. Salon du Chocolat | 31 October - 4 November 2018
Salon du Chocolat, or the Paris Chocolate Show, is a delicious yearly affair that’s back for its 24th anniversary this year.
The exhibition space will see 200+ pastry chefs, chocolatiers and confectioners from all over the world come together for one chocolaty affair.
Learn about chocolate from the experts and get delicious recipes from some of the best chefs in the world. There are tastings and conferences with highlights including live performances and even a space dedicated to junior chocolate lovers.
Top 5 European music festivals in October and November
Image: Amsterdam Music Festival
1. Amsterdam Music Festival | 20 October 2018
Nestled within the heart of the annual Amsterdam Dance Event conference, this music festival is coming back bigger, better and louder. For an immersive night unlike any other, Amsterdam Music Festival celebrates some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry. This year welcomes David Guetta, B2B and Dimitri.
When it comes to parties, Amsterdam really knows how to live it up. Come for the dance music mecca and stay on for a sensory treat.
Image: BIME Live
2. BIME Live | 26-27 October 2018
This autumn music festival is pushing onto its 6th year, and despite it being a relatively new player in the scene, it’s quickly established itself as a puller of big names.
2018 will see this music mega event held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain. You can expect to see big names in the rock, pop and electronic music scenes gracing the stage this year including Aphex Twin, MGMT, Editors and Slowdive.
Its sister act, BIME Pro, is a meeting point for the music and tech industries that features international speakers at a three day conference. When it comes to BIME, it’s all work and all play.
Image: Transmission
3. Transmission | 27 October 2018
Transmission is much more than just another trance festival - it’s a rite of passage.
Returning to Prague for another epic night of music, Transmission is a mega trance party and one of the best indoor dance events in the world.
This year the festival has secured Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, Markus Schulz, Vini Vici and more to grace its lineup. Before you arrive, brace yourself for complete immersion into the Transmission world where everything is bigger-than-life: the acts, the tailor-made laser shows, the smoke displays and the sound systems.
This one-night-only event will leave you in awe and counting down the days to the next one.
Image: Pitfork Music Festival
3. Pitchfork Music Festival | 1-3 November 2018
If mainstream isn’t your thing and you’re in the mood for an eclectic mix of something a little different, book your tickets to Paris for the Pitchfork Music Festival.
This alternative festival in the French capital really knows how to mix it up. With an unpredictable lineup that features a collection of big names, indie favourites and emerging bands, it truly has something for everyone. The festival also prides itself in being green, so expect cleaner fuel and food options that are as varied as the lineup.
Set yourself up for a great autumn weekend; Pitchfork is where you need to be this November.
Image source: Bloody Sexy Halloween
5. Bloody Sexy Halloween VIII | 2-3 November 2018
Celebrate Halloween in style at Prague's biggest dress-up party.
Go crazy with costumes and make crazy memories at this one-night-only event known for its outrageous get-ups, performances by local and international DJs, sexy dancers and majestic fire and lights shows.
Meet people from all around the world and party till dawn for an unforgettable, spooky and sexy night.
Contiki
5-day Munich Oktoberfest tours from $715
Valid on select departures from 26 September - 4 October 2018. Includes accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Oktoberfest Braumeister tours from $579
Valid on select departures from 21 September - 7 October 2018. Includes accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Oktoberfest Festmeister tours from $379
Valid on select departures from 21 September - 7 October 2018. Includes accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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Oktoberfest Prostmeister tours from $699
Valid on select departures from 21 September - 8 October 2018. Destinations are London, England and Munich. Includes accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.
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TourRadar
11-day Oktoberfest tour from $4,660
Valid for travel on 23 September - 3 October 2018. Destinations are Berlin, Venice and Munich. Includes accommodation, meals, guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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TourRadar
Up to 5% off 4-night Munich Oktoberfest tour
Valid for travel from 20 September - 10 October 2018. Includes accommodation, meals, guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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TourRadar
Up to 17% off 4-day Munich Oktoberfest camping
Valid for travel from 21 September - 6 October 2018. Includes accommodation, meals, guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Topdeck
Up to $700 Europe and North Africa flight credit with tours
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Mykonos, Greece, Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, Russia and Scandinavia, Morocco, Amsterdam and more. Flight credit amount varies based on length of package booked. T&C's apply.
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