10 European festivals in October and November you need to attend

Image: Oktoberfest

1. Oktoberfest | Cancelled for 2020

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 | 8-11 October 2020

Some of the world’s most exciting artists come together annually to exhibit at this international contemporary art fair.

The 2019 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 | 2-18 October 2020

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.

Image: Salon du Chocolat

4. Salon du Chocolat | 21-25 October 2020

Salon du Chocolat, or the Paris Chocolate Show, is a delicious yearly affair that’s back for its 25th 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.

Image: Concurs de Castells

5. Concurs de Castells | 3-4 October 2020

The Tarragona Human Tower competition is the largest in the world and the ultimate display of teamwork. Teams work together to build human structures that stretch up to nine storeys high with a child on top.

This world-class event is a unique and magnificent spectacle held only once every two years. You will need a ticket for the show - and there are only a limited number available - so come early and then stay on for the parade, which displays the Catalan culture in the form of live performances, dance, music and fireworks.

Image: Amsterdam Music Festival

1. Amsterdam Music Festival | 24 October 2020

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's lineup hasn't been announced yet.

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 | 30-31 October 2020

This autumn music festival is pushing onto its 7th year, and despite it being a relatively new player in the scene, it’s quickly established itself as a puller of big names.

2019 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 Kraftwerk 3D, AMAIA, Carolina Durante and Mark Lanegan Band.

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.

Buy tickets to BIME Live

Image: Transmission

3. Transmission | 24 October 2020

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 hasn't announced yet 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

4. Pitchfork Music Festival | Cancelled for 2020

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.

Image source: Bloody Sexy Halloween

5. Bloody Sexy Halloween X | 30 October - 1 November 2020

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.