Biggest Festivals in Europe

Ghent Festivities

One of the biggest summer festivals in Europe is held in Ghent. Every July, the historic Belgian city transforms into a massive 10-day street party. Known locally as Gentse Feesten, you can expect a brilliant mix of free live music, street theatre, boat parties, and delicious food. It’s incredibly easy to reach when you travel on our ferry to the Netherlands.

Iris Festival, Brussels

The Iris Festival in Brussels is held every year in May to celebrate the capital region. Discover local leisure at the Public Corner, catch amazing street performers, and dive into the city's rich culture. Celebrate diversity with vibrant LGBTQI events, and grab a bite at Europe’s biggest food truck gathering during the Iris Festival!

Fête De La Musique

Held every June across France, this vibrant celebration sees the streets come alive with free live music. From amateur bands on street corners to huge outdoor concerts and DJ sets, it’s the perfect excuse to dance the night away. Catch a ferry to France to easily join the party anywhere in northern France!

Fetes de Bayonne

Grab a white outfit and a red neckerchief and head to southwestern France in late July for five days of incredible Basque culture. Fêtes de Bayonne is one of the biggest street festivals in France, offering lively street parties, traditional parades, fireworks, and an absolutely unforgettable atmosphere.

Donauinselfast

Did you know Vienna hosts the largest free open-air music festival in the world? Held every June on the beautiful Danube Island, Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival) offers a massive weekend of live performances, food stalls, and family-friendly fun.

Festival of Lights, Lyon, France

In December, Lyon sparkles with four festive nights of Fête des Lumières. This winter festival in Europe is popular with people of all ages as the festival of light fills the city with beauty, floating figures and views you don’t want to miss.

Lord Mayor’s Show, London

Every November, London comes alive with parades, music, and celebrations, blending British tradition with lively street festivities.

Sinterklaas Procession, Amsterdam

Every December, Sinterklaas arrives in Amsterdam with spiced biscuits, festive parades, and balcony speeches. Take the Hull to Rotterdam ferry for a smooth start to the celebration, where festive scenes bring sweet smiles across the city.

Oktoberfest, Germany

Held annually from mid-September to early October, Oktoberfest is one of Europe’s top beer festivals, offering Bavarian food, live music, and a lively, festive atmosphere.

Alba White Truffle Fair, Italy

From October to December, Alba celebrates its famous white truffles with tastings, markets, and culinary displays, offering a true taste of Italian tradition. Travel down via the Dover to Calais ferry and treat yourself to Italy’s finest seasonal delicacies.

King’s Day

On the 27th of April, the whole of the Netherlands turns bright orange! King’s Day is a massive nationwide celebration featuring huge street parties, boat parades, live music, and city-wide flea markets. Hop on a ferry to Rotterdam, don your best orange outfit, and get ready for a royal party like no other.

La Tomatina

Fancy a food fight? Every August, the Spanish town of Buñol hosts the world’s biggest tomato fight. Tens of thousands of people gather in the streets to throw over a hundred metric tons of overripe tomatoes at each other in a hilariously messy celebration.

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling

For something wonderfully weird and traditionally British, head to Gloucestershire in late May. Watch as fearless competitors hurl themselves down a ridiculously steep hill in pursuit of a 9lb wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. It’s chaotic, brilliant, and definitely one to tick off the bucket list.