Upcoming Events & Festivals in Europe in 2026: Explore All Schengen Region

Europe 2026 is calling all UK travellers; Art lovers, music enthusiasts, wine passionate, cultural people, and shopaholics. The different festivals in Europe are perfect for all types of UK travellers who want to turn their ordinary holidays into celebrations and memories. These events are not just festivals; they are a gateway into Europe’s art, heritage, and connect you to their way of life.

If you are already planning for 2026 and want an entire festival calendar for Schengen countries to add to your itinerary, this guide has a complete list of festivals in Europe that will help you plan the ultimate European journey.  

Before planning a trip, do not forget to apply for aSchengen visa from UK at SCHENGEN VISA HELP UK.

A List of Upcoming Events & Festivals in Europe in 2026

Europe celebrates thousands of festivals throughout the year. Below is a list of the top 7 festivals in the Schengen countries.  

Austria – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jan–Feb	Vienna Ball Season	Vienna	Features classical music, waltzing, and elegant social gatherings, attracting international visitors
Jun	Danube Island Festival	Vienna	Globally acclaimed opera
July – Aug	Salzburg Festival	Salzburg	Cinema screenings at Rathausplatz showcasing international films
July – Aug	Vienna Film Festival	Vienna	Featuring diverse genres
Sep	Graz Autumn Fair	Graz	Blending mythology with fun tourist spectacles
Dec	Krampusnacht	Salzburg	Local arts, food, and cultural events
Dec	Vienna Christmas Markets	Vienna	Magical festive markets with handcrafted goods, mulled wine, and music

Belgium – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Carnival of Binche	Binche	UNESCO-recognized carnival
May	Brussels Jazz Weekend	Brussels	Jazz concerts throughout the city center
Jul	Ghent Festival	Ghent	Europe’s largest urban festivals
Jul	Tomorrowland	Boom	World’s largest electronic dance music
Aug	Flower Carpet	Brussels	Stunning floral design every two years,
Sep	Belgian Beer Weekend	Brussels	Tastings, workshops, and rare beer varieties
Dec	Christmas Markets	Brussels	Magical winter atmosphere

Croatia – Festivals in Europe 20226

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Rijeka Carnival	Rijeka	The most colorful European carnivals
Jun	INmusic Festival	Zagreb	Croatia’s largest open-air music festival
Jul	Split Summer Festival	Split	Outdoor music and theatre festival set
Jul	Ultra Europe	Split	Massive electronic music festival
Jul–Aug	Dubrovnik Summer Festival	Dubrovnik	Historic venues with UNESCO heritage surroundings
Aug	Outlook Festival	Pula	Electronic music festival
Dec	Advent Zagreb	Zagreb	Award-winning Christmas festival

Czech Republic – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
May	Prague Spring Festival	Prague	Classical music festival with top performers
May	Prague Beer Festival	Prague	The largest beer festival with local and foreign beers
July	Karlovy Vary Film Festival	Karlovy Vary	Premier international film festival
July	Colours of Ostrava	Ostrava	Eclectic music festival across multiple venues
July	Bohemia JazzFest	Various Cities	Free jazz festival across picturesque towns
Oct	Signal Festival	Prague	City transformed with light installations
Dec	Prague Christmas Markets	Prague	Fairytale markets with food and crafts

Denmark – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jun	Roskilde Festival	Roskilde	Europe’s largest music festival with camping
Jun	Roskilde Festival	Copenhagen	Massive urban street party with electronic music
Jun	NorthSide Festival	Aarhus	Indie and alternative music festival
July	Copenhagen Jazz Festival	Copenhagen	Hundreds of citywide jazz concerts
July	Viking Festival	Ribe	Historical reenactments and cultural shows
Aug	Aarhus Festuge	Aarhus	Ten-day arts and culture festival
Dec	Tivoli Christmas	Copenhagen	Iconic Christmas lights and festive markets

Estonia – Festivals in Europe 2026 

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Apr	Tallinn Music Week	Tallinn	Emerging artists and creative industry events
Apr	Jazzkaar Festival	Tallinn	Largest jazz festival in the Baltics
Jun	Old Town Days	Tallinn	Medieval-themed streets and crafts festival
July	Tallinn Song Festival	Tallinn	UNESCO choral festival with thousands of singers
July	Viljandi Folk Festival	Viljandi	Folk music and cultural traditions
July	Pärnu Film Festival	Pärnu	International documentary film festival
Dec	Tallinn Christmas Market	Tallinn	Festive market with food, lights, and crafts

Finland – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jun	Midnight Sun Film Festival	Sodankylä	Unique films under 24-hour daylight
17 Jun	National Day	Nationwide	Celebrates Finland’s independence nationwide
Jul	Savonlinna Opera Festival	Savonlinna	Opera in a medieval castle setting
Jul	Ruisrock Festival	Turku	Europe’s oldest rock festival by the coast
Aug	Flow Festival	Helsinki	Trendsetting music, art, and culinary festival
Aug–Sep	Helsinki Festival	Helsinki	Finland’s largest arts and culture festival
Dec	Christmas Markets	Rovaniemi	Iconic festive village with Santa and lights

France – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Nice Carnival	Nice	Colourful parades and flower battles
May	Cannes Film Festival	Cannes	Global cinema event with celebrities
Jun	Fête de la Musique	Nationwide	Free music concerts across France
Jul	Bastille Day	Paris	Fireworks and parades for national pride
Jul	Tour de France Finale	Paris	Iconic cycling race ending on Champs-Élysées
Jul	Avignon Theatre Festival	Avignon	Theatre in historic city venues
Dec	Strasbourg Christmas Market	Strasbourg	Alsace Christmas market with crafts and food

Germany – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Cologne Carnival	Cologne	Colourful street parades and costumes
Feb	Berlin International Film Festival	Berlin	Premier film festival with global premieres
May–Sep	Rhine in Flames	Various Rhine Cities	Fireworks along the Rhine River
Jul	Love Parade & Berlin EDM Events	Berlin	Massive electronic dance music street events
Aug	Wacken Open Air	Wacken	Legendary heavy metal festival attracting fans
Sep–Oct	Oktoberfest	Munich	World’s largest beer festival and funfair
Dec	German Christmas Markets	Various Cities	Festive markets with food and gifts

Greece – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Apokries Carnival	Nationwide	Masquerades and lively parades across cities
Apr	Easter Celebrations	Nationwide	Traditional religious processions and feasts
Jun	Athens Pride	Athens	Colourful LGBTQ+ festival with parades
Jul	Rockwave Festival	Malakasa	International rock and alternative music acts
Jul–Aug	Sani Festival	Halkidiki	Arts festival with music and workshops
Jul–Aug	Panigyria	Greek Islands	Greek Islands
Jun–Aug	Athens Epidaurus Festival	Athens & Epidaurus	Classical theatre in ancient amphitheatres

Hungary – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Busó Carnival	Mohács	Masks, fire rituals, and folk traditions
Mar–Apr	Budapest Spring Festival	Budapest	Classical music and arts in iconic venues
Jul	Formula 1 Hungarian GP	Budapest	Thrilling motorsport event attracting fans
Jul–Aug	Summer Festival Budapest	Budapest	Outdoor music and cultural events
Aug	Sziget Festival	Budapest	Large music festival with international acts
Sep	Budapest Wine Festival	Budapest	Wine tasting and local gastronomy events
Dec	Budapest Christmas Fair	Budapest	Festive market with crafts and lights

Iceland – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Winter Lights Festival	Reykjavik	City illuminated with lights and art
Feb	Food & Fun Festival	Reykjavik	Culinary event highlighting Icelandic cuisine
Jun	Secret Solstice	Reykjavik	Music festival under the midnight sun
Jun	National Day	Nationwide	Icelandic independence celebrations nationwide
Aug	Reykjavik Culture Night	Reykjavik	Citywide arts, music, and street performances
Nov	Iceland Airwaves	Reykjavik	Emerging artists and international music acts
Nov	Christmas Festivities	Reykjavik	Holiday markets and festive lights

Do you know? UK travellers can attend multiple cultural celebrations in Europe across different countries using a single Schengen visa from UK.

Italy – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Venice Carnival	Venice	Famous masks, floats, and masquerade balls
Jun	Infiorata Flower Festival	Genzano	Streets covered in intricate floral carpets
Jul	Lucca Summer Festival	Lucca	Rock and pop concerts in historic settings
Aug	Palio di Siena	Siena	Historic horse race attracting tourists worldwide
Sep	Venice Biennale	Venice	Prestigious international art exhibition
Oct	Eurochocolate Festival	Perugia	Famous chocolate fair with tastings and events
Dec	Christmas Markets	Various Cities	Festive markets with crafts and local treats

Latvia – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jan	Winter Festival	Riga	Ice sculpture exhibits and cultural events
Jun	Latvian Song and Dance Festival	Riga	UNESCO festival with thousands performing
Jul	Positivus Festival	Salacgriva	Music and arts festival on the Baltic coast
Jul	Riga Opera Festival	Riga	Opera and classical performances outdoors
Aug	Staro Riga	Riga	City illuminated with light art installations
Sep	Riga Black Balsam Festival	Riga	Celebrates Latvia’s traditional herbal liqueur
Dec	Riga Christmas Market	Riga	Traditional crafts, food, and festive atmosphere

Liechtenstein – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Fastnacht	Vaduz	Traditional carnival with costumes and parades
Jun	Vaduz Festival	Vaduz	Music, food, and cultural events in the capital
Jul	Schaan Village Festival	Schaan	Local celebrations with music and food stalls
Aug	Liechtenstein Wine Festival	Vaduz	Wine tasting and culinary experiences
Sep	Art Week Liechtenstein	Vaduz	Contemporary art exhibitions across venues
Oct	Fürstentum Oktoberfest	Vaduz	Bavarian-style beer and folk festival
Dec	Christmas Markets	Vaduz	Holiday crafts, lights, and seasonal treats

Lithuania – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jan	Vilnius Winter Festival	Vilnius	Ice sculptures and winter cultural events
Jun	Vilnius International Festival	Vilnius	Classical music and arts festival
Jul	Kaunas Jazz Festival	Kaunas	Renowned jazz performances in historic venues
Aug	Klaipeda Sea Festival	Klaipeda	Maritime-themed celebrations with concerts
Sep	Baltic Balloon Festival	Druskininkai	Hot air balloon spectacle attracting tourists
Oct	Vilnius Film Festival	Vilnius	International film screenings and workshops
Dec	Vilnius Christmas Market	Vilnius	Festive market with lights, food, and crafts

Luxembourg – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Carnival	Luxembourg City	Colorful parades and masked celebrations
Jun	Rock um Knuedler	Luxembourg City	Free outdoor music festival in the city center
Jul	Lëtzebuerg City Open Air	Luxembourg City	Pop and rock concerts in public squares
Aug	Schueberfouer	Luxembourg City	Traditional funfair with rides and food stalls
Sep	Echternach Music Festival	Echternach	Classical music and cultural performances
Oct	Halloween Parade	Luxembourg City	Family-friendly costume parades and events
Dec	Christmas Markets	Luxembourg City	Traditional crafts, foods, and festive lights

Malta – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Malta Carnival	Valletta	Parades, floats, and colorful costumes
Apr	Holy Week Celebrations	Mdina	Religious processions and traditional rituals
Jun	Isle of MTV	Floriana	Free international music concert on the waterfront
Jul	Farsons Beer Festival	Mrieħel	Beer tasting with local and international brews
Aug	Notte Bianca	Valletta	Citywide arts, music, and cultural events
Sep	Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck	Valletta	Traditional religious feast with festivities
Dec	Christmas Village	Valletta	Markets, lights, and festive Maltese traditions

Netherlands – Festivals in Europe 2026 

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jan	Amsterdam Light Festival	Amsterdam	Creative light installations along canals
Apr	King’s Day	Nationwide	The biggest street party in the Netherlands
Apr–May	Keukenhof Tulip Festival	Lisse	World-famous tulip displays
Jun	Holland Festival	Amsterdam	Leading performing arts festival
Jul	North Sea Jazz Festival	Rotterdam	One of the world’s largest jazz festivals
Aug	Pride Amsterdam	Amsterdam	Iconic canal parade celebration
Dec	Christmas Markets	Various Cities	Festive lights and winter charm

Norway – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Sami National Day	Nationwide	Indigenous Sami cultural celebrations
May	Bergen International Festival	Bergen	Norway’s largest arts festival
Jun	Constitution Day	Nationwide	Parades and national pride
Jul	Molde International Jazz Festival	Molde	Globally renowned jazz event
Aug	Øya Festival	Oslo	Popular indie and alternative music
Sep	Oslo Culture Night	Oslo	Free cultural events citywide
Dec	Christmas Markets	Oslo	Scandinavian festive atmosphere

Poland – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Jan	Grand Orchestra of Christmas Charity	Nationwide	Europe’s biggest charity music event
Apr	Easter Markets	Kraków	Traditional crafts and food
Jun	Wianki Festival	Kraków	Folklore and music celebrations
Jul	Open’er Festival	Gdynia	Major international music festival
Aug	Chopin Festival	Warsaw	Classical piano performances
Aug	St. Dominic’s Fair	Gdańsk	One of Europe’s oldest fairs
Dec	Christmas Markets	Wrocław	One of Europe’s best festive markets

Portugal – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Carnival	Lisbon	Colourful parades and street fun
Jun	Festa de Santo António	Lisbon	Sardines, music, and dancing
Jun	São João Festival	Porto	Fireworks and local traditions
Jul	NOS Alive	Lisbon	Top international music acts
Aug	Feira de São Mateus	Viseu	Historic fair with rides and food
Sep	Douro Wine Harvest Festival	Douro Valley	Grape harvesting celebrations
Dec	Christmas Markets	Lisbon	Festive lights and coastal charm

Slovakia– Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Fašiangy Carnival	Nationwide	Traditional folk celebrations
May	Bratislava Music Festival	Bratislava	Classical music performances
Jun	Východná Folklore Festival	Východná	Largest folklore festival
Jul	Pohoda Festival	Trenčín	Popular alternative music festival
Aug	Grape Festival	Trenčín	Summer music and entertainment
Sep	Wine Harvest Festival	Pezinok	Local wine traditions
Dec	Christmas Markets	Bratislava	Cozy festive atmosphere

Slovenia– Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Kurentovanje	Ptuj	UNESCO-listed carnival
Jun	Ljubljana Summer Festival	Ljubljana	Music and theatre outdoors
Jul	Jazz Festival Ljubljana	Ljubljana	International jazz artists
Aug	Piran Musical Evenings	Piran	Classical music by the sea
Aug	Trnfest	Ljubljana	Free cultural performances
Sep	Old Vine Festival	Maribor	World’s oldest vine celebration
Dec	Festive Ljubljana	Ljubljana	Christmas lights and markets

Spain– Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Carnival of Santa Cruz	Tenerife	One of the world’s largest carnivals
Mar	Las Fallas	Valencia	Fireworks and giant sculptures
Apr	Feria de Abril	Seville	Flamenco, music, and dancing
Jul	San Fermín	Pamplona	Famous bull-running festival
Aug	La Tomatina	Buñol	Iconic tomato-throwing event
Sep	La Mercè	Barcelona	Cultural shows and concerts
Dec	Christmas Markets	Barcelona	Festive Catalan traditions

Sweden – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Sami Week	Jokkmokk	Indigenous culture and traditions
Apr	Walpurgis Night	Nationwide	Bonfires welcoming spring
Jun	Midsummer Festival	Nationwide	Sweden’s most important tradition
Jul	Stockholm Jazz Festival	Stockholm	International jazz artists
Jul	Medieval Week	Visby	Historical reenactments
Aug	Way Out West	Gothenburg	Eco-friendly music festival
Dec	Lucia Festival	Nationwide	Candlelight processions

Switzerland – Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Basel Carnival	Basel	Switzerland’s biggest carnival
Mar	White Turf	St. Moritz	Horse racing on a frozen lake
Jun	Fête de Genève	Geneva	Fireworks and lakeside events
Jul	Montreux Jazz Festival	Montreux	Legendary music festival
Aug	Locarno Film Festival	Locarno	Major international film event
Sep	Alpabzug	Nationwide	Traditional cattle descent
Dec	Christmas Markets	Zurich	Alpine festive charm

Romania– Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Brașov Winter Festival	Brașov	Snow events, concerts, and mountain culture
Mar	Mărțișor Festival	Nationwide	Celebrates the arrival of spring
Jun	Sibiu International Theatre Festival	Sibiu	One of Europe’s largest theatre festivals
Jul	Electric Castle	Cluj-Napoca	Major international music festival at a castle
Jul	Untold Festival	Cluj-Napoca	World-famous EDM and pop festival
Aug	George Enescu Festival	Bucharest	Prestigious classical music event
Dec	Bucharest Christmas Market	Bucharest	Traditional food, crafts, and lights

Bulgaria– Festivals in Europe 2026

Month	Festival Name	City	Why So Popular
Feb	Kukeri Festival	Pernik	UNESCO-listed masquerade traditions
Mar	Baba Marta Festival	Nationwide	Welcomes spring with folklore rituals
May	Rose Festival	Kazanlak	Celebrates Bulgaria’s rose oil heritage
Jun	Sofia Music Weeks	Sofia	International classical music festival
Jul	Spirit of Burgas	Burgas	Popular seaside music festival
Aug	Apollonia Arts Festival	Sozopol	Arts, theatre, and literature by the sea
Dec	Sofia Christmas Market	Sofia	Festive markets with food and crafts

Final Thought 

In conclusion, if you are planning your European journey in 2026, these festivals in Europe offer UK travelers an unforgettable journey. Whether you’re enthusiastic to attend music festivals, interested in carnivals, or wanna  celebrations, Europe delivers experiences found nowhere else.
If you are still thinking, then stop thinking and start doing, secure your Schengen visa appointment from UK in advance, book flight tickets and get ready to start a new chapter of your travel journey!

FAQ’s