Best Festivals in Europe

Europe's festival culture extends far beyond music — the continent hosts extraordinary food festivals, film festivals, cultural events, art fairs and traditions that draw visitors from around the world. The best festivals in Europe combine genuine cultural depth with the pleasure of experiencing a city or region at its most alive. Venice Carnival transforms the city into a masked theatrical event each February. The Edinburgh Fringe — the world's largest arts festival — takes over Scotland's capital for three weeks in August. Oktoberfest in Munich draws six million visitors. Notting Hill Carnival in London is Europe's largest street festival. And across the continent, smaller wine harvest festivals, medieval pageants, and local food traditions offer experiences that no amount of museum-visiting can replicate.