Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Europe. The weather is just right, the crowds have died down, and most importantly: it's harvest season!
Harvest festivals are one of the best things about the fall. Whether you're in Spain, Germany, or Italy, there's likely a fun harvest festival taking place nearby. From the Berlin Beer Festival to the White Truffle Fair in Alba, Italy, there's something for everyone.
If you're looking for ways to spend your time off work before Christmas (or if you just want an excuse to travel), these harvest festivals are sure to delight.
With that in mind, we've compiled some of our favorite harvest festivals and food fairs in Europe that we think you should check out this fall or in the future.
Just remember if you're planning to visit Europe after 2023, you'll likely have to register with the ETIAS system.
Berlin Beer Week
While Munich's Oktoberfest is probably the most famous beer-themed festival celebrated in Germany, the country's capital has its very own celebration of one of the best German exports as well!
Held for 10 days at the beginning of September, the festival is one of the largest celebrations of craft beer in Europe. It's attended by craft beer breweries and companies from all over the world, who offer plenty of opportunities to sample their wares!
In addition to the opportunity to sample craft beer from all over the planet, the festival also boasts an impressive line-up of musical performances from both local and international acts.
Although the main venue is on the grounds of the Kulturbrauerei (a renovated antique brewery), the festival also takes place at locations all over the city. This will give you plenty of opportunities to check out the most iconic attractions in Berlin while enjoying a cold beer!
Galway Oyster Festival
The Galway Oyster Festival is an annual event that takes place in late September in Galway City on Ireland's west coast, an ideal location for an autumn break. The first festival was held in 1954 and it has since grown to become one of Ireland's most popular events.
The three-day event celebrates the local oyster industry through food and wine tastings and cooking demonstrations. There's also lectures by chefs, oyster shucking competitions, a street parade with floats decorated with giant shells, and much more.
Subotina Festival in Buzet, Croatia
Not the last truffle-themed festival on this list, but the location for the Subotina Festival may just take the cake for the most beautiful venue of all the celebrations we've mentioned.
The festival is held every October in the spectacular Medieval hilltop town of Buzet near Croatia's border with Slovenia, a place also known as the "City of Truffles".
Stalls selling truffle-inspired food and drink, as well as truffle tastings and exhibitions, accompany a huge street party that shouldn't be missed. Truffle dishes like gnocchi are offered at pop-up restaurants and a massive truffle omelet is served at the festival's final event.
Additionally, a huge range of the finest Croatian wines can be tasted at numerous vineyards in the surrounding region during your stay.
White Truffle Fair in Alba, Italy
When it comes to truffles, Italy is definitely one of the most celebrated exporters. And the White Truffle Fair in Alba is one of the most famous celebrations of these precious mushrooms in all of Europe.
Alba itself has a longstanding history of producing white truffles, so it's only natural that it host's one of Italy's biggest food festivals. The event unfolds across two whole months, from October to December.
The truffle fair takes place every year and sees thousands of people come together to celebrate this wonderful product and its many uses. You'll get to sample some of the finest products made with these rare delicacies, including wine, chocolate, pasta sauce, and much more.
Wine, Food & Music Festival in the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, and every year in September this small region holds one of Europe's most beloved harvest festivals.
If you're looking for a wine festival that combines all the best aspects of Portugal's rich history and culture, then look no further than the Douro Wine Festival.
This event draws thousands of people from around the world to celebrate local delicacies and enjoy some great music from both Portuguese artists and famous international performers.
The festival also includes tours through wineries where visitors can learn about how different varieties are made and the qualities make them unique. And of course, you can taste a huge range of wine from some of Portugal's finest producers!
