Best events in Europe in 2025

What are the best events in Europe to attend in 2025?

Europe has always been a melting pot of culture, history, and celebration. As we step into 2025, the continent’s social calendar is brimming with an incredible lineup of events that reflect its rich heritage. From glamorous balls and world-renowned festivals to thrilling sporting competitions, you’re assured to have something to do. Let’s look together into the best events in Europe in 2025.

Plein Air Cinema Festival – Paris, France

The Plein Air Cinema Festival (also known as the Open-Air Cinema Festival) is a popular event in France where movies are screened outdoors, usually in scenic or historic locations. The festival allows movie lovers to enjoy films under the stars in a relaxed atmosphere. The most famous version of this festival takes place in Paris, but open-air film screenings can be found in various cities and regions across France during the summer months.

The festival typically features a mix of classic films, recent blockbusters, independent films, and foreign movies, making it appealing to a wide audience. The screenings often occur in iconic settings, such as public parks, gardens, or historical landmarks, adding to the cultural and aesthetic experience. The most notable one is held at Parc de la Villette, one of Paris’s largest parks located in the 19th arrondissement, near the Cité des Sciences and Philharmonie de Paris.

When in the city, seize the opportunity to go on one of these day trips from Paris.

• Organizer: The Festival de Cinéma en Plein Air is organized by La Villette, which is a cultural park that regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural events in Paris.
• Date: Typically held from mid-July to mid-August.
• Location: Screenings are held in various open parks in cities across France, including Parc de la Villette, one of Paris’s largest parks in the 19th arrondissement.
• Price: Most screenings are free as they are held in open parks. But depending on the event, some could be priced between €7 to €8. No need to book anything! Just make sure you arrive there early to get your spot!

Yacht Week – Split, Croatia

Yacht Week in Croatia is a week-long sailing event that attracts people from around the world for a unique experience of yachting, partying, and exploring the stunning Croatian coastline and its islands. It’s essentially a floating festival, where groups of people charter yachts and sail together in flotillas, moving from island to island, enjoying beaches, parties, and local culture.

The event is organized by The Yacht Week, a company that offers this experience in various locations globally, but Croatia is by far the most popular destination. It’s a combination of socializing, sailing, and exploring beautiful locations, with a focus on fun, vibrant nightlife, and activities on and off the yachts.

• Date: It usually runs during the summer months, from May to August, which is the best time for sailing in the Adriatic Sea. Check their website for specific dates.
• Location: Split, Croatia is the closest International airport to all the marinas for all Croatian routes.
• Price: Depends on various factors like the specific week or the cabin vs. yacht package chosen, but the most basic one starts at around 600€ per person. Get your spot here.

Carnival of Venice, Italy

The Carnival of Venice (Carnevale di Venezia) is one of the most famous and historical festivals in the world, renowned for its elaborate masks, opulent costumes, and grand celebrations. The carnival dates back to the 11th century and became an important cultural event during the Renaissance when Venice was at the height of its power. The festival was originally a time for celebration and letting go of social inhibitions, as the masks allowed people to conceal their identities and behave freely without the constraints of class or status.

Today, the Carnival of Venice is a spectacular event featuring masquerade balls, street performances, parades, and other cultural festivities. Visitors from around the globe come to Venice to immerse themselves in the city’s unique mix of art, history, and theatrical displays, all while wearing traditional Venetian masks. Attending this festival offers the opportunity to visit Venice, one of the best cities to visit in Italy.

• Organizer: City of Venice.
• Date: Held annually in February.
• Location: Venice, Italy (main events in St. Mark’s Square and historic palaces).
• Price: Public events are free, but tickets for masquerade balls range from €300 to €1,000+, with top-tier events reaching €2,500. You can book tickets here.

European Heritage Days – Across Europe

Heritage Days in European museums, also known as European Heritage Days, are special annual events where museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions across Europe open their doors to the public, often free of charge or at a reduced rate.

Heritage Days provide educational opportunities for the public, especially young people, to learn about their local and national history. By making museums and cultural sites accessible, they encourage people to become more involved in their community and aware of its cultural importance. This initiative is organized by the Council of Europe and the European Union and has grown since it was launched in 1991, and it now includes over 50 participating countries.

• Date: around September. Check the website of the museums for exact dates.
• Location: Museums across France and Europe.
• Price: Check the websites of the museums you want to visit.

Fashion Week – Paris, France / Milan, Italy / London, UK

The Fashion Weeks in Paris, London and Milan are the most prestigious and awaited events in the global fashion industry, where the world’s top designers and fashion houses showcase their latest collections. Three of the “Big Four” fashion weeks (which also include events in New York) take place in Europe.

Paris, Milan and London are regarded as the fashion capitals of the world, each with a long tradition of fashion design, luxury, and craftsmanship. Known for avant-garde designs and cutting-edge creativity, Fashion Weeks serve as hubs for innovation in materials, design, and presentation for collections in Haute Couture, Ready-to-Wear (Prêt-à-Porter), and Men’s Fashion.

Fashion Weeks are highly anticipated events on the fashion calendar because they serve as a barometer of trends that will shape the industry. They are a platform for both established brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and emerging designers to present their creative visions to a global audience, including celebrities, fashion editors, influencers, and buyers.

• Date: Beginning of September to early October for the Spring/Summer season and late February to mid-March for the Fall/Winter season.
• Location: Check specific events to know the location.
• Price: Most prestigious events require invitations or tickets, others are free. Book your spot here for Paris Fashion Week, here for Milan Fashion Week, and here for London Fashion Week.

Formula 1 – Monaco and other countries

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous and prestigious races in the Formula 1 (F1) World Championship. Held annually in the streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine around the Monaco harbor, it is considered the crown jewel of Formula 1, known for its tight and narrow track that winds through the city, demanding the highest level of driving skill. The race is part of the Formula 1 calendar, which features races in various countries throughout the year.

First held in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the oldest and most iconic races in motorsport history. It is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which includes the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Winning at Monaco is considered a major career achievement for any F1 driver.

The race is renowned for its luxurious and glamorous atmosphere. Monaco, known for its wealth, yachts, casinos, and high-end lifestyle, draws a global crowd of celebrities, sports stars, and VIPs. The event has become synonymous with glitz and exclusivity, making it a highlight of the social calendar in addition to being a sporting event.

There are also 6 to 7 other countries in Europe that host F1 races every year with the famous historical races being held at Silverstone (UK), Monza (Italy) and Spa (Belgium). Attending the Monaco event gives you access to South of France cities and the French Riviera.

• Date: Held in Late May during the F1 calendar’s European leg.
• Location: Circuit de Monaco, Monaco, France.
• Price: Prices vary from 40€ to 1520€. Book your tickets here.

Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and a significant part of Bavarian culture, held annually in Munich, Germany. It is a celebration of traditional Bavarian food, beer, music, and culture that dates back to 1810 when it began as a royal wedding celebration. Over the years, it has evolved into a massive festival that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

During Oktoberfest, visitors gather in beer tents set up across the festival grounds to drink special Oktoberfest beers, which are brewed by Munich’s traditional breweries, while enjoying traditional Bavarian food like pretzels, sausages, roast chicken, and sauerkraut. There are also carnival rides, parades, traditional music, and dance performances that create a festive atmosphere.

• Date: Usually begins on a Saturday in mid-September and lasts until the first weekend in October but the dates may vary slightly.
• Location: Theresienwiese, a large open space in the heart of Munich.
• Price: One of the unique aspects of Oktoberfest is that entry to the festival grounds and beer tents is free. However, seating inside the popular beer tents can be highly competitive and booking in advance for them is highly recommended.
  • Entry: Free
  • Beer: €7–€12 per liter
  • Food: €10–€25
  • Rides: €3–€8 per ride
  • Table Reservation: Free (but with a minimum order)

Check the official website for more information.

Wimbledon – London, UK

Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, held annually at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. Played on grass surfaces, the courts are known for their fast play and low ball bounce. Wimbledon is known for its rich traditions, including a strict dress code for players (all-white attire), strawberries and cream, and royal patronage.

Considered the most prestigious of the Grand Slams, with a long history dating back to 1877, it is known for its traditional British atmosphere, with high levels of sportsmanship and formality.

• Organizer: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC)
• Date: Usually held during late June and early July.
• Location: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London, England.
• Price: For main courts, tickets for high-profile matches can range from £200 to £2,000 or even more. Early-round matches cost between £70–£150. Get your tickets on the official website.

Rolland-Garros – Paris, France

Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, alongside Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. It is played annually in Paris, France, at the Stade Roland Garros and is the only Grand Slam event played on clay courts. Clay courts are known for producing slower ball speeds and higher bounces, leading to long rallies, making Roland Garros one of the most physically demanding tennis tournaments. Throughout the tournament, the grounds of Roland-Garros host various food and beverage stalls featuring gourmet French cuisine, patisseries, and wine. The event also features live music and concerts, fashion shows and brand events from sports clothing companies such as Lacoste and other tournament sponsors.

Iconic players like Rafael Nadal are closely associated with this tournament, as Nadal has won a record number of titles at Roland Garros. Rolland-Garros is known for being a true test of a player’s endurance and versatility due to the clay surface.

• Organizer: Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT)
• Date: Typically held from late May to early June.
• Location: Stade Roland Garros, Paris, France.
• Price: For main courts, tickets for high-profile matches can range from €100 to €400 or even more. Early-round matches cost between €30 to €80. Book your tickets here.

Vienna Opera Ball – Vienna, Austria

The Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) is one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in Austria and one of the most famous balls in the world. It is held annually at the Vienna State Opera and is a grand celebration of Viennese culture, music, and tradition. The Opera Ball attracts international celebrities, politicians, royalty, and high society, making it a key event of the Viennese ball season.

The ball features a formal opening ceremony with a debutante dance (young women dressed in white gowns and men in black tailcoats), performances by opera singers and dancers, and classical music played by the Vienna State Opera Orchestra. Guests then enjoy an evening of waltzing, socializing, and elegant dining in one of the most iconic cultural venues in the world.

• Organizer: The event is organized by the Vienna State Opera and supported by the Austrian government and the Viennese Ball Committee.
• Date: Traditionally held on the last Thursday in February each year.
• Location: Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper).
• Price: Range from €350 for standing room to €10,000–€23,600 for private boxes. Book your spot here.

Prix de Diane – Chantilly, France

The Prix de Diane is a prestigious horse racing event in France, often referred to as the French Oaks. It is one of the most glamorous and highly anticipated events in the world of flat racing, known for its blend of elegance, high fashion, and sporting excellence. The Prix de Diane is specifically a race for three-year-old fillies and is run over a distance of 2,100 meters (about 1 mile and 2½ furlongs) on turf.

In addition to the race itself, the Prix de Diane is famous for its sophisticated atmosphere, with attendees often dressed in chic attire, including extravagant hats, similar to the fashion traditions of Royal Ascot in England. The event also features a “Best Hat” competition, fashion shows, and live music, making it a key social occasion in the French racing calendar.

• Organizer: France Galop.
• Date: Annually held in mid-June.
• Location: Hippodrome de Chantilly, Chantilly (just north of Paris), France.
• Price: Range from €10 to €300 depending on seating and experience. Get your tickets here.

Saint Patrick’s Day – Dublin, Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick, and is a day for Irish people and those of Irish heritage to celebrate their culture, history, and national identity. In Dublin, Saint Patrick’s Day is marked by a massive festival and parade, along with various cultural, music, and community events throughout the city. The festival draws visitors from all over the world and is one of the most significant events in Ireland’s cultural calendar.

The Dublin Saint Patrick’s Festival typically lasts several days and features traditional Irish music, dance, theater, street performances, and food markets. The main event is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which features elaborate floats, costumes, and performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city.

• Organizer: Saint Patrick’s Festival Committee.
• Date: The official Saint Patrick’s Day is March 17, but in Dublin, it usually spans 4 to 5 days around this date.
• Location: Dublin, Ireland (mainly the city center, along the parade route through O’Connell Street and Dame Street).
• Price: The parade and most public events are free, but tickets for certain paid events range from €20 to €50. VIP packages can cost €50 to €200. You can find the list of events here.

Semana Santa – Spain

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is one of the most important and solemn religious celebrations in Spain, commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It is a deeply traditional event marked by processions through the streets, where participants carry religious statues (pasos) that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ and have been a part of Spanish culture for centuries.

Semana Santa is characterized by its combination of religious fervor, art, music, and spectacle. Participants dressed in penitential robes often carry crosses or walk barefoot to atone for their sins, while brass bands play mournful music. The processions take place in towns and cities across Spain, with each region having its unique customs and style. The most famous and traditional city in Spain to attend the Semana Santa (Holy Week) festival is Seville.

• Organizer: Organized by local brotherhoods (cofradías), with support from city councils.
• Date: Semana Santa takes place during the week before Easter.
• Location: Celebrated in cities and towns across Spain, with famous processions in Seville, Málaga, Granada, Zamora, Valladolid, and Madrid.
• Price: Most processions are free, but seating in prime areas can range from €15 to €150, depending on the location and day.

Tulip Parade – Netherlands

The Tulip Parade, officially known as the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, is a spectacular annual flower parade in the Netherlands. It celebrates the country’s famous flower-growing culture, particularly the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths that bloom in the Bollenstreek region, also known as the Dutch Flower Strip. This parade features elaborately decorated floats and vehicles adorned with thousands of fresh flowers, creating a vibrant and colorful moving display.

The event has become a major attraction for both locals and international visitors who come to see the artistry and creativity of the flower arrangements, as well as to celebrate the beauty of Dutch springtime.

• Organizer: The event is organized by a local committee of growers, volunteers, and community members from the Bollenstreek region.
• Date: Annually in April.
• Location: The parade starts in Noordwijk and ends in Haarlem, passing through various towns in the Bollenstreek region.
• Price: Watching the parade is free, but grandstand seats range from €20 to €30. You can find the tickets here.

Christmas Markets – Strasbourg, France

Christmas markets are festive, open-air events that take place across Europe during the holiday season. They feature beautifully decorated stalls, offering traditional Christmas gifts, handmade crafts, local foods, mulled wine, and festive music. These markets have a long history and are known for their charming atmosphere, celebrating the traditions of the Advent season.

One of the most famous Christmas markets is the Strasbourg Christmas Market in France, which dates back to 1570 and is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas.” Many other countries in Europe also host iconic Christmas markets, making them a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Strasbourg is renowned for its elaborate Christmas lights, which play a central role in creating a magical atmosphere throughout the city. The centerpiece of the market is the Giant Christmas Tree at Place Kleber. Many of Strasbourg’s streets, especially those around the Cathedral Square and the Grande Île (a UNESCO World Heritage site), are illuminated with thousands of lights, forming arches and twinkling garlands.

• Organizer: Managed by local city councils, tourism boards, and local businesses.
• Date: Generally from late November to Early January.
• Location: Cities across Europe, including Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Vienna, Prague, Cologne, and Basel.
• Price: Free entry to most markets, but paid attractions (ice skating, rides, etc.) may cost €5 to €50.

Bal des Débutantes – Paris, France

The Bal des Débutantes, often referred to simply as Le Bal, is an exclusive and glamorous debutante ball held annually in Paris, France. It is a prestigious social event, where young women, known as debutantes, from influential families across the globe, make their formal debut into society. These debutantes, typically aged between 16 and 22, are dressed in haute couture gowns, often designed by leading fashion houses, and are accompanied by young men, known as cavaliers.

While the ball is rooted in tradition, it also serves as a platform for philanthropy. Each year, the event raises funds for specific charities. Recent editions have supported causes like children’s hospitals and humanitarian organizations.

The ball is a showcase of fashion and elegance, with the debutantes wearing haute couture gowns, while jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels often provide the debutantes’ jewelry. The debutantes come from notable families, including royalty, celebrities, and business magnates.

• Organizer: Ophélie Renouard, who founded the modern iteration of the ball in 1992.
• Date: The Bal des Débutantes takes place annually in November.
• Location: Usually held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, an opulent venue that complements the elegance of the evening.
• Price: The Bal des Débutantes is a private, invitation-only event, so tickets are not typically available for public purchase.

Recap of the best events in Europe to attend in 2025

If you don’t feel like reading the whole thing, here is a recap of the best events to attend in Europe in 2025:

• Carnival of Venice – Venice – February
• Vienna Opera Ball – Vienna – February
• Yacht Week – Split – Spring & Summer
• Fashion Week – Paris, London, Milan – March & April / September & October
• Saint Patrick’s Day – Dublin – March
• Semana Santa – Seville – April
• Tulip Parade – Netherlands – April
• Formula 1 – Monaco – May
• Rolland-Garros – Paris – May
• Wimbledon – London – June
• Prix de Diane – Paris – June
• Plein Ari Cinema Festival – Paris – July, August, September
• Europen Heritage Days – Europe – September
• Oktoberfest – Munich – September & October
• Bal des Débutantes – Paris – November
• Christmas Markets – Strasbourg – November, December, January

Final thoughts

Europe’s social calendar in 2025 promises tons of exciting events, from the very festive (Christmas markets, Yacht Week, Oktoberfest) to the very sportive (Rolland-Garros, Prix de Diane, Formula 1) to the very cultural (European Heritage Days, Carnival, Tulip Parade). 2025 could be an unforgettable year of exploration and celebration!