13 BEST Festivals in October Around the World 2024-2025
Celebrate with the 13 best festivals in October, featuring cultural events, music, and Oktoberfest festivities that bring destinations to life.
October is a great time to travel and there are many wonderful cultural festivals around the world held at this time of year. There is no better way to really experience and try to understand a culture than to participate in a local festival.
There are so many amazing festivals in October around the world to experience, so here is our bucket list pick of the 13 best October celebrations in the world that offer something for everyone.
N.B. We will updating this list regularly, so if you have any festivals or big events in October you think should make the list, please let us know.
Worlds Best Festivals October 2024 / 2025: Key Takeaways
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the best events around the world in October:
- Cultural Events in October– Mooncake Festival in China, Sun festival in Egypt
- Religious Festivals – Chestnut Festival in Italy, Diwali / Dev Deepawali in India, Durga Puja Festival in India, Hermosa Festival in Philippines, Navratri Festival in India
- Music Festivals – Austin City Limits in USA
- Light Festivals – Berlin Festival of Lights in Germany, Festival of Lights in Laos
- Beer Festivals– Oktoberfest in Munich
- Wine Festivals – Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival in Paris
- Hot Air Balloon Festival – Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in USA
World Events in October
As we start choosing our next travel destination as full time travelers, exploring the best festival in October around the world offers a myriad of cultural experiences. From the vibrant celebrations of Diwali in India to the enchanting spectacle of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the United States, October promises unforgettable experiences in various countries in October across the globe.
1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- When: Annually in October: 5 – 13 October, 2024 | 4 – 12 October, 2025
- Duration: 9 days
For 9 days in October each year, the skies of the Rio Grande Valley in Albuquerque, New Mexico are filled with a colourful mass of more than 500 balloons. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is not only the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, but one of the top festivals in the world too, and attracts more than 500,000 visitors from around the globe each year.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held at the Balloon Fiesta Park, located about 10 minutes from the downtown area. From dawn until dusk, balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours fill the sky as festival-goers’ crane their necks in amazement.
The event offers something for everyone, from veterans to first-time balloon enthusiasts. It features a variety of activities and attractions that will have you captivated from start to finish. From watching hot air balloons take off and land, to participating in balloon-making workshops, there’s something for everyone at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
The park also offers a variety of activities including hot air balloon rides, a carnival, and a petting zoo. Other events to expect include fireworks, music performances, and night-time glowing balloon flights.
If you’re planning on attending, be sure to check the event website for updated information and ticketing information. Our top tip to help make your experience even better is to make a plan. The balloon festival is huge, and there’s plenty to see and do, but if you want to maximize your enjoyment, it’s important to have a plan. Print out a map of the festival grounds and take it with you, so you know where all the major attractions are.
So whether you’re a fan of hot air balloons or just want to experience something different, don’t miss out on this unforgettable event.
Check availability of accommodation options in Albuquerque
2. Austin City Limits – Austin, Texas
- Where: Austin, Texas
- When: Annually in October: 4 – 6 & 11 – 13 October, 2024 | 3 – 5 & 10 – 12 October, 2025
- Duration: 6 days over 2 weekends
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) is an annual music festival held in Austin, Texas. The Austin City Limits television series was the inspiration that led to the success of the first music festival. It is now produced by Austin-based company C3 Presents, which also produces Lollapalooza. The festival features around 150 artists and has an attendance of around 450,000 people.
ACL typically occurs in October and is held at Zilker Park. The festival features and attracts a wide range of artists from across the spectrum.
Eight stages host performers from genres including rock, indie, country, folk, electronic and hip hop. Some of the previous artists that have performed at ACL include Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters.
In addition to the music performances, there are food and drinks, an art market, a kid’s area for families, and other activities for attendees.
ACL is a great music festival to attend with lots of great bands playing each year. If you are looking to go to a music festival in October, add Austin City Limits Music Festival to your bucket list!
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Austin
3. Berlin Festival of Lights – Berlin, Germany
- Where: Berlin, Germany
- When: Annually in September / October: 10 – 19 October, 2024 | 2025 dates TBC
- Duration: 10 days
If you’re looking for a unique festival, look no further than the Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany. This festival usually takes place in either September or October and lasts for 10 days.
Each year the theme changes, and artists create works of art using lights in motion based on their own interpretation of the theme. These impressive light shows are projected onto Berlin landmarks and other important buildings and attractions. There are dozens and dozens of them from one end of the city to another. Some examples include the TV Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Berliner Dom, various museums, a few embassy buildings, and more.
Since this is a light show, the action begins once it gets dark, which means a little after 7pm this year. If you want to see some of the most popular sights, get there early since there will definitely be crowds. Less well known locations will have fewer people, so it might be worth a little extra effort.
Locals and tourists alike will be out enjoying the artwork, and luckily there’s no entry fee to enjoy the Festival of Lights. Go for a stroll between Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz to admire tons of different pieces, or use transport to reach locations farther away.
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Berlin NOW!
4. Chestnut Festival – Soriano nel Cimino, Italy
- Where: Soriano nel Cimino, Italy
- When: Annually on the first and second weekend of October: 5 – 12 October, 2024 | 3 – 12 October, 2025
- Duration: approx. 2 weeks
The Chestnut Festival in Soriano nel Cimino, a small town near Rome, is held every year on the first and second weekend of October. The town rises on the slopes of Mount Cimino, naturally rich in chestnut trees.
The festival to which the inhabitants prepare passionately throughout the year has its roots in the 15th Century. One night, with the help of a traitor within the court, the inhabitants of the nearby town of Vignanello tried to conquer the castle of Soriano. The locals defended the walls for the whole night and at the end of a bloody battle, they repulsed the enemies.
Since then, every year the battle is remembered with celebrations in October. Today the Chestnut Festival has a medieval revival character. The inhabitants are grouped into 4 districts, according to the position of their houses (the Rocca, Papacqua, San Giorgio, and Noble Trinity).
The festival opens with a parade in medieval clothes through the main street, sewn by the town’s tailors. Then to parade is the band of the town, winds and drums. In different squares of the village, duels are held between swordsmen and competitions of skill to throw the flags with the coat of arms.
Each district sets up a tavern with long tables where a fixed menu is served with many dishes featuring chestnuts: chestnut soup, stew with chestnuts, gnocchi with ragu and chestnuts, chestnut gelato. It is possible to buy bags of freshly harvested chestnuts and typical sauces at all the stores in the historic centre.
From the square where the festival is held, you can access a large terrace where you can enjoy a fantastic view of Tuscia, a yet-to-be-discovered part of the Italian countryside.
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Soriano nel Cimino
5. Diwali / Dev Deepawali – Varanasi, Indi
- Where: Varanasi, India + Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka
- When: Annually in October / November / December: 15 November, 2024 | 5 November, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
Dev Deepawali is a Hindu festival celebrated on the occasion of ‘Kartik Poornima’ in the ancient city of Varanasi, not far from Agra in India. While Deepawali or Diwali is a well-known Hindu festival, also known as the Festival of Lights celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Ravana, there is little known about Dev Deepawali. Loosely translated to ‘Diwali of the Gods’, Lord Shiva is supposed to have killed the evil Tripurasura on this day hence the Gods celebrate Diwali.
The entire city of Varanasi celebrated this festival by lighting diyas (earthen oil lamps) all over the ghats (the bank of the holy river Ganga). Visitors can walk around the ghats, admire the lighting and witness the cultural music and dance performances held at various ghats, particularly the Assi ghat.
However, to get the best views of the lighting, take a boat tour of the river Ganga and watch the lights from afar. While you’re on the boat, do not miss out on witnessing the famous Ganga aarti that is held on the Dashashwamedh ghat – a prayer ritual performed simultaneously by 12 priests. While this aarti is held every day, it feels particularly pious and special on the occasion of Dev Diwali.
In Varanasi, you absolutely cannot miss out on the incredible Varanasi street food such as chaat, samosa, rolls, momos and what not. This festival can be enjoyed in the month of October, November or December (depending on when the festival falls on the Hindu calendar).
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in India here!
6. Durga Puja Festival – Kolkata, India
- Where: Kolkata, India
- When: Annually during the Month of Ashwin (September or October): 9 – 13 October, 2024 | 28 September – 2 October, 2025
- Duration: 5 days
Durga Puja is the most magnificent festival in India’s Bengali communities. This famous Hindu festival is usually held for a week in October, which is decided according to the lunar calendar. Though this religious festival is celebrated mainly in Kolkata, West Bengal, it is also organized across other locations in India.
In this Puja, Goddess Durga is worshiped as a powerful female figure, who defeats the mythological evil demon Mahishasura, destroys sin, and brings peace to the world. Thus, Goddess Durga is known as “Mahishasura Mardini”.
In Kolkata, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival. The city transforms into a huge art gallery with thousands of pandals (fabricated decorated structure), idols with incredible artwork, some of which are theme-based and some traditional. Every day during the festival, around 3 to 4 lakh people go out for pandal-hopping.
At the pandals, the food, mainly known as ‘Bhog‘, commonly consists of rice, mixed vegetable curry, a sweet dish, and chutney (a sweet condiment) or Khichadi (a dish made of rice and lentils), and Alur Dom (type of slow-cooked potato curry) served to visitors.
The entire city becomes illuminated, and the sound of drums, crowds of people revitalize the city. During this time, some locals choose to travel across weekend destinations to avoid crowds and get holiday benefits to the fullest.
Check availability of accommodation options in Kolkata
7. Festival of Lights – Luang Prabang, Laos
- Where: Luang Prabang, Laos
- When: Annually in October – 17 October, 2024 | 7 October, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
Every October at the end of the Buddhist equivalent of Lent, locals and travellers alike celebrate the Festival of Lights (also called Boun Lai Heua Fai) in Luang Prabang, Laos. After a three month period of monastic seclusion for monks and increased focus on Buddhist teachings for lay people, the vibrant city at the heart of central Laos comes alive with light, music, and celebration.
Throughout the festivities, Luang Prabang’s dozens of beautiful wats (temples) are decorated with paper lanterns in a splendid show of light and colour that is both reverent and fun. As darkness falls on the final day, spectators line Sisavangvong Road to watch a parade of elaborate dragon boats flow down to the Mekong River where they’ll be released onto the water.
Each boat is handmade by representatives from a local region and decorated with elaborate candles and paper lanterns, and accompanied by musicians and dancers as the parade moves through the town.
To complete the evening, many Laotians launch small banana leaf boats into the Mekong River to appreciate natural spirits and wish for good fortune. Then everyone sits down to enjoy a celebratory meal with family and friends. As a traveller, it’s a treat to be present for the sensory feast of light and music during Boun Lai Heua Fai, as well as the energy of joy and gratitude surrounding it.
Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Luang Prabang
8. Hermosa Festival – Philippines
- Where: Zamboanga, Philippines
- When: Annually for the whole month of October in 2024 and 2025
- Duration: 1 month
The Hermosa Festival is one of the grandest Asia festivals. Held in Zamboanga City in the Philippines, it lasts for the whole month of October and features various displays, competitions, and street dancing. It’s done in honour of the patroness of the city, the miraculous Nuestra Senora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar). Attending this festival is extremely fun, and it’s a great way to get to know the city through its culture, history, food, and people.
The highlight of the festival is the Street Dance. Locals go on a colourful parades across the city to show off the traditional dances and outfits of the indigenous people. Whether you’re a casual tourist or one of the photographers who have come specifically to capture this performance, you’ll surely find the street dance entertaining and enjoyable.
Other exciting events include the Regatta de Zamboanga, where traditional boats with colourful sails race across the Sulu Sea; Mascota de Zamboanga, a fashion competition featuring the best modern mascotas or Spanish-inspired gowns; and Chavacano Music Festival, where local musicians show their talent using the city’s lingua franca.
The Hermosa Festival is one of the long-awaited festivals in the Philippines every year. As such, it gets busy – it’s best to book your tickets and accommodations in advance of your visit.
Check availability and prices of accommodation options in Zamboanga
9. Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival – China
- Where: China
- When: Annually on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar – September or early October: 29 September, 2024 | 6 October, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival, is the second most important traditional festival in China after the Chinese New Year. In China, it is a day spent with and about family, similar to Thanksgiving.
Heavily steeped in tradition, it is a festival that goes back around 3,000 years. It always takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. During this festival, the moon is celebrated as a symbol of peaceful times and is best revered under the light of the full moon.
There are many traditional and new celebrations. The Mid-Autumn Festival presents a good opportunity gift-giving. Many Chinese people make their own home-made mooncakes or purchase them as gifts several days in advance. These are then sent to their family members, friends, colleagues, or leaders during the festival.
The Chinese people also celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by having family dinners together either at home or at a restaurant. Participating in this event means you’ll have plenty of opportunities for appreciating and worshipping the moon (a symbol of family reunion), stargazing, making colourful lanterns and lighting them, and enjoying the local cuisine!
Check availability and rates of accommodation options in China
10. Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival – Paris, France
- Where: Montmartre, Paris France
- When: Annually in October: 11 – 15 October, 2024 | 2025 dates TBC
- Duration: 5 days
Paris is known for being a wine haven, and the love and celebration for wine is put on full display in October during the Fête des Vendanges or Grape Harvest Festival in English.
The festival, which brings over 400,000 wine aficionados from all around the world (both locals and tourists alike) lasts for 5 fun days around Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre which is home to the only remaining vineyard in Paris.
Beginning in 1934, every year comes with a unique theme to celebrate the grape harvest while treating revellers to countless entertainment from music, a parade, a ball, choirs, and wine tasting.
Small stalls are also dotted around the Sacré-Coeur Basilica where you can grab some French foods, buy some French wine, or pick up a souvenir. The entire atmosphere feels like a Christmas market but one in October!
There is also a possibility of visiting the vineyard itself if you buy a ticket to Musée de Montmartre since it comes with a guided tour of the vineyard.
Besides tasting wine and dancing to music, an annual wine auction is held to raise money for charity by selling wine bottles locally grown in the Montmartre vineyard.
And to crown the festival, there is a spectacular display of fireworks (usually over the weekend during the festival time)!
So, as you plan to visit the city of love in October, make sure that you add the Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre to your Paris bucket list. [Text Credit: Dreams in Paris]
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in Paris
11. Navratri Festival – India
- Where: India
- When: Annually in September and/or October: 3 – 12 October, 2024 | 22 September – 1 October, 2025
- Duration: 10 days
Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrated across India, manifests uniquely in each state. In Gujarat, devotees honour Goddess Ma Ambe through Garba dances late into the night. Derived from “nav” (nine) and “Ratri” (night), Navratri follows the Hindu calendar, its date varying yearly.
Its origins lie in the battle between Goddess Ambe and the demon Mahishasura, culminating in the triumph of good over evil on Vijayadashmi. Each day of Navratri venerates different avatars of Goddess Durga, leading to the community-wide burning of Ravan’s effigy on the tenth day.
Check prices and availability of accommodation options in India HERE!
12. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany
- Where: Munich, Germany
- When: Annually from the third weekend in September to the first Sunday in October: 21 September – 6 October, 2024 | 20 September – 5 October, 2025
- Duration: 17 days
If globetrotting for festivals tops your travel wish list, experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is a must. It’s undeniably one of the premier September / October festivals worldwide, drawing visitors from all corners.
Munich’s allure transcends seasons, but Oktoberfest infuses an unparalleled energy into the city. Amidst the festive atmosphere, families adorned in traditional Bavarian attire enliven the streets, adding to the spectacle.
Reaching Oktoberfest is a breeze, with the Theresienwiese fairgrounds serving as the vibrant epi-center. Though initially held on the outskirts, today it’s a bustling hub easily accessible by public transport.
Upon arrival, jubilant sounds echo across Weisn, where revellers delight in not just beer, but also thrilling carnival rides. Oktoberfest transcends mere beer consumption, offering a dynamic outdoor carnival experience, complete with rides for all ages.
For beer aficionados, Oktoberfest is an unparalleled paradise, boasting tents from Munich’s top breweries like Hofbrau and Paulaner. Securing a table in these tents can be challenging, prompting devoted fans to arrive early and immerse in the lively Ompa band ambiance.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION EARLY SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT! Check rates and availability of accommodation options in Munich NOW!
13. Sun Festival – Abu Simbel, Egypt
- Where: Abu Simbel, Egypt
- When: On the 22 February and 22 October each year: 22 February + 22 October, 2024 | 22 February + 22 October, 2025
- Duration: 1 day
We have added the Sun Festival to our post on the ‘Best Festivals in February” as it is also held on the 22 February each year.
FAQs: October Celebrations Around the World
Now that you have explored the best October events worldwide, you might still have a few questions. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions about destinations with October festivals and events.
Where are the best religious festivals in October?
Some of the best religious celebrations and events in the month of October are the following:
* Diwali, India
* Yom Kippur, Jewish
* Halloween, All Around the World
* Navaratri, India
* Eid-al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice), Muslim
Where are the best October festivals in India?
Some of the best Indian October events are the following:
* Diwali, India
* Dussehra, India
* Durga Puja Festival, Kolkata
* Navratri Festival – India
* Mysore Dussehra, India
Where are the best October festivals UK?
Some of the best events of October in the UK are the following:
* Leicestershire’s Festival of Lights, Leicestershire
* The Goose Fair, Nottingham
* Birmingham Comedy Festival, Birmingham
* Robin Hood Beer Festival, Nottingham
* Musicport Festival, Whitby
Where are the best October festivals Europe?
Some of the famous events in October in Europe are the following:
* Berlin Festival of Lights, Germany
* Chestnut Festival – Soriano nel Cimino, Italy
* Montmarte Grape Harvest Festival – Paris, France
* Sun Festival – Abu Simbel, Egypt
* Concurs de Castells, Spain
Where are the best October festivals USA?
Some of the famous October world events in the USA are the following:
* The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico
* Austin City Limits, Texas
* Fall for Greenville, South Carolina
* Rise Festival, Nevada
* Halloween, Across the Country
What are the world days in October?
World Days in October include World Mental Health Day, International Day of the Girl Child, and World Food Day.
What do Filipinos celebrate in October?
Filipinos celebrate various festivals in October including MassKara Festival in Bacolod and Lanzones Festival in Camiguin.
In Summary – The Best Celebrations in October Around the World
You can find many October celebrations around the world which are held every year. You will be spoilt for choice if you choose to celebrate at one of the many festivals of October as there are lots of both smaller and larger festivals out there for you to pick from and enjoy. Find the festival you love in the country you love, and dive on in to the celebrations.
What is your favourite October festival around the world and why? Have you been to any of our list of the best festivals in October 2024 / 2025 around the world listed above? Have we missed any famous events during October around the world you think we should add? Leave your tips, comments and questions through Messenger on our Facebook page.
Choosing Your Next Travel Destination: Related Blog Posts
Want more info to help you decide on your next travel destination? Check out all the articles we’ve written about the ‘Best of World Travel’ in all parts of the world and continue planning for your next vacation.
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