Top European Cultural Festivals for a Memorable Europe Trip in 2022

European cultural Festivals You Can’t Miss In 2022

When it comes to Europe, attending their cultural festivals can make for one of the most exhilarating highlights of your year. From London’s BST Hyde Park to Spain’s Fira de Barcelona, there is something for everyone to enjoy. However, if you’re not familiar with the dates or locations of these festivals, it can be tough to get your bearings. Here we’ll provide you with the latest information on major upcoming European cultural festivals, so read on and join in the fun!

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Music festivals span a wide range of genres, which makes it easy for you to find something you enjoy | Credit: Pexels via Pixabay

Here are a few major examples of cultural festivals you can choose from:

1. Music festivals

Music festivals are a great way to get your groove on and experience some of the continent’s top talent in action. From electronic music to rock and pop, there’s sure to be a festival that appeals to your tastes.

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The Carnival of Venice is a masquerade of vibrant costumes featuring intricate details and patterns | Credit: ducolimarco85 via Pixabay

Montreux Jazz Festival 2022, Lake Geneva

The world’s second largest jazz festival is a prestigious event bringing you on a journey of emotions.

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Tom Jones performing on the stage at Montreux Jazz Festival | Credit: Montreux Jazz Festival

Where: Switzerland

When: July 1–16, 2022

What to expect: Check out the 2022 lineup here.

What to bring: Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, it does get really bright out there)!

Website: montreuxjazzfestival.com

The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the world’s most famous jazz festivals, and it’s easy to see why. Year after year, the Montreux Jazz Festival attracts some of the world’s biggest names in jazz music. Past performers have included Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Chilly Gonzales and more. The festival is held in Switzerland, and it brings together some of the world’s most renowned jazz musicians. Not only that, the festival is also known for its excellent facilities.

Watch last year’s video to get a feel for the vibes and see if it’s something you want to experience firsthand. The video will give you a sense of the atmosphere and the energy of the festival. Take the time to read some of the reviews to get an in-depth look at the intricacies of certain performances. If you’re a fan of jazz, or even if you’re not, the Montreux Jazz Festival is an amazing event not to be missed!

Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik

Featuring a diverse range of music styles, including alternative, electronic, rock, metal, and more, this festival takes place in Reykjavik, Iceland.

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Expect an immersive, multi-genre music experience at Iceland Airwaves | Credit: icelandairwaves

Where: Iceland

When: November 3–5, 2022

What to expect: A massive lineup of music and incredible stage performances.

What to bring: Some snacks and drinks. The festival is long, and sometimes it can be difficult to find food or drink when you need it.

Website: https://icelandairwaves.is/

Iceland Airwaves is a three-day music festival that takes place in Reykjavik. It features a diverse lineup of international and Icelandic artists, as well as up-and-coming talent. If you’re a music lover looking for an exciting event to attend this fall, the Iceland Airwaves Festival is considered one of the most important events in Icelandic music and definitely worth considering! Check out this year’s lineup. Not only will you be able to enjoy some great music, but you’ll also find plenty to do in the city of Reykjavik while you’re there. So if you’re planning on heading to Iceland at the time, put the Iceland Airwaves Festival on your bucket list.

2. Arts festivals

Beyond the usual notion of paintings, the arts encompass many fields, including entertainment and design—and Europe is a hotbed for these avant-garde thinkers.

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Paintings and history are just a small part of what premier European museums have to offer | Credit: StockSnap via Pixabay

Galway International Arts Festival, Ireland

Experience the vibrant culture of Ireland firsthand, and meet representatives from various arts disciplines.

 

Where: Ireland

When: July 11–24, 2022

What to expect: A creative collision of artists and performers, with a focus on contemporary theatre, visual art, and street spectacles.

What to bring: A picnic lunch is a good idea if you’ll be at one of the outdoor venues.

Website: www.giaf.ie

As one of the world’s most prestigious arts festivals, the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of performing arts or just want to immerse in some amazing cultural events. It’s also a great opportunity to see the latest in the Irish and international arts scene. Check out this year’s video teaser for a glimpse of the amazing performances that will be on display. From theatre and dance to comedy and new opera, there’s something for everyone at the Galway International Arts Festival.

Berlin Design Week, Germany

Berlin Design Week brings together some of the world’s most renowned designers and thinkers in a festival of sharing and collaboration.

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Credit: Berlin Design Week

Where: Germany

When: May 12–22, 2022

What to expect: Some of the best design talents in the world, and innovative eye-opening ideas!

What to bring: Comfortable shoes—the city’s cobblestone streets can be rough on unseasoned feet walking all day long.

Website: berlindesignweek.com/en/

Considered one of the world’s premier design events, Berlin Design Week is an 11-day event that serves as a platform for designers, businesses, and investors to connect and exchange ideas. The event offers a range of activities, such as exhibitions, masterclasses and business meetings. It is considered one of the most important design events in the world, and it attracts some of the world’s top designers and thinkers. Berlin Design Week is a great opportunity to explore the city and meet some of the local designers. It’s also a great place to learn more about the latest trends in design and find out about new opportunities and collaborations.

3. Food festivals

Food festivals offer a unique opportunity to sample a variety of different cuisines from all over Europe. Not only will you be able to taste new and interesting dishes, but you’ll also be able to meet the people behind the food. This is a great way to get to know the city you’re visiting, and it’s also an easy way to meet and bond with new friends.

Abergavenny Food Festival, Wales

“Abergavenny is to food as Cannes is to film”, as reported by the Guardian, providing a gastronomic experience for foodies of all levels of interest and expertise.

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The Abergavenny Food Festival promotes the town as a foodie destination and celebrates its rich culinary heritage | Credit : Abergavenny Food Festival 

Where: Wales

When: September 17–18, 2022

What to expect: Food tastings and cooking demonstrations from some of Wales’ finest establishments and chefs.

What to bring: A blanket, a comfortable chair to sit on, and cash of course!

Website: abergavennyfoodfestival.com

As the gentle season of autumn falls, the Abergavenny Food Festival returns to the town of Abergavenny, Wales. It features a range of food-related events, from cooking demonstrations to poetry readings and more. The festival aims to promote Welsh cuisine and traditions, and to celebrate the connections between food, culture and heritage. As such, everything is open to the public. Local business owners take the opportunity to learn about new trends and culinary advances, while festival-goers also enjoy live music, markets and artisanal stalls on the side. To make it worth the trip, there’s also more happening at Abergavenny throughout the year.

So if you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s always best to make the most of it. That’s just a short rundown of some of the best European cultural festivals that offer a wide range of activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a music lover, arts enthusiast, foodie, or even if you’re just looking for a easy-going holiday, these events will make your trip that much more memorable. If you would like to discover more about European cultural festivals, reach out to us! We would be happy to help you plan your perfect festival experience!

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