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The fest around! Oktoberfest, Calgary Stampede and other top festivals to travel to

Last updated Aug 16, 2024

You could say Edinburgh knows a thing or two about good festivals.

It's that time of year again when the city becomes the venue for some of the best live entertainment around. Whether you're after comedy, spoken word, musical performances, theatre, ventriloquism, acrobatics, or extravagant pub quizzes - you'll find it all, and more, here.

But while the Fringe means Edinburgh transforms into the festival capital of the world in August, a host of other cities have their own moments to take the spotlight throughout the year.

From month-long celebrations of Bavarian Beer to iconic film festivals and a showcase billed as 'the greatest outdoors show on Earth', here are some of the fest experiences you can enjoy with flights from Edinburgh.

  • Oktoberfest, Munich

    The biggest celebration of beer there is - bar none... Say cheers and raise your stein to the best Bavaria's breweries have to offer.

    Enjoy your brew while and lapping up the folk music the festival is famous for in one of Munich's trademark beer tents. Armbrustschützenzelt and Hofbräu-Festzelt are just two of the best.

    Search Munich flights

  • Oktoberfest, Munich. For festivals blog article.

🐎 The Calgary Stampede is billed 'The Greatest Show on Earth' and who are we to argue? Immerse yourself in western culture with chuckwagon races and plenty of country music. Search flights to Calgary, Canada.

🥳 In January and February Venice becomes the setting for the Carnivale di Venezia. This historic celebration, dating back to the 12th century, comes with parades and masked balls, all set against the back drop of the city's stunning landscape. Fly direct to Venice.

🎵 A selection of the world's top DJs land in Belgium for Tomorrowland, one of the largest dance music festivals on the planet, each July. Expect non-stop dance music and an amazing visual spectacle - one to clear the decks for! Fly direct to Brussels.

  • La Tomatina festival, Valencia.

  • La Tomatina, Buñol near Valencia

    Tomato fight, anyone? If you've never heard of this one you'd better ketchup...

    Tens of thousands of people join in the world's biggest food fight each August. Plan your trip and get involved in a tradition dating back almost 80 years.

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🍫 Think Malta for sun, sand sea and, of course, chocolate! The Hamrun Chocolate Festival offers the opportunity to marvel at some striking chocolate sculptures - and eat plenty of sweets! Fly direct to Malta.

📽️ For movie fanatics it doesn't get better than the Cannes Film Festival. Rub shoulders with filmmakers, and grab yourself some popcorn before settling down in front of the screen. For Cannes fly direct to Nice.

🎉 Celebrations don't come much bigger and better than Chinese New Year. Think lion dances, fireworks, amazing food, and festive gatherings to mark the turn of the lunar calendar. A staple of many a bucket list. Fly direct to Beijing.

Or connect to...

Some of the world's most iconic celebrations are just one connection away.

🙌 Rio de Janeiro is home to the world's most celebrated carnival. Make the journey to Brazil for the festival from late February to early March. With colourful costumes, lively samba music, and non-stop dancing, it's unlike anything else you'll see. Connect via Madrid with Iberia.

✈️ Take off to Istanbul, Turkey, and continue your journey to Cappadocia for the awesome hot air balloon festival. Hundreds of balloons fill the sky, creating a magical spectacle in amazing surroundings, and you can be part of it. Connect via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.

😍 Holi is the festival of colours, and it really is a sight to behold. The Hindu celebration marks the arrival of spring and involves participants throwing coloured powders, eating, drinking and dancing. Now that's what you call a celebration. Travel to India, connecting via Helsinki with Finnair.

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