9 Unmissable Events in Europe in 2016

Recently updated on January 21st, 2020 at 07:25 pm

With such richness in history, culture and the arts, Europe offers an endless source of inspiration for travellers. But when this historic and cultural background is combined with a flurry of acclaimed international festivals and events, these destinations become truly unmissable. Here’s our pick of the most exciting events in Europe in 2016.

Oktoberfest, Germany

Raise a glass along with the 5.9 million guests that this world-famous event attracts each year. With beer being the focus, as much as 7.7 million litres (almost 1.7 million gallons) are consumed over the festival period. But this isn’t all; the festival’s setting in the Bavarian capital of Munich, offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in traditional local culture. Catch the annual costumed parade and Bavarian brass bands, while making the most of the rides and performances on offer.

Oktoberfest takes place from 17^th September to 2^nd October 2016. Be a part of the celebration by joining Best of Germany and Austria from 18^th September, or Best of Germany from 26^th September.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scotland

Edinburgh’s World Heritage castle is the dramatic backdrop for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual showcase of military bands from around the world. Approximately 220,000 spectators gather in the castle grounds each year to see performances by military from over 48 nations. The 2016 event is set to be the biggest yet as it pays tribute to HM The Queens’s 90^th birthday. Soak up the sounds of bagpipes and drums in this unforgettably atmospheric setting.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will take place from the 5th to 27th August 2016. See it for yourself on the Best of Britain trip from the 4^th or 15^th August, Best of Ireland and Scotland from 30^th July, Real Britain from 5^th August, Amazing Britain from 13^th or 20^th August, or Britain And Ireland Panorama from 16^th or 20^th August.

Flower Carpet, Belgium

Stop and smell the flowers – over 600,000 of them – at UNESCO World Heritage Grand Place in the heart of Brussels. Once every two years, a 252-foot Flower Carpet is created out of begonias, with a different musical composition for each edition, and as the sun goes down each day, a concert and light show begin. While celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2016, the event will take on the theme of Japan to mark 150 years of cross-country relations.

The Flower Carpet can be seen from the 12^th to 15th August 2016. Visit Brussels at this time on the European Marvel trip from 13^th August.

Game of Thrones, Ireland

Any fan of Game of Thrones will agree, the new season premier of the show in April 2016 is an event in itself. Celebrate the occasion by visiting the set of Winterfell in Northern Ireland. At Old Castle Ward, follow in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones cast within its medieval castle walls and wild surroundings. Look the part in character costume then try your hand at archery in the same spot Jon Snow and Robb Stark taught young Bran.

Step into the world of Winterfell on the Celtic Filmscapes trip from 15^th September 2016.

Outlander, Scotland

The TV adaptation of novelist Diana Gabaldon’s time-travelling saga, Outlander, is making waves in 2016, too. Go on a journey through the same breathtaking landscape and historic sites that this series was filmed in by travelling to Fife, the village of Falkland and Doune Castle, among many more locations countrywide, to see where the much-loved story unfolds.

Travel through the Outlander landscape on the Highland Trail Inspired by Outlander trip from 23^rd May and 25^th July.

St Petersburg White Nights Festival, Russia

This annual arts festival in St Petersburg is one of the most popular events in Europe, and spans the season of the midnight sun, encompassing street carnivals, and classical ballet performances, opera, dance and theatre by both Russian and international artists. The most anticipated event each year is the appearance of Scarlet Sails, a fleet of red-sailed tall ships with a fireworks display, which takes inspiration from the Russian children’s tale Scarlet Sails by Alexander Grin.

The St Petersburg White Nights Festival lights up the city from 27th May to 2^nd August 2016. Coincide your visit by joining the Capitals of the North trip from 22^nd May, or Wonders of St Petersburg and Moscow from 26^th June.

Chelsea Flower Show, England

Over five days each May, the Royal Horticultural Society hold what is perhaps the world’s most famous gardening event, the Chelsea Flower Show. Attended by around 150,000 people each year, the West London flower show features the latest in gardening trends through its spectacular displays. Wander between contemporary garden designs and marquees filled with flourishing blooms.

The Chelsea Flower Show will run from 24^th to 28^th May 2016. Join the English Country Gardens trip on 25^th May to be a part of it.

D-Day Normandy, France

Find out about the historical significance of D-Day by visiting the beaches that the British, American and Canadian troops landed on in June 1944, and where a number of memorials now stand. While hearing accounts of what happened in the very setting they are in, visitors can pay tribute to the soldiers who fought there.

Travel to these sites on the WWI and WWII Battlefields trip from 15^th April 2016.

Festival de Cannes, France

The prestigious Cannes Film Festival is as well known worldwide for its glamour and celebrity appearances as it is for showcasing new films and documentaries from across the globe. Even without seeing any screenings, being in Cannes at this time is an experience in itself as you soak up the atmosphere and irrepressible excitement.

Festival de Cannes will take place from 11^th to 22^nd May 2016. Join the European Spotlight trip on 9^th May.

Image credits: Cover photo of the Scarlet Sails in St Petersburg © iStock / USO. Oktoberfest in Germany © iStock /  DeluXe-PiX. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo © Flickr / DVIDSHUB. The Flower Carpet in Belgium © Flickr / www.GlynLowe.com. Winterfell in Northern Ireland © www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com. Doune Castle in Scotland © iStock / Martin McCarthy. St Petersburg White Nights Festival © iStock / USO. Chelsea Flower Show © Flickr / Herry Lawford. Arromanches les Bains in Normandy © iStock / StevanZZ. Festival de Cannes © iStock / Peter Burnett.