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Back to school is over and you are just back to work. You are already dreaming of a vacation, but why wait until the end of the year? October offers the dawn of the Toussaint holidays, the perfect time to travel! But above all, the month still has a few mild days to offer, regardless of the country visited. There are also plenty of major events, such as the Frankfurt International Book Festival, the Viennale, or the Iceland Airwaves in the Icelandic cold. All great excuses to travel! Without further ado, here is where to go on a trip to Europe in October, depending on the festivals and events that take place there.
In Cork for the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival
Where? Cork, Southern Ireland (map)
When? For the dates, check the official festival website
Since 1978, this meeting has attracted tens of thousands of jazz enthusiasts from all over the world, peaking at 40,000 in recent years. It’s an unmissable date on the Irish music calendar; nearly a thousand artists from around twenty countries perform. The excellent excuse to visit a wild region rich in traditions!
The essentials of Cork. Are you hesitant about visiting this magnificent city? Our selection of things to do there may change your mind.
In Frankfurt for the International Book Festival
Where? Frankfurt, western Germany (map)
When? For the dates of the next festival, go to the official website
The Frankfurt Book Fair (German: Frankfurter Buchmesse, FBM) is the largest book fair in the world, both in terms of the number of publishing houses represented and the number of visitors attending. It is also considered to be the most important book fair in the world for international transactions. The annual five-day event, which takes place in mid-October, takes place at the Frankfurt Trade Fair.
In Vienna for the Viennale
Where? Vienna, capital of Austria (map)
When? For the exact dates, check the official festival website
The Viennale, also known as the Vienna International Film Festival, is the largest international film festival in Austria, attracting around 90,000 visitors. Since it was established in 1960, the Viennale has grown into a successful and internationally-renowned public festival which does not focus on star attendance, red carpet events, or the film market, but above all on films from independent directors, demanding art, meaning, and a will to offer a platform to the protagonists. With around 350 films in the main and secondary programs, the Viennale is one of the most demanding film festivals in Europe today.
In Aberdeen for the Sound Festival
Where? Aberdeen, in the northeast of Scotland (map)
When? For the dates of the next festival, go to the official website
The Sound Festival is an innovative music festival bringing together a wide range of different styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations, and talks.
Five magical places. Looking for inspiration for your next trip to Scotland? Watch our short video .
In Reykjavík for Iceland Airwaves
Where? Reykjavík, capital of Iceland (map)
When? The dates can be found on the official website
Iceland Airwaves is an annual music festival held in Reykjavík at the end of October. It runs for four days, from Wednesday to Saturday, with a main aim of introducing the public to new music, both Icelandic and international. It was first held in 1999, as a unique event in an aircraft hangar at the Reykjavík airport.
There you have it, our little list of destinations for a trip to Europe in October is complete, but it is obviously not exhaustive. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas with us in the comments!
