Fete des Vendanges Wine Festival, Montmartre Paris 6 – 10 October 2021
Fete des Vendanges Wine Festival at Montmartre, Paris
6 – 10 October 2021
Basic Information
When: 6 – 10 October 2021
Where: Montmartre, Paris, France
Map: Montmartre in Paris on Google Map
Official website: fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
Hotels in Paris: Overview of all hotels in Paris
Fete des Vendanges de Montmartre
Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre
Millions of visitors flock to the Paris district of Montmartre each year to visit the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, the distinctive white church that sits atop Montmartre Hill.
The hills were also once covered in grapevines, a vibrant neighbourhood still showing vestiges of its artistic heritage.
Paris’s only working vineyard, Clos Montmartre, is found here.
Fete des Vendanges originated just after this winery was established in 1934.
Today, over half a million visitors attend this Harvest Festival.
Fete des Vendanges Program
Five fun-filled, jam-packed days make up the Harvest Festival program.
Each year a godfather and godmother are appointed.
Local eateries offer the godfather and godmother’s favourite dishes on their menus throughout the festival.
You’ll feel transported back in time with the medieval set-up along the streets filled with tents offering food and wine delicacies.
Just stroll the streets drinking in the atmosphere or join in the many culinary demonstrations and workshops available.
Partake in the various walks and talks, or avail yourself of the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of Clos Montmartre winery.
Take your pick of the music and dance concerts on the program.
Gaze in awe at the giant papier-mache puppets, masked harlequins, and traditional costumes.
And don’t miss the festival finale with its grand parade and massive fireworks display.
Cérémony des Non-Demandés en Mariage
If you’re feeling romantic, you might like to declare your love in the Non-Marriage Ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Montmartre.
It was introduced in 2007 and became a popular element of the festival.
Where else can you declare you have the honour of not asking someone for their hand in marriage?
Hotels in Paris
There’s no shortage of hotels to choose from in Paris.
And with the excellent transport links, you can quickly move around in this great city.
Montmartre offers plenty of great options and we’ve listed a few popular choices below covering a range of budgets (from low to high):
Getting there
Paris has an excellent public transport system, and this is the best way to get to Montmartre.
Take subway line 2 or 12 to head up to Montmartre Hill.
Line 2 – exit at Anvers (close to the funicular that will take you to the top of the hill)
Line 2 – exit at Blanche station (close to the Moulin Rouge)
Line 12 – departure at Abbesses station
Alternatively, take bus 30, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, 95, or the Montmartrobus.
Things to do in Paris
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Blanes Fireworks Festival, Spain. July 2022
Blanes Fireworks Festival, Spain
July 2022
Basic Information
Blanes Fireworks Festival, Spain
The internationally recognised fireworks competition – “El Focs de Blanes” or “Concurs Internacional de Focs” – in Blanes on the Costa Brava, Spain.
With its mild climate, long sandy beaches, and beautiful coves, Blanes is ideal for spending a weekend or longer.
More about the firework festival
A competition between some of the world’s most talented pyrotechnic companies.
To compete, the pyrotechnic companies must apply.
If accepted, you’ll find them in Blanes setting up for their show.
The set-up, being an all-day affair, takes way longer than the actual show.
Each show runs for 20 – 24 minutes, and there are two categories for judging – technical and popular.
The focal point for the firework shows is the Rock – Sa Palomera, the rock that marks the end of the coast “Costa Brava” that goes from the French border.
Platja de Blanes is a popular gathering spot to view the spectacle.
Here you’ll find yourself rubbing shoulders with your fellow viewer as the competition attracts lots of visitors.
The fireworks are visible for miles, and one of the best places to view them is from the water.
There are several tourist ferries offering trips, or you can hire your own boat.
This event has a long history dating back as far as the late 19th century.
It’s been running annually for almost 50 years now and considered the biggest firework festival in Spain.
How to get there
You can rent a car or take the train. There is also a bus line operated by Sagales.
It goes from the airport and have some stops in Barcelona and further up the Costa Brava Coast.
To Blanes, the bus takes between one and a half to two hours
Blanes is an hour and a half by train from Barcelona and about an hour by road.
The train operator is Cercanias, a subdivision of RENFE services.
Link to Renfe timetable search from Barcelona:
More about Blanes
Blanes is situated 60 kilometres north of Barcelona.
It’s considered the Gateway to the Costa Brava, which is the coastal region of northeastern Spain stretching to the French border.
Costa Brava has many coastal towns with sandy beaches.
Perfect if you want a quiet and relaxing stay.
Otherwise, it is best in Barcelona nearby.
Want to know more about Blanes and the Costa Brava?
See our Blanes page.
Things to do in Barcelona
More from Barcelona and Spain
Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival, 17 December 2022 – 5 March 2023
Amsterdam Coffee Festival 30 March – 1 April 2023
Keukenhof, Spring and Flower Festival 23 March – 14 May 2023
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 11 March – 3 April 2022
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Bilbao BBK Live – Rock, Pop and Multi Genre Music Festival
7 – 9 July 2022
Basic Information
When: 7 – 9 July 2022
Where: Bilbao, Spain
Map: Bilbao BBK Live on Google Maps
Official website: Bilbao BBK Live
Hotels: Overview of hotels in Bilbao
Bilbao BBK Live festival
This festival features rock and pop music, and the names range from acclaimed to alternative ones.
Situated in the Kobetamendi Mountains, BBK Live is among the festivals placed on unique venues.
The built complex site of the festival is home to three days of excitement and music vibes that annually attracts big names.
Places to stay and hotel tips
The Abando Hotel is located in the centre of Bilbao, hundred meters from the railway station.
It is close to many things to see in Bilbao and vibrant cafes and restaurants.
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Dutch Ice Sculpture Festival, 17 December 2022 – 5 March 2023
Amsterdam Coffee Festival 30 March – 1 April 2023
Keukenhof, Spring and Flower Festival 23 March – 14 May 2023
Munich Strong Beer Festival Starkbierzeit, 11 March – 3 April 2022
Medieval Discovery Fair in Palos de la Frontera, Spain, 12 – 13 March 2022
Pyrotechnic Arts Festival Courchevel, France, 10 February – 3 March 2022
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Beer Passion Weekend Antwerp, Belgium, 1 – 3 July 2022
Beer Passion Weekend Antwerp, Belgium
1 – 3 July 2022
Basic Information
When: 1 – 3 July 2022
Where: Groenplaats in Antwerp, Belgium
Festival Website: bierpassieweekend.be
Hotels: Hotels in Antwerp
Beer producing is serious fun in Belgium. Keep yourself refreshed at this exuberant festival dedicated to an incredible selection (200+) of Belgian beers: fruity, heavy blond, brown, red, abbey and Trappist etc., they got it all in one area in this fashionable and stylish Belgian town. More than two dozen new beers are introduced each year at this Beer Passion Weekend – “Bierpassieweekend”.
Beer Passion Weekend, Antwerp
Food & Drink
You are first obliged to purchase the Biersommelier Pilot glass (20cl) for about 5 euros which comes with the Bierpassie Weekend catalogue.
Next, you buy tokens for 2 euros each — and get tastings by handing in the token.
There’s also a food truck and the ‘Oud Brugge’ cheese stand — 2 tokens for a combo plate at the food truck and three tokens for a portion of the cheese.
Awards for new beer makers, gastronomic achievements, and top beer sommeliers are also honoured throughout the weekend.
Head over to the Beer Sommelier stand, where you can down some of the more unique and eccentric beer styles.
All this imbibing is backed by bands featuring Big Band and Dixie Land-style music.
This historic hotel in the Diamond District is a short stroll from the central rail station and only a 15-minutes walk to Groenplaats.
More of a boutique experience, it features arty decor with a daily breakfast buffet that you can enjoy on its sunny terrace.
Things to do in Antwerp
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Enjoy the famous Venice Carnival, 4 – 21 February 2023
Sitges Carnival, Spain. 16 – 22 February 2023
Wild street parties at Tenerife Carnival, 17 – 26 February 2023
Crossing Border, Den Haag, Netherlands. 1 – 4 November 2023
Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, Netherlands, 23 – 25 June 2023
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Zurich Beer Festival, Switzerland, 30 March – 1 April 2023
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