Alsace is a picturesque region in eastern France. It’s known for its beautiful vineyards, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage.
But there’s more to Alsace than just pretty landscapes and wine. It’s also home to some of the best festivals in Europe that celebrate local traditions, food, music, and art.
I moved to the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, in 2019 and since then, I’ve had the chance to experience many of these festivals firsthand.
In this guide, I’ve put together a complete list of the events and festivals in Alsace. It’s organized by month and includes the location, date, and event/festival website.
Helpful Tip: If the event has passed or the dates have not been announced, I put TBD and will update it when more information is available.
January
January is one of the quietest months in the region. The Christmas markets have finished, and everyone is preparing for the new year.
But there is one event that’s worth checking out.
L’Arrivée des Rois Mages
- Location: Écomusée d’Alsace (Ungersheim)
- Dates: 5 January 2025
- More Information: Official Website
To celebrate La Fête des Rois or Epiphany, every year the Écomusée d’Alsace puts together an event that includes a procession of the three wise men.
It’s usually the weekend before the actual date.
February
February is one of the least visited months in the region. Those who come mostly head to the slopes for skiing.
Luckily for city dwellers and non-winter people like myself, there is one event worth attending.
Strasbourg Mon Amour
- Location: Strasbourg
- Dates: 14-17 February 2025
- More Information: Official Website
Strasbourg’s version of Valentine’s Day includes romantic events such as a love run, romantic concerts, and themed tours. It’s perfect for couples looking to add some romance to their trip.
March
March can be either quiet or full of events. If Mardi Gras falls in March, you can expect parades, customs, and performances.
My favorite is the one in Mulhouse, but there are a few others, and I’ve included those below.
International Carnival
- Location: Mulhouse
- Dates: 5-9 March 2025
- More Information: Official Website
Sélestat’s Carnival – The Machores
- Location: Sélestat
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
Venetian Carnival
- Location: Rosheim
- Dates: TBD for 2025
April
April is my favorite time of year in Alsace. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and the weather starts to warm up.
It’s also a time for spring festivals and Easter celebrations.
Fête le Printemps
- Location: Colmar
- Dates: 4 to 27 April 2025
- More Information: Official Website
This is easily the biggest event in the region. It’s like the Christmas market but with Easter/Spring decorations.
I love checking out the festive market stalls and shopping for local crafts.
May
May is another quiet month. There are a lot of public holidays so you won’t find much going on, except one event.
Foire Éco Bio Alsace
- Location: Parc des Expositions et des Congrès (Colmar)
- Dates: 29 May to 1 June 2025
- More Information: Official Website
The Foire Éco Bio Alsace is a giant market dedicated to anything and everything sustainable.
You’ll find all kinds of vendors including food, beauty, home goods, and more.
It’s a great place to learn about eco-friendly options and support local businesses.
June
June is when the summer festivities begin in Alsace. From street festivals to outdoor concerts, there’s something for everyone.
Slow Up Alsace
- Location: From Dambach-la-Ville to Bergheim
- Dates: 1 June 2025
- More Information: Official Website
This popular event is one of the best ways to explore the Alsace Wine Route. While you can walk, I’ve found it best to ride a bike.
There are stops along the way with activities, food, and more. It’s about 38 kilometers (23 miles), if you do the entire route, otherwise there are shorter variations.
La Tournée des Terroirs
- Location: Multiple cities
- Dates: Every weekend in June and July (TBD for 2025)
- More Information: Official Website
Every weekend in June and July, local wineries come out to showcase their wines.
The festival moves from city to city so it’s never the same.
It’s a great way to taste different wines from the region while also exploring new towns.
La Fête de la Musique
- Location: Strasbourg
- Dates: 21 June 2025
- Official program is TBD for 2025
La Fête de la Musique (Music Day) is a free music festival that takes place all over France on the first day of summer.
In Strasbourg, you’ll find concerts and performances in every corner of the city. It’s a great way to experience local music and culture.
I go every year and always have a blast.
July
With summer in full swing, you can expect warm weather, busy villages, and lots of festivals.
Colmar International Festival
- Location: Colmar
- Dates: TBD for 2025 (Early to Mid-July)
- More Information: Official Website
If you like classical music, then this festival is for you. I, actually, minored in music so it’s a dream come true for me.
It’s held in the beautiful city of Colmar and features some of the best classical musicians from around the world.
I recommend getting tickets in advance as it tends to sell out quickly.
Décibulles – Rock’n Beer Festival
- Location: Villé
- Dates: 11-13 July 2025
- More Information: Official Website
While most people come to Alsace for the wine, it’s also known for its beer.
And there’s no better place to try Alsatian beer than at the Décibulles – Rock’n Beer Festival. There’s music, food, and, of course, beer.
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale)
- Location: Strasbourg
- Dates: 14 July 2025
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) is a national holiday, so you’ll find celebrations in most major French cities.
In Strasbourg, there is a fireworks show, music, and a few other events around town.
My favorite place to watch the fireworks is Parc de l’Étoile. It’s never overcrowded, and I always find a place to sit.
Foire aux Vins de Colmar
- Location: Colmar
- Dates: TBD for 2025 (usually end of July and beginning of August)
- More Information: Official Website
This wine fair, also known as the Alsace Wine Fair, is one of the biggest events in the region.
It takes place in Colmar and showcases over 350 local winemakers and their wines. I go every year and usually get a few different wines.
August
August is a busy month. There are crowds just about everywhere. It’s also when some of the most popular wine festivals start.
Since I live in Strasbourg, where the heat is stifling in August, I always look forward to these outdoor activities.
Flower Festival
- Location: Sélestat
- Dates: TBD for 2025 (usually mid-August)
- More Information: Official Website
This unique festival has been a tradition in Sélestat since 1920.
It originally included a small procession to promote the development of small gardens. But over time it has grown into a spectacular parade.
The star of the show is the dahlia flower, which is used to decorate the floats.
Wine Festival
- Location: Obernai
- Dates: TBD for 2025 (usually mid-August)
- More Information: Official Website
Obernai’s Wine Festival is hosted by the Obernai Wine Growers Corporation. It’s a great chance to try different wines in a less crowded setting.
Mêtêo Music Festival
- Location: Mulhouse
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
This is one of the largest international music festivals in the region. There are concerts and workshops every day and it’s quite a selection.
Most of the daytime events are free, but there’s usually a fee for evening concerts.
Wine Growers’ Festival
- Location: Eguisheim
- Dates: TBD for 2025
Eguisheim produces the best wines in the region, and the Wine Growers’ Festival is the first of many events.
There’s wine, food, crafts, and festivities.
If you plan on visiting, book your accommodation in advance. It’s a popular activity.
Fête des Ménétriers (Fiddler’s Festival)
- Location: Ribeauvillé
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
This is the oldest festival on this list. It’s dedicated to the minstrel’s guild who were saved by the lords of Ribeaupierre in the Middle Ages.
There are performances, music, parades, and traditional food and drinks.
September
September is another favorite of mine. The weather is cooler, and the crowds have thinned. The vineyards are also ripe for picking, so it’s a month of wine festivals.
Riesling Festival
- Location: Riquewihr
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
Riesling is one of my favorite wines in Alsace, so this festival is a must-visit for me.
This festival showcases the best Riesling wines from different producers in the region. There are also food pairings and live music.
Strasbourg Craft Beer Festival
- Location: Salle Marcel Marceau (Strasbourg)
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
This is one of Strasbourg’s new festivals. It showcases local, national, and international craft breweries. There’s also food and music.
I, personally, love the local craft beer from Alsace. It’s one of the few places where you can sample a variety of local brews.
New Wine Celebration
- Location: Eguisheim
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
The New Wine Celebration marks the arrival of new wines. In Eguisheim’s Place du Château, you’ll find a market selling crafts and food. There are also stands for wine tastings.
October
Much like September, October is dedicated to wine festivals. But what makes this month special are the fall colors.
I love visiting the vineyards and going on tastings. It’s the perfect time of year.
Fête des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival)
- Location: Barr
- Dates: TBD for 2025
- More Information: Official Website
The Fête des Vendanges or Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the harvest. There’s food, wine, and a parade.
Since Barr is often overlooked, you will see mostly locals here. It’s a great place to experience authentic Alsatian culture.
Grape Festival
- Location: Molsheim
- Dates: 12 October 2024
- More Information: Official Website
The Grape Festival in Molsheim differs from the other festivals on this list.
It celebrates the harvest, and locals elect the “Queen of Grapes.” Afterward, there’s a ball with food and drinks.
November
The beginning of November is quiet.
Most towns start preparing for Christmas and decorations start popping up in places like Strasbourg and Colmar.
But there are a few things happening.
Jazzdor
- Location: Strasbourg
- Dates: 8-22 November 2024
- More Information: Official Website
Jazzdor is a jazz festival that takes place in different venues around Strasbourg. It’s the only non-Christmas festival until the new year.
And it’s one of my favorites. I did, after all, play the saxophone when I was younger.
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market
Dates: 27th of November to 27th of December 2024
Hours:
- Everyday: 11:30 am to 9:00 pm
- 27th of November: 2 pm to 9 pm
- 24th and 25th of December: 11:30 am to 6 pm
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is the oldest and largest in Europe. It began in 1570 and has continued to this day.
It has over 300 chalets selling traditional Alsatian products, handmade crafts, mulled wine, and more.
Since I moved to Strasbourg in 2019, I’ve visited every year. The atmosphere is magical and it’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
December
By December, Christmas markets take over most towns in Alsace. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons to visit the region.
Below I’ve put together a list of the most enchanting ones.
Helpful Tip: I usually avoid Strasbourg’s Christmas Market the first weekend it opens. I prefer to go at the beginning of December.
Colmar’s Christmas Market
Dates: From 26th of November to 29th of December 2024
Times:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 7 pm
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
- 24 December: 10 am to 5 pm
- 25 December: 11 am to 7 pm
- 26 December: 11 am to 7 pm
Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market
Dates: Every weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) from the 29th of November to 22nd of December.
Ribeauvillé’s Christmas Market
Dates:
- 7th and 8th of December
- 14th and 15th of December
Riquewihr’s Christmas Market
Dates: 29th of November to 22nd of December
Eguisheim’s Christmas Market
Dates:
- 29th of November to 23rd of December
- 27th of December to 30th of December
Mulhouse’s Christmas Market
Dates:
- 22nd of November to 24th of December
- 26th of December and 27th of December
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 7 pm
- Friday: 11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
Turckheim’s Christmas Market
Dates: 24th of November to 30th of December (closed the 25th of December)
Hours:
- From the 24th of November to the 21st of December
- Monday to Thursday: 2 pm to 7 pm
- Friday – Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
- 22nd to 29th of December: 10 am to 7 pm (every day)
- 24th of December: 10 am to 6 pm
- 30th of December: 10 am to 6 pm
Conclusion
One of the best ways to experience Alsace is to go to a festival. From music festivals to Christmas markets, each one celebrates its rich culture and traditions.
And there’s so much variety, you’re sure to find one that fits your interests.
My favorites are Fête des Ménétriers in Ribeauvillé, Fête de la Musique in Strasbourg, the Christmas markets, and the New Wine Celebration in Eguisheim.
So why not plan a trip to Alsace and experience one of these amazing festivals for yourself?
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- Alsace without a Car: Top 19 Things to Do (from a Local)
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- 35 Incredible Pictures of Alsace to Inspire Your Trip