Must-Experience Events and Festivals in Alsace (2026)

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.

Here is a complete list of the events and festivals in Alsace.
Calendar of Events and Festivals around Alsace
Table of Contents ▌

January

This is a photo of snow in winter in Strasbourg. It's a quiet time of year without a lot going on.
Snow in Strasbourg’s La Petite France

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’ArrivĂ©e des Rois Mages

  • Location: ÉcomusĂ©e d’Alsace (Ungersheim)
  • Dates: TBD for 2027

To celebrate La FĂȘte des Rois or Epiphany, every year the ÉcomusĂ©e 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

This is a heart shaped Pain d'Épices for Strasbourg Mon Amour festival. It's decorated with white and pink frosting and the word Alsace is written in the middle.
Heart-Shaped Pain d’Épices for the Strasbourg Mon Amour Festival

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

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.

International Carnival

SĂ©lestat’s Carnival – The Machores

  • Location: SĂ©lestat
  • Dates: TBD for 2027
  • More Information: Official Website 

March

This is the parade at the carnival in Strasbourg. In the front their are two people on slits with make up and a band is walking behind them.
Carnival in Strasbourg

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.

Helpful Tip: For 2026, the carnival in Mulhouse is in February.

Venetian Carnival

  • Location: Rosheim
  • Dates: TBD for 2027

Strasbourg’s Carnival

  • Location: Strasbourg
  • Dates: 28-29 March 2026

April

This is a cherry blossom tree that I found in Obernai in April. This photo is a close up of all the blossoms in full bloom.
Springtime Cherry Blossoms in Alsace

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.

Turckheim’s Easter Market

  • Location: Turckheim
  • Dates: TBD for 2027

This is a cute little market. There are lots of decorations and vendors selling local crafts.

Obernai’s Easter Market

  • Location: Obernai
  • Dates: TBD for 2027

This is when Obernai comes alive. It’s the end of winter, and the town fills with decorations and flowers.

There are also some 60 craftsmen selling their creations.

FĂȘte le Printemps

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 for one event.

Foire Éco Bio Alsace

  • Location: Parc des Expositions et des CongrĂšs (Colmar)
  • Dates: TBD for 2027
  • 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

This is a photo of one of the concerts at Fête de la Musique in Strasbourg. It's a stage with a woman singing and a man playing the piano. People are standing in front of the stage listening to the music.
Fête de la Musique in Strasbourg

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: 7 June 2026
  • 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: 31 May to 19 July 2026
  • 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 FĂȘte de la Musique

  • Location: Strasbourg
  • Dates: 21 June 2026

La FĂȘte 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

This is a photo of Strasbourg in July. I took it from the Vauban Dam so you can see Ponts Couverts and La Petite France. Then, in the distance, there is the steeple of the Strasbourg Cathedral.
Strasbourg in July

With summer in full swing, you can expect warm weather, busy villages, and lots of festivals.

Colmar International Festival

If you like classical music, then this festival is for you. I 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.

DĂ©cibulles – Rock’n Beer Festival

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 DĂ©cibulles – Rock’n Beer Festival. There’s music, food, and, of course, beer.

Bastille Day (FĂȘte Nationale)

  • Location: Strasbourg
  • Dates: 14 July 2026

Bastille Day (FĂȘte 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: 31 July to 9 August 2026
  • 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

This is a statue of a Fiddle in Ribeauvillé. It's part of the Fiddler's Festival that takes place every September.
Fiddler in Ribeauvillé

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

This unique festival has been a tradition in SĂ©lestat 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

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.

MĂȘtĂȘo Music Festival

  • Location: Mulhouse
  • Dates: 18-22 August 2026
  • 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.

FĂȘte des Vignerons (Winegrowers’ Festival)

  • Location: Eguisheim
  • Dates: TBD for 2026

Eguisheim produces the best wines in the region, and the Winegrowers’ 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.

Festival des Arts de la Rue de Strasbourg (FARSe)

Every year, Strasbourg hosts the Festival des Arts de la Rue de Strasbourg (FARSe) to celebrate anything and everything related to the performing arts.

There are over 70 shows in theater, music, and dance, and it’s all free.

September

This is a photo of grapes in the vineyards near Barr in Alsace, just before the harvest festivals.
Grapes Before the Harvest Festivals

FĂȘte des MĂ©nĂ©triers (Fiddler’s Festival)

  • Location: RibeauvillĂ©
  • Dates: 5-7 September 2026
  • More Information: Official Website

This is the oldest festival on this list. It’s dedicated to the minstrels’ guild, who were saved by the lords of Ribeaupierre in the Middle Ages.

There are performances, music, parades, and traditional food and drinks.

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: 12-13 September 2026
  • 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: 25-26 September 2026
  • 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 2026

The New Wine Celebration marks the arrival of new wines. In Eguisheim’s Place du Chñteau, you’ll find a market selling crafts and food. There are also stands for wine tastings.

October

These are the vineyards near a small town in Alsace called Dambach-la-Ville. I took this in October so the vineyards are bright yellow.
Vineyards Near Dambach-la-Ville in 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.

FĂȘte des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival)

The FĂȘte 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: TBD for 2026

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

This is the entrance to Strasbourg's Christmas Market. It shows an arch decorated with lights and there is a sign that says Strasbourg - Capital of Christmas.
Entrance to Strasbourg’s Christmas Market

The beginning of November is quiet.

Most towns start preparing for Christmas, and decorations start popping up in places like Strasbourg and Colmar.

But a few things are happening.

Jazzdor

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

Helpful Tip: The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is the oldest and largest in France. 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. I’ve written a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.

December

This is a photo from Colmar's Christmas Market. It shows wooden chalets selling crafts and they are covered in Christmas decorations.
Colmar’s Christmas Market

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

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Marché de Noël in Colmar.

Eguisheim’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Christmas market in Eguisheim.

Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Marché de Noël in Kaysersberg.

Mulhouse’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Christmas market in Mulhouse.

Ribeauvillé’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Riquewihr’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Riquewihr Christmas market.

SĂ©lestat’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Marché de Noël in Sélestat.

Turckheim’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Christmas market in Turckheim.

Obernai’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Christmas market in Obernai.

Haguenau’s Christmas Market

The dates and hours for the 2026 Christmas market will be posted here as soon as they are available.

Check out my guide to the Christmas market in Haguenau.

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 FĂȘte des MĂ©nĂ©triers in RibeauvillĂ©, FĂȘte 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?

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Jen Ciesielski
Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. Originally from the United States, she moved abroad in 2012 and has since made France her permanent home. After spending three years in Paris, immersing herself in the culture, language, and history, she relocated to Strasbourg in 2019. Jen has traveled extensively across France, uncovering its hidden gems and unique locales. Her journey culminated in 2024 when she was granted French citizenship, solidifying her expertise and commitment to sharing the beauty and intricacies of living and traveling in France.

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