What is there to do in the Alps?
From traditional village festivals to major sports events – there’s always something happening in the Alps. Looking for fun things to do during your holiday in the Alps? This event calendar for 2025 highlights both popular and lesser-known events in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France, Italy, and Slovenia. You’ll find seasonal activities for spring, summer, autumn, and even a preview of winter 2026.
Austria
Spring (April - June)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31 - Apr 5 | Electric Mountain Festival | Sölden | Large electronic music festival in the mountains. |
| May | Cattle Drive to Alpine Pastures | Various regions | Traditional event where cows return to the mountains after winter. |
| May 1 | Maypole Festival | Various villages | Traditional maypole raising with music and dance. |
Summer (July - September)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Schuhplattler Festivals | Tyrol & Salzburg | Local dance groups perform traditional Alpine dances. |
Fall (October - December
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | Oktoberfest Kitzbühel | Kitzbühel | A smaller but lively version of the famous Oktoberfest. |
| Sep/Oct | Cattle Descent from Alpine Pastures | Various regions | The festive return of cattle from the alpine meadows. |
Winter (2026)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19-22 | Hahnenkammrennen | Kitzbühel | One of the most famous ski races in the world. |
Switzerland
Summer (July - September)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25-27 | Alphorn Festival | Nendaz | Festival dedicated to the traditional Swiss wind instrument. |
| Aug 14-17 | Verbier E-bike Festival | Verbier | An event for e-bike enthusiasts with tours and test rides. |
| Aug 10. | Zermatt Folklore Festival | Zermatt | A colorful festival with traditional clothing, music, and dance. |
Fall (October - December)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep/Oct | Cattle Descent | Various regions | Traditional ceremony where cows return from the mountain pastures. |
Winter (2026)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16-18 | Lauberhornrennen | Wengen | The oldest and longest downhill race in the Ski World Cup. |
| March 1-8 | Engadin Ski Marathon | St. Moritz | One of the largest cross-country ski marathons in the world. |
Liechtenstein
Fall (October - December)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct-Nov | Triesenberg Weeks | Triesenberg | Cultural festival celebrating Walser traditions and local cuisine. |
France (Alpine Region)
Summer (July - September)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | Fête des Guides | Chamonix | A tribute to mountain guides with parades and music. |
Winter (2026)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 16-18 | La Grande Odyssée | Savoie | One of Europe’s toughest dog sled races. |
Italy (Dolomites & Alpine Region)
Fall (October - December)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 27-28 | Speck Festival | Pustertal | A festival dedicated to the famous South Tyrolean speck. |
| Oct-Nov | Törggelen | South Tyrol | Wine and chestnut festival in farmhouses and inns. |
| Nov 11 | Sagra di San Martino | Various Dolomite villages | Celebration of Saint Martin. |
Slovenia (Julian Alps)
Summer (July - September)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 | Village festival | Rateče | Village festival with traditional costumes, handicrafts and music. |
| Sep 19-21 | Julian Alps Trail Run | Dvorana Vitranc | Running competition through the mountains of Slovenia. |
| September | Bohinj Cow Festival | Bohinj | Celebration of agricultural traditions and the return of cattle. |
Fall (October - December)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25. | Bohinj Cheese and Wine Festival | Bohinj | Festival featuring local cheeses and wine. |
Germany
Spring (April - June)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 25-May 11 | Frühlingsfest | München | Pleasant spring festival with beer tents, fair and live music, often called the 'little Oktoberfest'. |
| May 1 | Maypole Festival | Various villages | Traditional setting up of the maypole with music and dance. |
Summer (July - September)
| Date | Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep-Oct | Oktoberfest München | München | The most famous beer festival in the world. |
| September | Cattle Descent | Berchtesgaden | The festive return of the cattle from the alpine pastures. |
€ 17,95
Small wooden jewellery box, Bauernmalerei, Austrian painting, green
Hand-painted wooden jewellery box, Alpine style.
Dimensions: 90 x 59 x 57 mm.
