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.
Alpine cattle drive 2025 by region
Almabtrieb Wildschönau 2025
20 September 2025, from 10:00 a.m., Auffach, Car park at Schatzbergbahn
Almabtrieb Kitzbühel 2025
20 September 2025, Brixen im Thale, Kirchberg & Westendorf
Almabtrieb Lermoos 2025
According to tradition, the almabtrieb in Lermoos is always held in September. Unfortunately, the exact date is not yet known.
Almabtrieb Simonswald 2025
The Almabtrieb in Simonswald is often held in September. The exact date is unfortunately not yet known.
view product »
Small wooden jewellery box, Bauernmalerei, Austrian painting, green
Hand-painted wooden jewellery box, Alpine style.
Dimensions: 90 x 59 x 57 mm.
