With the onset of October, northern Europe can start feeling decidedly nippy, particularly mornings and evenings. As Scandinavia and the Benelux start to chill, much of Spain, Italy and Greece breathe a sigh of relief as scorching temperatures fade away. Those wishing the summer sun and festival feeling would linger just that little bit longer might want to treat themselves to one of the following farewell-to-summer festivities:

Barcolana 55: Each October, the city of Trieste in northeast Italy annually hosts one of the world’s largest boat races. The Barcolana, billed as the world’s largest regatta, offers real seamen and wannabes alike not only an event par excellence, but the chance to feel part of the scene.

The event begins with the construction of the Barcalona village, an area for mingling and exchanging stories about one’s latest exploits on water, checking out various exhibitions and indulging in food and entertainment. The main regatta, also called the Coppa d’Autunno, is always held on the second Sunday in October; this year, it will be held Oct. 8. Thousands of spectators will line the shores between the Barcola Marina and Miramare Castle to take in the breathtaking spectacle of more than 2,500 boats sailing across pristine blue waters. The race begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends when the first vessel has completed the approximately 15-mile course, which ends at in the stretch of sea in front of Piazza Unità of Italy. Prime viewing spots as recommended by Discover Trieste include the Napoleonica, a scenic track between the Opicina Obelisk and the Prosecco rock-climbing area, the Vittoria lighthouse or the Santa Croce observation post. Online: barcolana.it/en

Ottobrata Zafferanese: The town of Zafferana Etnea, located some 20 miles north of Catania in Sicily, celebrates a month of Sundays throughout October. Billed as one of the most important culinary events in southern Italy, this festival promises visitors a taste of the best Sicily has to offer. The festival’s 43rd edition remains true to tradition while forging new ways. An area dedicated to local crops such as honey, mushrooms, chestnuts, apples, grapes and nuts is complemented by a zone in which everything served is gluten-free. A variety of products bearing the DOC and DOP designations, a testament of a product’s regional origin, high quality and traditional production method, are available to taste and purchase. In respect of environmental sustainability, all the zones serving food use 100% biodegradable disposable tableware.

The feasting is made all for the better by a vast program of entertainment suitable for all the family. Along with tastings and cooking shows, visitors can expect singers, dancers and other entertainers. The event unfolds around Piazza della Regione Siciliana, Via Roma, and Piazza Umberto. Guests who drive can take a shuttle from one of the five large car parks surrounding the town. Entry is free to all days of the event, which takes place Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Online: ottobratazafferanese.it

Good Food Festival: Dubrovnik is the place to be for foodies to be from Oct. 9-22, as the tenth edition of the Good Food Festival unfolds. Organized by the city’s tourist board, the event shines a spotlight on the diverse range of food and wine that’s available in the city throughout the year. In 2023, desserts move from their place at the end of a meal to a much more prominent position.

Workshops, tastings of both food and wines, dinners moderated by star chefs, special menus served in the city’s restaurants, the presentation of culinary literature, dancing, live music and more are all part the daily program of events offered throughout the duration of the festival. Program highlights include a traditional Dubrovnik meal accompanied by the sounds of the Folkloric Ensemble Lindo on Oct. 15 and a Neapolitan Evening accompanied by the music typical to the city on Oct. 20. On Saturday, Oct. 21, Dubrovnik residents and visitors alike will rub elbows as they all sit at a long table laid out along the length of the Stradun pedestrian street. A food, drink and arts and crafts fair runs simultaneously at the Lujo Soletic Park in Gruz. Online: tinyurl.com/5fs4setj (pdf.)

Mlada Portugalka Wine Festival: On the third Saturday of October each year, a town in the southeast of Slovenia celebrates the bounty of a type of grape referred to locally as the Portugalka. The red wine that is made from this sort is considered fresh, fruity and with a soft, full taste. As an early grape sort, it is traditionally harvested soon after Sept. 15, and by the third day following harvest, the must is already suitable for drinking. Wine connoisseurs consistently rank it among the best new of the red wines.

On Oct. 21, events will most likely unfold in their traditional order. Following the tapping of a barrel of the vintage by a renowned oenologist, official figures and the public at large are able to judge for themselves the quality of this year’s crop in a relaxed yet festive atmosphere. Online: metlika.si