Germany

In October 1813 at Leipzig, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte battled the combined forces of Britain, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Prussia, Russia and Austria in an attempt to re-establish a hold in Germany. The result was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in European history, one in which Napoleon suffered a decisive defeat.

Friday through the weekend, Leipzig re-creates those violent days during the 198th anniversary of the event in the agra-Park Leipzig/Markkleeberg. Historical bivouacs will be set up at the Dölitz und Markkleeberg gatehouses and authentic battle re-enactments at the Mönchereiplatz will start at 2 p.m.

Tickets cost 5 euros for adults, free for children up to 3 years. The festival website is 1813voelkerschlacht.eu (in German). Leipzig’s website is leipzig.de/int/en.

France

France and England have joined to celebrate a shared interest: beer!

Through Oct. 24, Strasbourg’s annual Mondial de la Biere festival takes place at the city’s Wacken fairgrounds. Modeled on successful Montreal festivals that promote microbreweries in Canada, France’s “capital of beer” is highlighting French beers, with guest beers from England, the U.S. and Canada.

The festival will include contests, beer-and-cheese pairing workshops, the art of beer serving and tasting classes, brewing demonstrations and a beer-and-cooking class.