What's up in Europe for the weekend? Here's a selection of festivals and events beginning on or about Nov. 4, 2016.
Hochheimer MarktLocation: Hochheim, Gemany
Date: Nov. 4-8
This giant volksfest and market in one offers plenty of stalls hawking clothes to cleaning supplies, rides tame and scary, musical performances and tasty treats. The fest tent can accommodate up to 2,500 guests, who will enjoy live bands as they quaff liters of beer. Fireworks close the festivities at 7 p.m. Nov. 8.
Admission: None
Website: http://tinyurl.com/jx8wxam
Nouvelle PragueLocation: Staropramen Brewery, Prague, Czech Republic
Date: Nov. 4-5
Although this showcase festival and conference is at heart a professional event for those in the industry, music lovers too can turn out to enjoy the short gigs performed by seven bands each evening. This year’s crop hails from Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the U.S. and the U.K.
Admission: Two-day passes available on line for 200 Czech Koruna, about $8.
Website: http://nouvelleprague.com
Wow Glacier LoveLocation: Zell am See and Kaprun, Austria
Date: Nov. 4-6
One of Austria’s earliest parties to open the new ski season is held on the slopes of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and around town. International acts and DJs present a line-up heavy on electronic music. On Saturday and Sunday, guests can try out manufacturers' latest models of boards and skis. The Cash4Tricks competition from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 5 gives free-stylers the chance to show off their best tricks.
Admission: Weekend festival passes start at 59 euros ($64) when purchased online.
Website: http://www.wowglacierlove.at
Guy Fawkes NightLocation: throughout the U.K.
Date: Nov. 5
Guy Fawkes Night, also referred to as Bonfire Night, and marks the anniversary of a foiled plot to blow up London's Houses of Parliament in 1605. The evening is celebrated by the lighting of bonfires and displays of fireworks, often in a public park. Check local sources for a celebration near you.
Admission: Yes
Website: http://tinyurl.com/hlbtud2
Regent Street Motor ShowDate: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 5.
Location: Regent Street, London, England
Veteran, vintage, classic and contemporary cars on display trace 125 years of motoring history. The pedestrianized zone running from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus offers all-ages fun. The Steve Colley Stunt Bike display is another crowd-pleaser.
Admission: Free
Website: http://regentstreetmotorshow.com
St. Martin’s Day paradeDate: 5 p.m. Nov. 6
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
German children love marching with their hand-decorated lanterns during this traditional celebration recalling the legend of St. Martin. The Roman army soldier who tore his coat in half to share it with a beggar felt himself unworthy of becoming a bishop, so he hid in a goose pen, where the honking of the birds gave him away. Today goose is the St. Martin’s Day staple dish.
Heidelberg’s annual parade starts from St.-Anna-Gasse and ends at Kornmarkt, where the legend is acted out. Children sing traditional songs and receive a tasty treat in the form of a "Martinsmaennchen." Not in Heidelberg? The tradition plays out in cities and towns throughout Germany in and around its actual date of Nov. 11.
Website: http://www.heidelberg-event.com/events/sonstige-veranstaltungen/
J-DayDate: From 8:59 p.m. Nov. 4
Location: Bars and pubs across Copenhagen and other cities throughout Denmark
Tuborg brews a special beer for Christmas, known as Julebryg; its release on the first Friday in November is cause for merriment. Company employees dressed in blue Santa suits make blitz visits to bars and pubs in which they present beers and trinkets and perform a song and dance. Danish celebrities have also been known to tag along with the “elves.”
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.carlsberggroup.com/brands/Pages/Tuborgjulebryg.aspx#.WA6Wg_l96Uk
Science + FictionDate: Nov. 1-6
Location: Sala Tripcovich, Trieste
In addition to screening sci-fi films from around the world, the festival delves into made-for-television and new media productions, comics, literature and the visual arts. The event opens with the showing of Sir Ridley Scott’s “Morgan.” Scott’s son Luke, who directed the film, will be on hand. The 50th anniversary of Star Trek is celebrated by the screening of the Italian premiere of "For the Love of Spock," directed by Leonard Nimoy’s son Adam.
Admission: Passes begin at 30 euros ($32.60).
Website: http://www.sciencefictionfestival.org
MTV Europe Music AwardsDate: Nov. 6
Location: Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nobody knows what shenanigans the world’s hottest musical stars will be getting up to this time around, but they’re bound to make the airwaves the following day. Those without tickets to the awards ceremony itself might spot a star around town or attend one of several warm-up events. Artists slated to perform include Shawn Mendes, DNCE, Lukas Graham and Zara Larsson. Bebe Rexha hosts the ceremony.
Tickets: No chance. The opportunity to purchase tickets was allocated by public ballot; registration is now closed.
Website: http://uk.mtvema.com/
Crossing BorderDate: Nov. 2-6
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
One of Europe’s most progressive international music and literature festivals features more than 100 artists and musicians, from established names to rising talents, across six venues.
Admission: Day tickets 30 euros ($32.60); festival passes 50 euros
Website: http://crossingborder.nl/en/info/
Fires de San NarcisDate: Oct. 28-Nov. 6
Location: Girona, Spain
One of Catalonia’s largest fiestas honors the city’s patron, Saint Narcissus. The bash’s ultimate weekend offers live music, sporting competitions, theatrical performances, fire runs and fairground attractions.
Admission: Free
Website: http://www2.girona.cat/ca/firesdesantnarcis
ExpovinaDate: Nov. 3-17
Location: Buerkliplatz, Geneva, Switzerland
Europe’s largest public wine fair gives up to 70,000 guests the chance to sample some 4,200 wines aboard 12 ships docked in the lakeside harbor. Restaurants on-board offer cuisines from around the world.
Admission: 25 Swiss Francs ($25.10)
Website: http://www.expovina.ch
