October is the perfect month to embark on a motorhome adventure! 🍂 The weather is often still mild, especially in Southern Europe, and there are plenty of events you don't want to miss. Whether you enjoy music festivals, culinary delights or cultural events, there is something for every motorhomer. In this blog, you'll discover the best events in October that you can easily visit with your motorhome. Pack your bags and get inspired for an unforgettable autumn trip!

Pumpkin Festival - Ludwigsburg, Germany

Date: Early September - early November 2024

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival is the largest pumpkin festival in the world, attracting visitors from all over Europe. Here you can admire impressive pumpkin sculptures, taste pumpkin dishes and even participate in pumpkin-related contests. The festival takes place in the gardens of the baroque Ludwigsburg palace, which makes it extra special.

Motorhome tip: Bärenwiese is a great place to spend a night with the motorhome while visiting the Pumpkin Festival.

Travel tip: Take a day to not only to visit the festival, but also explore the stunning Ludwigsburg palace, one of the largest baroque castles in Germany.

Chestnut Festival - Soriano nel Cimino, Italy

Date: 5 - 12 October 2024

In the picturesque village of Soriano nel Cimino, north of Rome, the Castagna (Chestnut) Festival is celebrated every year. This traditional event honors the chestnut harvest with parades, medieval games, music and, above all, an abundance of chestnut-based dishes. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture.

Motorhome tip: Agrifattoria Didattica ErìMari is a delightful place to stay in Lazio. Here you can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside while being close to the festival.

Travel tip: The Lazio region, where Soriano is located, is known for its beautiful landscapes. Take a day trip to the nearby lakes of Bolsena or Vico for a relaxing outing. If you have PRO+, you can perfectly combine this outing with the Motorhome Route ‘From Rome to Sicily’. This way, you'll make the the most of your journey to Italy!

Twentse Wijndagen - Ootmarsum, the Netherlands

Date: 5 - 27 October 2024 (every weekend)

The Twentse Wijndagen transform Ootmarsum into a charming wine town every weekend in October. Visitors can purchase a wine route booklet, tasting tokens and a wine glass and enjoy delicious wines from various regions. Besides wine tasting, there will be live music and engaging lectures on wine production and history. This event offers the perfect blend of Twentse charm, culture and flavour.

Motorhome tip: Stay at Camperplaats De Nijenhaer. This camper location is close to the event and provides a peaceful environment with excellent facilities.

Travel tip: Take the opportunity to explore the picturesque surroundings of Ootmarsum. A bike ride through the Twente coulisse landscape is a perfect complement to your visit to the Wine Days.

Film Fest Ghent - Ghent, Belgium

Date: 9 - 20 October 2024

The Film Fest Gent is one of Europe's most prestigious film festivals, known for its strong focus on the relationship between film and music. It features an impressive selection of films from around the world, ranging from international blockbusters to independent art-house films. Besides film screenings, there are concerts, including live film music performances, and master classes from famous directors and composers. This festival attracts both film enthusiasts and professionals, offering a unique cinematic experience in the heart of Ghent.

Camper tip: Stay at Urban Gardens Gent - Camping @ Blaarmeersen, a peaceful site, located a short distance from the centre of Ghent. This site offers all the necessary facilities and is situated in a beautiful natural area.

Travel tip: While attending the festival, take the time to explore more of Ghent. Visit the iconic Saint Bavo's Cathedral, home to the famous painting ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ or stroll through the picturesque Patershol, a medieval neighbourhood full of cozy cafés and restaurants. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts an impressive collection of European paintings, is highly recommended.

Stockholm Jazz Festival - Stockholm, Sweden

Date: 11 - 20 October 2024

The Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden's largest and oldest jazz festivals, offering a fantastic line-up of both national and international jazz artists. The concerts take place at various venues throughout the city, from intimate jazz clubs to larger concert halls. This festival attracts a wide audience and offers a diverse program from traditional jazz to modern fusion, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the city and its rich music scene.

Motorhome tip: Stay at Karalas Tradgard, conveniently located near the city centre. This motorhome site provides a peaceful place to stay, with easy access to the city and the festival via public transport.

Travel tip: Besides the jazz festival, Stockholm is a city full of culture and history. Visit the famous Vasa Museum, home to the impressive 17th-century warship Vasa, or stroll through the narrow streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town. Don't miss a boat tour through the Stockholm archipelago for an unforgettable experience of Sweden's natural beauty.

Fête de la Châtaigne - Collobrières, France

Date: 13, 20 and 27 October 2024

The Fête de la Châtaigne is a famous chestnut festival in the picturesque Provençal village of Collobrières. This charming village comes alive during three Sundays in October, where visitors can enjoy local chestnut products, such as chestnut paste, roasted chestnuts and even chestnut liqueur. The festival also features art markets, live music and traditional dance performances.

Motorhome tip: Stay at Campsite Manjastre, about a 30-minute drive from Collobrières. This peaceful campsite is surrounded by nature and provides an excellent base for exploring the region.

Travel tip: Collobrières is located in the beautiful Massif des Maures nature reserve. Take a hike in the surrounding forests and discover the beauty of autumn in Southern France.

Bergen International Film Festival - Bergen, Norway

Date: 16 October 2024

The Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF) is Norway's largest film festival, showcasing a wide range of international films, documentaries and short films. BIFF is renowned for its focus on social issues and environmental topics, BIFF also offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Bergen.

Motorhome tip: Stay overnight at Bratland Campsite, just outside the city centre. This is an excellent base for exploring the city and attending the film festival.

Travel tip: Besides attending BIFF, a visit to the famous Fløyen mountain is highly recommended. Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Tip: Bergen is known for its frequent rain, so be sure to bring good rain gear when visiting the city. If you have PRO+ you can perfectly combine this trip with the Motorhome Route ‘Norwegian West Coast and the Lofoten’. This route starts in Kristiansand and brings you to Bergen on the 9th day. This is how to get the most out of your trip to Norway!

Whether you love festivals, culinary delights or culture, October is the perfect month to explore Europe. Autumn colours are dazzling, mornings are chilly, but the sun still often shines, making the days ideal for events. With PRO+, you get free access to more than 20,000 km of Motorhome Routes across Europe, allowing you to easily combine these events with a beautiful road trip full of tips and sights. Curious about all the routes? Click here.