Spring is arriving south of the equator, and with it beer festivals, vast religious processions and a week of Caribbean sailing. These six events take place in the next two weeks.
1. Fiesta Nacional de la Cerveza (Oktoberfest) — Villa General Belgrano, Córdoba, Argentina
When: October 2–4 and October 9–12, 2026
Argentina’s national beer festival, held in an alpine-style town in the Calamuchita valley. Barrel-tapping, costumed parades and Central European orchestras share the bill with major Argentine rock acts.
Nearest airport: Córdoba Ingeniero Taravella (COR), about 85–90 km away. Connect via Buenos Aires (EZE or AEP).
Getting there: A remis or taxi from the airport takes about two hours. Otherwise head to Córdoba’s bus terminal for Buses Lep or Pájaro Blanco services to the town.
Good to know: Ticketed, with sales linked from the official site. Weekend traffic into town is heavy.
More info: oktoberfestargentina.com.ar
2. Señor de los Milagros — Lima, Peru
When: First procession Saturday, October 3, 2026 (further processions October 18, 19 and 28 and November 1)
Lima’s “purple month” begins with the first outing of one of Latin America’s largest Catholic processions, as purple-robed brotherhoods carry the image through the historic centre from the Las Nazarenas sanctuary at noon.
Nearest airport: Jorge Chávez International (LIM), about 12–15 km from the historic centre.
Getting there: Taxi, 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Stations in the centre close during processions, so plan to walk the last stretch.
Good to know: Free. The sanctuary is open daily through October for those who miss the procession days.
More info: Procession dates and routes (RPP)
3. Oktoberfest Blumenau — Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
When: October 7–25, 2026
The largest German festival in the Americas, held in the Parque Vila Germânica with beer halls, bands, traditional dress and food. Free parades roll down Rua XV de Novembro on October 7, 10, 12 and 14.
Nearest airport: Navegantes (NVT), about 55 km away. Florianópolis (FLN), about 150–160 km, has more flights.
Getting there: From Navegantes, an executive bus runs to central Blumenau in about 1.5 hours; rideshare takes just under an hour. From Florianópolis, the Catarinense bus takes about 3 hours 20.
Good to know: Tickets are sold on the official site; opening day and some weekdays are free, and traditional dress earns a discount.
More info: oktoberfestblumenau.com.br
4. Fiestas Octubrinas (Independence of Guayaquil) — Guayaquil, Ecuador
When: Main day Friday, October 9, 2026, with events all month
Guayaquil marks 206 years of independence with a dawn ceremony, a student parade, a float parade from Parque Centenario to the Malecón and a free evening concert. Las Peñas Fest follows on October 9–10.
Nearest airport: José Joaquín de Olmedo International (GYE), about 5 km from the Malecón.
Getting there: Taxi, about 15–20 minutes.
Good to know: The main events are free. Expect downtown street closures on October 9.
More info: guayaquil.gob.ec
5. Círio de Nazaré — Belém, Pará, Brazil
When: Main procession Sunday, October 11, 2026; river procession and Trasladação on Saturday, October 10
One of the largest Catholic processions on earth, with around two million people following the image from the Cathedral to the Basílica de Nazaré. The river procession the day before and the Amazonian food traditions around it make it a major cultural event too.
Nearest airport: Belém Val-de-Cans International (BEL), about 10–12 km from the Basílica and Cathedral.
Getting there: Taxi or rideshare, about 25–40 minutes. Streets on the route close, so plan to walk on October 10–11.
Good to know: Free, with no tickets. Hotels sell out well ahead.
More info: ciriodenazare.com.br
6. Bonaire International Sailing Regatta — Kralendijk, Bonaire
When: October 11–16, 2026
A week of sailing races off the Kralendijk waterfront, with a food village on the boulevard and music every night. It is the island’s biggest annual party, and a relaxed one.
Nearest airport: Flamingo International (BON), about 3 km from downtown Kralendijk. Curaçao (CUR) offers short inter-island hops.
Getting there: A short taxi ride.
Good to know: Watching the races and visiting the festival village are free.
More info: bonaire.com regatta page
Dates and details were checked on October 2, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the festival before you list for a flight.
