The World’s Best Street Parties in 2026

Who doesn’t love a street party? Free, community-powered, and steeped in tradition, these moments are some of the most memorable going. It’s like going to a free music festival. There’s no better place to unleash your Soundboks 4, either.

Every year, iconic outdoor parties take over cities for days or weeks at a time, transforming ordinary urban landscapes into full blown party chaos. Floats, costumes, music, and performance–you name it, they have it.

In this guide, we highlight the best street parties 2026 has to offer. From local gems to international heavyweights, this list has all the top destinations. So if you’re working out where to party in 2026, you’re in the right place. Who knows–you might just find your next holiday inspo.

Karneval – Cologne – February 12-17

Known as the fifth season of the year, Cologne’s Karneval is a folk festival celebrating local traditions. The season officially kicks off at 11:11am on 11/11, with the main street parties going down for a week in February. Puppets, parades, costumes, and more fill the city’s streets. Don’t wear your best tie, either–it’s tradition for ‘crazy women’ to cut them right from your collar.

Pro move: learn the phrase "Kölle Alaaf!" (Cologne above all!)–you'll be shouting it constantly.

Carnaval - Rio de Janeiro – February 13-21

Few street parties come close to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnaval. People prepare all year and neighborhood pride fuels the world's biggest festival. Over 600 unique street parties called ‘blocos’ sweep through the city. Samba dancers, floats, feathers, and drums flood the sidewalks of practically every neighbourhood. What’s cool is that both locals and tourists come together to celebrate. The main event takes place in the Sambadrome: a purpose-built parade stadium that seats roughly 90,000 people.

Pro move: download "Blocos do Rio" app for real-time updates on which blocos are going wild.

Mardi Gras - New Orleans – February 17

New Orleans has celebrated Mardi Gras since the 1700s. This began after the French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville and his people first settled. Today, Mardi Gras krewes–social organizations that host stages and parades during the festivities–sing and dance through the city’s French Quarter. Floats throw purple, green, and gold-colored beads into the crowds, creating a tradition unique to the festival.

Pro move: King Cake is mandatory, so head to Haydel's or Dong Phuong to find the best in city.

St Patrick’s Day – Chicago – March 17

Dyeing the Chicago River green? Legendary late night street parties? Roughly one million people in attendance? That’s Chicago’s St Patrick’s Day for you. The Windy City’s celebrations are arguably the biggest and best in America. During the day, expect family-friendly parades. At night, attendees take over Chicago’s best Irish bars and party deep into the morning.

Pro move: river dyeing happens at 9am so get there by 7:30am for a good spot.

Read more about St Patrick’s Day here.

King’s Day – Amsterdam – April 27

If orange isn’t your color, then Amsterdam’s King’s Day is not the street party for you. Every year, everyone across the country dresses up in the national color for a day of pure vibes. This national holiday celebrates the birthday of King Willem-Alexander in truly wild fashion. Thousands of boats transform Amsterdam's canals into floating dance floors. At the same time, the vrijmarkt tradition turns the streets into one giant flea market.

Pro move: bring cash as most of the vrijmarkt vendors don't take cards.

Walpurgis Night & May Day – Berlin – April 31-May 1

Every year on May 1st, Kreuzberg plays host to countless May Day street parties and demonstrations. This isn’t just for the cool techno kids, either. Falling on Labor Day every year, this national holiday celebrates culture and community. The night before is Walpurgis Night. Here, locals ward off evil spirits by lighting bonfires, singing, and dancing. In 2025, we teamed up with Bipolar Berlin, BLVCKBVLB, and SYN to throw some street parties of our own. Great memories.

Pro move: the best views are anywhere along Mehringdamm or Gneisenaustraße.

Read more about Walpurgis Night & May Day here.

Distortion – Copenhagen – June 4

We might be a tiny bit biased when we say Copenhagen’s Distortion is the best street party going. But if you got stuck into every year, you’d understand why. Originally an experimental party project, Distortion evolved into a five-day program across the city. For us, the main event is Thursday when local collectives and promoters pitch makeshift stages throughout Nørrebro. Expect the best electronic music from local and international DJs.

Pro move: no exaggeration, Nørrebrogade has hundreds of kebab spots to choose from if you need to eat.

Fête de la Musique – Paris – June 21

This one does exactly what it says on the tin. Paris’ Fête de la Musique is a citywide celebration of–you guessed it–music. For over 40 years, artists, performers, and DJs from far and wide have travelled to the French capital to join in. Every street corner becomes a stage deep into the night. Since anyone can perform, the free concert you stumble across could be the origin story of music’s next big star.

Pro move: Belleville is the least touristy neighborhood thanks to its alternative music and young crowds.

Read more about Fête de la Musique here.

Notting Hill Carnival – London – August 29-31

London’s Notting Hill Carnival is hands down Europe’s biggest street party. Over two million people come together to celebrate Caribbean culture every August bank holiday. Steel drums and sound systems soundtrack the streets as jerk smoke fills the air and costumed dancers bust a move. The music is insane, too: dub, reggae, UKG, and jungle bring the bass all weekend long. Today, over 30 sound systems create stages, playing music of or heavily influenced by Caribbean and Black-British origin.

Pro move: research and pick your sound system before you go–moving around is near-impossible.

Read more about Notting Hill Carnival here.