The month of October is already here, accompanied by the All Saints’ Day holidays, the time change, but also the traditional autumn festivals, the descents of the Alps, and several other major events not to be missed in Annecy and in Haute-Savoie.
In Annecy and its surroundings
Festival Dragon Boat Annecy 2024
October 5 and 6, 2024 – Annecy
The Dragon-Boat, famous for its dragon head at the front, is an ancestral boat from ancient China.
Every year, the Dragon Boat Festival takes place at the Base Nautique des Marquisats, representing the largest event of this type in France. Organized by the Canoë-Kayak Club d’Annecy (CKCA) and Dragon Boat Attitude, this event welcomes everyone: associations, businesses, groups of friends, etc. Costumes and good humor are encouraged, with two days of sport and cinema-themed festivities on the programme.
- On Saturday, the long-distance events (1500 m) will be followed by the Australian races (75 m) and the prize giving ceremony. The day will end with a festive evening under the marquee, with a meal (giant tartiflette for €15), a refreshment bar and a musical atmosphere. Please note, the meal is only accessible by reservation.
- On Sunday, sprint events (200m) will take place throughout the day, followed by the finals and the prize giving ceremony, including the Fair Play prize. A refreshment bar and small meals will be available to welcome you all day long.
Infos : Ticketing – All the information.
Lirôlac 2024
October 5 and 6, 2024 – Talloires
The LirÔlac festival, which is in its 4th edition, returns once again to the bay of Talloires to celebrate literature in all its forms. This event, completely free, will welcome this year around twenty authors from all backgrounds. On the program: conferences led by journalists in an open-air marquee, signing sessions by the lake, author meetings, readings, youth workshops as well as literary debates.
In partnership with Decitre Annecy, a pop-up bookstore will be set up, allowing you to purchase the works of the authors present.
This year, young writers will also be in the spotlight with the 3rd LirÔlac Jeunesse writing competition, open to high school and university students, and supplemented by readings aloud presented by young talents.
Infos : Complete program.
The Return of the Alps 2024
Saturday October 12, 2024 – Annecy
The Return of the Alps marks the return of the herds to the valley to spend the winter warm in the stable, after a summer spent at altitude grazing on fresh grass.
This year, despite numerous rumors of cancellation due to the increase in cases of bluetongue (BCF) in Savoie, the event returns for a new edition, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At the heart of this festival which highlights Savoyard culture and attracts thousands of visitors each year, a varied and folkloric program awaits you:
- The famous parade of animals, including cows, goats, donkeys, geese and dogs, travels 2.5 km through the heart of the old town, accompanied by vintage vehicles, groups in costumes and musical entertainment.
- Numerous stands from local producers and artisans will allow you to taste regional specialties such as cheese, cold meats, tartiflette and potato pancakes. You will also find stalls selling various items, such as clothing and jewelry.
- Orchestras will perform on six stages scattered around the city, while musical groups will wander the streets.
- Many activities will be organized and demonstrations will allow you to discover the trades of yesteryear and the crafts of our valleys.
Infos : Free.
The Ancileviennerie 2024
Sunday October 20, 2024 – Annecy-le-Vieux
The Ancileviennerie is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of autumn in Annecy. This festival returns to the heart of the Albigny district in Annecy-le-Vieux for its 43rd edition, and like every year, several thousand visitors are expected. Organized by the Annecy-le-Vieux Festival Committee, the Ancileviennerie highlights Savoyard traditions and folklore.
On the program from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: around a hundred exhibitors, numerous activities and demonstrations, musical strolls, activities and workshops for young and old as well as the presence of farm animals.
On site, you will find numerous dining options, with various stands of producers and associations offering specialties. A refreshment bar and the bidoyon will also be at your disposal to quench your thirst. Note that a meal is served each year under a marquee from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with main course, dessert and coffee.
In parallel with the Ancileviennerie:
- Every year, the day before the event, an evening under the marquee brings hundreds of people dancing. Accessible only by reservation, this evening includes a dinner followed by a dancing evening. This year, the theme of the 80s will be in the spotlight, with entertainment provided by the K2 Group.
- New for this edition, on Friday, enjoy a free cinema evening with the screening of the film The farms by Bertrandin the presence of director Gilles Perret.
Halloween 2024
Thursday October 31, 2024 – Annecy and Haute-Savoie
Annecy offers many events for Halloween. The bars host themed evenings, while the clubs prepare a night of horror. Castles organize special evenings, while cinemas show horror films. Associations and committees generally welcome the little monsters with booms and costume competitions, accompanied by sweets.
In the department
Science Festival 2024
From October 4 to 14, 2024 – Haute-Savoie
The Science Festival is back for a new edition, with the theme “Ocean of knowledge”. More than 1,200 free events will take place in 240 municipalities across the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The objective of this event is to promote science to the general public, to share research advances and to give young people a taste for science.
On the program for this edition: shows, exhibitions, workshops, meetings, debates, screenings and even visits.
Infos : Complete program.
The Rumilly Agricultural Fair
Sunday October 6, 2024 – Rumilly
This unmissable festival celebrates the know-how of local producers and farmers. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy a varied program including a tractor parade, a cheese fair where you can taste delicious regional cheeses and discover how they are made, as well as equestrian activities.
On site, a farmers’ market awaits you with fresh and local products, while lumberjack artists will create wood sculptures. Numerous food outlets and refreshment stands will also be available, offering food and drinks prepared by fair volunteers.
The Bathie Fair
Sunday October 27, 2024 – La Balme de Sillingy
The Bathie Fair returns for a new edition. Since the 14th century, this traditional festival has offered entertainment for the whole family. This year, meet from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. to take advantage of the many activities: garage sales, funfair, cattle competition, stands of artisans, traders and producers, presence of local associations…
Photo credit of the article © Gilles Piel
