Best October 2018 Events in Paris

Don't miss this annual celebration of all things art and culture, in which hundreds of museums, galleries, and other spots around Paris keep their doors open the evening of October 6, 2018. There will be free exhibits, multimedia installations, and performances.

Witnessing the Vendanges de Montmartre is a fantastic way to experience the best of Paris in autumn. The village-like Montmartre neighborhood boasts vines that still produce decent wines—how many major cities can claim that? Each year, the harvest is celebrated with much fanfare, bringing together musicians, performing artists, and wine connoisseurs. The Wine Harvest will be held on October 10–14, 2018.

One of the most important annual events in Paris' contemporary art scene, the FIAC showcases work from 180 international galleries and more than 3,000 artists at three locations on the city's right bank. A gallery's night out event brings dozens of the city's smaller galleries into the heart of the event. The fair will be going on from October 18–21, 2018 around Grand Palais, Tuileries Gardens, Jardin des Plantes, and Esplanade des Invalides.

Each year the Porte de Versailles convention center at Paris's south edge hosts a trade event dedicated to all things cocoa, with visitors sampling everything from dark chocolate chunks to savory chocolate-based concoctions featuring foie gras or olive oil. A runway fashion show showing off zany chocolate couture creations is another highlight. Reserve ahead: This is a popular one, for obvious reasons! In 2018, the chocolate fair will occur between October 31 and November 4.

Experience the mingling of light, water, and classical music in the gardens of the world's most famous chateau. The festivities will run every weekend through the end of October, so there are plenty of chances to see it for yourself.

Since 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival or "Festival de l'Automne" has brought in the post-summer season with a bang by highlighting some of the most compelling works in contemporary visual art, music, cinema, theater, and other forms. The program is filled with activities until late-December.​