The eclectic city of Strasbourg comes alive in the spring, and this year is no exception. There are a plethora of unique musical and cultural festivals sure to please even the most selective European travelers.

Printemps des Bretelles Festival (March 19-28)
There is no better way to welcome spring in Europe than with the sweet strains of an accordion. Perhaps this is why accordionists from all over the world come to Strasbourg’s annual Printemps des Bretelles to play in concerts that take place all over the city  (at outdoor markets, in theaters, in restaurants, and in libraries). Festival passes cost between 25 and 50 euros and can be purchased online.

Artefacts Music Festival (April 16- 24)
The music continues (with fewer accordions this time) at the Artefacts Music Festival. This year, the weekend festival welcomes well-known international indie and electro artists such as Zenith, Nada Surf, Iggy and the Stooges and Mumford & Sons. For a complete list of artists and to purchase tickets, see the festival website.

Envies de Printemps Spring Expo (April 26-29)
Garden lovers will be in heaven at Strasbourg’s Envies de Printemps Expo. For one weekend, le Parc des Expositions is filled with stalls and products having to do with home, garden, health and leisure. The entry fee is 4.50 euros.

Bric-A-Brac Fair (May 24-25)
The perfect activity for treasure hunters, Strasbourg’s “puces brocantes” takes place three times a year at Le Parc des Expositions. One can find literally anything at this huge antiques and bric-a-brac fair, including: antique books; French, German and Alsatian decorative objects; vintage jewelry; and small pieces of furniture. This is a wonderful place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Festival de Musique (June 3-26)
If you couldn’t tell already, residents of Strasbourg take their spring and summer music festivals seriously— and they should, seeing as they bring in some of music’s biggest names in a variety of genres. The largest and longest running (70 years) of these is the month long Festival de Musique.  World- class classical musicians (from soloists to orchestras) delight audiences at various locations throughout the city.

Strasbulles Comic Festival (June 1-6)
The first ever Strasbulles Comic Festival will be held in Strasbourg’s La Bourse building. This is a unique opportunity for comic aficionados to pick up a special souvenir. Their site offers information about the festival as well as general information on comic culture in France and Alsace.

La Foire St. Jean (June 26-July 18)
Though it technically takes place in the summer, I had to include La Foire Saint-Jean in this post. This annual festival brings out Alsacians from all walks of life and attracts quite a few tourists as well. Spend some time at the Parc du Rhin listening to live music, enjoying traditional gaufres (waffles), riding the merry-go-round and soaking in Stasbourgian culture at its best. Kids of all ages will enjoy the large ferris wheel overlooking the Rhine River.