The Guitar Lover’s Calendar: Every Major Guitar Event in Europe in 2026

Whether you’re a guitar player, a collector, a builder, or just someone who gets a little weak in the knees when you see a well-worn vintage Strat in a hard case, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for guitar events across Europe. From intimate one-day fairs with flea markets and luthier tables to the continent’s biggest three-day trade extravaganzas, there is something for every taste and budget.

I have put together a complete list of every notable guitar show, convention, festival, and market happening across Europe for 2026. Read on for the full rundown, and click through to each individual post for detailed information on each event.

March

Guitars and More – Wettingen, Switzerland | March 22, 2026

A beloved annual gathering in the Swiss town of Wettingen that doubles as an exhibition, trade fair, flea market, and live music forum all in one. Boutique Swiss luthiers and regional instrument makers share floor space with a second-hand swap market, workshops, and the legendary Blues Jam that closes the day. A great first event of the season.

 

April

Montreux International Guitar Show (MIGS) – Montreux, Switzerland | April 24 – 26, 2026

The fifth edition of one of Europe’s most refined guitar shows, set inside the Casino Barrière in Montreux. MIGS is known for its concentration of high-end boutique builders, rare instruments, and master classes. Around 100 exhibitors fill 1,000 square meters over three days. A must for the tone chaser and the collector alike.

 

Poland Guitar Fest – Kraków, Poland | April 25 – 26, 2026

Central Europe’s only dedicated guitar fair, held at the CKF 13 Conference Center in Kraków. Now in its second year, it brings together boutique brands, luthiers, and independent dealers that you simply won’t find in a regular music store. A young, enthusiastic event worth watching closely.

 

May

Musicians Flea Market (Spring Edition) – Ibbenbüren, Germany | May 2, 2026

A classic German musician’s flea market where players come to buy, sell, and trade gear. Guitars, amps, pedals, basses, and more, all at negotiable prices. No-frills, no marketing, just gear and people who love it.

 

Umeå Guitarshow – Umeå, Sweden | May 9 – 10, 2026

A two-day fair in northern Sweden organized by Sweden Guitar Works, covering hand-built guitars, amplifiers, pedals, software, and more. A friendly, community-driven event in a region with a surprisingly vibrant guitar culture.

 

Guitar Show Bologna – Bologna, Italy | May 15 – 17, 2026

Italy’s premier dedicated guitar fair, now in a new and bigger home at BolognaFiere. Running alongside Eufonica, the broader music-making fair, it covers electric guitars, acoustics, basses, amps, and effects. May 15 is a B2B day; the fair opens to all visitors on May 16 and 17.

 

BRIDGE Guitar Festival & Convention – Eindhoven, Netherlands | May 27 – 31, 2026

Five full days of everything guitar in Eindhoven. The festival side covers concerts across all genres, from classical and flamenco to blues, jazz, and rock. The Guitar Convention on May 30 at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven adds a full trade fair with major brands, boutique builders, luthiers, and a packed program of workshops. The biggest and most diverse guitar event in the Benelux.

 

September

Yeahman’s Guitar Fest – Burgdorf, Switzerland | September 6, 2026

Switzerland’s largest guitar convention, held at the Markthalle in Burgdorf. Over 50 stands with new gear, used instruments, boutique brands, and luthiers. There’s a big flea market, a Saturday evening warm-up show, food trucks, craft beer, and workshops throughout the day. A full day out for the whole family.

 

Guitar Show Denmark – Odense, Denmark | September 12 – 13, 2026

Formerly known as the Copenhagen Guitar Show, this two-day event has been running since 2005 and now takes place in Odense. Importers, shops, instrument builders, repairers, and private sellers all share one roof. Workshops, clinics, and concerts round out the program.

 

Veenendaal Vintage Guitar Show | September 19, 2026

For the uninitiated: the Vintage Guitar Show Veenendaal is widely recognised as Europe’s largest international vintage guitar show. It takes place twice a year at De Basiliek in Veenendaal, drawing dealers, luthiers, guitar shops and private collectors from across Europe – Belgium, Denmark, Germany, England, France, Luxembourg, Sweden and the Netherlands among them. The result is a single-day event packed with close to 100 exhibitors and over 1,200 guitars, spanning every price range and era.

 

Guitar Summit – Mannheim, Germany | September 25 – 27, 2026

The biggest guitar show in Europe, full stop. In its eighth year, the Guitar Summit fills the Rosengarten Congress Center in Mannheim across four floors with hundreds of brands, two concert nights, multiple stages, workshops, masterclasses, and clinics. Tickets start at €39 for a Sunday day pass, with three-day tickets available for €89. Kids get in free.

 

October

Cremona Musica – Cremona, Italy | October 2 – 4, 2026

One of the world’s most prestigious instrument fairs, held every year in the city that gave us the violin and some of the finest lutherie tradition on earth. Guitar lovers will want to head to the Acoustic Guitar Village and the Electric Sound Village. Masterclasses, concerts, and a deep focus on craftsmanship make this one unlike any other event on this list.

 

Musicians Flea Market (Autumn Edition) – Ibbenbüren, Germany | October 3, 2026

The second instalment of the Ibbenbüren flea market, this time in autumn. Same deal: players, dealers, and collectors clearing out gear and hunting for bargains. A relaxed, no-nonsense event for anyone who loves the thrill of a good find.

 

Plan Your Year

That’s eleven events spread across eight countries, from March to October. Whether you’re planning a short trip to tick off one show or building a whole guitar-themed travel itinerary around Europe, this year has you covered. Keep an eye on each event’s website for tickets, exhibitor lists, and program updates as the year progresses.