Free Events and Activities in 15 Major Expat Cities
Every city offers free cultural events — museums, concerts, markets, and more.
Participating in local events is one of the most effective ways to integrate into a new culture, build social connections, and combat the isolation that many expats experience. Events provide structured social settings where making conversation is natural and expected.
Types of Events for Expats
The expat event landscape typically includes: organized meetup groups (InterNations, Meetup.com, Bumble BFF), professional networking events and chambers of commerce gatherings, cultural events and festivals, language exchange meetups (tandem partnerships), sports events and fitness group activities, and volunteer opportunities with social components.
Finding Events in Your City
Start with: Facebook groups for expats in your city (search "[City] Expats" or "[City] International"), Meetup.com, InterNations.org, local English-language media and event listings, your embassy or consulate's community events, and coworking spaces that host regular social events.
Cultural Festivals Worth Planning Around
Some events are worth building your calendar around: Carnival (Rio, Cologne, Nice — February/March), Songkran (Bangkok — April), Feria de Abril (Seville — April), Bastille Day (Paris — July), Oktoberfest (Munich — September/October), Diwali (India, and global cities with Indian communities — October/November), and Christmas markets across Central Europe (December).
Discover cultural events in your city. Compare fitness costs by city. Optimize your cross-border commute
Run your own numbers
Every situation is different. Calculate your exact numbers in 30 seconds.
