The people of Santa Catarina, with their multiple cultures and ethnicities, have a common trait: a love for festivals. In addition to those in October led by the Oktoberfest, throughout the year the state is animated with various ethnic, religious and cultural festivities that reaffirm the happy and relaxed manner of the people from Santa Catarina.

The October Circuit is comprised of ten festivals, mixing German, Portuguese, Austrian and Italian traditions, with lots of food and plenty of beer. The Oktoberfest in Blumenau is the main attraction, the largest public event in the country after Carnival, attracting nearly one million visitors. For 17 days, nearly 400,000 liters of draft beer are served to the sound of traditional German bands and much fun.

The Fenarreco (Duck Festival) in Brusque, the Fenachopp (Draft Beer Festival) in Joinville, the Schüetzenfest in Jaraguá do Sul, the Musikfest in São Bento, the Kegelfest in Rio do Sul and the Oktoberfest in Itapiranga revive the German traditions. The Austrian culture is celebrated in the Tirolerfest in Treze Tílias, and the Culture and Tradition Festival in Criciúma recalls the Italian heritage. Itajaí hosts the Marejada, where wine, bacalhoada from dried cod and Portuguese fado music revive the Azorean past of the coastal residents.

During the rest of the year, many other festivals occur throughout the state of Santa Catarina. A highlight is the Winter Festival in São Joaquim, and the Pine Nuts Festival in Lages..