What do some of Europe’s best summer festivities recalling saints, solemn promises, plagues and LGBT+ rights have in common? They all take place alongside, if not directly in, the bodies of water that shaped the histories of the cities in which they’re found. Here’s where to go for some waterside fun in the coming weeks.

Venice, Italy: The Festa del Redentore, or Feast of the Redeemer, recalls the city’s deliverance from a plague epidemic that ravaged the town from 1555-1557. On the third Sunday of July each year (July 15 in 2023), a temporary pontoon bridge is erected to enable the faithful to cross St. Mark’s basin as they make way to the magnificent Church of the Redeemer, built to honor God’s intercession in lifting of the plague. In addition to the day’s religious significance, it’s a weekend given to revelry. On Saturday afternoon, regattas between various types of watercraft take place in the Grand Canal. As the hour grows late, the crowds gather alongside the basin in force. Those with access to boats climb on board laden with picnic baskets of traditional foods for the feast— sardines, stuffed duck, pasta and beans, with watermelon for dessert. The long summer evening is brought to its heady peak by a grandiose display of fireworks shot off around 11:30 p.m. Online: tinyurl.com/y8z65xyn

Ulm, Germany: One of the biggest days of the year for this pretty city by the Danube is Schwörmontag, or Oath Monday. Always celebrated on the last Monday in July (July 24 in 2023), the day recalls an oath first sworn by a city official back in 1345 to serve rich and poor alike. On the day, the city’s Lord Mayor vows to uphold his work for the good of all citizens. Following these formalities, the action moves down to the riverbanks, site of a water festival known as the “Nabada.” The carnivalesque celebrations see young and old alike take to the waters of the murky river, onboard homemade watercraft, atop flotation devices, or under their own steam. On the Saturday preceding (July 26), the Danube glows to the light of thousands of candles released into the Danube as part of the Lichterserenade, or Serenade of Lights. Online: tinyurl.com/24ey99uy

Amsterdam, Netherlands: No other city puts on a Pride celebration quite like the one in Amsterdam. Gay Canal Pride Amsterdam, slated for Aug. 5, will see hundreds of flamboyantly decorated boats and barges chug along the Amstel River and its connecting canals. The route begins by the Scheepvarrt Museum at Oosterdok and concludes at Westderdok. From noon to 6 p.m., thousands of spectators, many dressed up in keeping with the day’s festive mood, will perch atop bridges and alongside the canals in order to sing and dance along with the revellers on board. The festive mood continues with street parties and clubbing events stretching late into the night. Online: tinyurl.com/4wbrrt4n

Rostock, Germany: One of Germany’s top maritime festivals is Hansa Sail, a celebration of remarkable sailing vessels. From Aug. 10-13, about 200 participating ships including cruise liners, ferries and naval craft from around the world call in to this pleasant port on the Baltic Sea. In addition to watching various regattas and ship-spotting, visitors can arrange their own short voyages or visit ships at anchor. Online: hansesail.com

Konstanz, Germany: The Konstanzer Seenachtfest, set for Aug. 12, turns the promenade along the shore of Lake Constance into one giant party zone. From 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy musicians on stage, DJ music, street artists, a crafts market, water skiing show and other forms of entertainment prior to the highlight event, a fireworks display set for 10:15 p.m. Online tickets go for 23.90 euros adults and 3.50 euros for ages six through 14. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day itself. Online: seenachtfest.de

Dinant, Belgium: On Aug. 15 each year, the Meuse River sets the scene for a boat race of another sort. The city’s International Bathtub Regatta sees competitors take to the waters in imaginatively decorated bathtubs propelled solely by the paddling powers of their crews. Some 25,000 spectators typically gather along the half-mile route to see how swift and seaworthy these craft turn out to be. Each year’s edition boasts a new theme; in 2023, farming is in the spotlight. The most beautiful and on-topic crafts are recognized by a jury. Online: lesbaignoires.be

Bamberg, Germany: A highlight of summer in Franconia’s fine city of baroque and beer is the annual Sandkerwa, five days of celebrations alongside the Regnitz river. At its heart a date honoring the consecration of the St. Elisabeth Church, today’s visitors enjoy a volksfest-like atmosphere with attractions, games of chance, regional culinary specialties, live music and more. Program highlights include a fishermen’s joust on Sunday and fireworks on the last evening. This year’s festivities take place Aug. 24-28. Organizational costs are defrayed through the purchase of a festival badge at a cost of 2.50 euros. Online: sandkerwa.de

Frankfurt, Germany: Spending time in Frankfurt’s world-class museums is just one of countless activities to indulge in during the Museumsuferfest, scheduled for Aug. 25-27. Up to three million visitors appear annually to stroll along both banks of the Main River, taking in the sounds of world, pop or DJ music, watching entertainment on stage, or sampling cocktails and culinary treats. Online: museumsuferfest.de