Festival of Europe: Parliament opens its doors

Celebrate Europe day with the European Parliament and other EU institutions at Open Days in Brussels and Luxembourg on Saturday, Strasbourg on Sunday and events in the member states throughout May. A debate with MEPs on volunteering, quizzes, concerts, exhibitions, a giant karaoke and regional delicacies await you. Those not able to make it to an event can take part via the EP's social media: join the Facebook chat, share photos on Flickr and follow the buzz on Twitter.

Brussels, Saturday 1000-1800 CET

Visit stands manned by the political groups and EP services, participate in a quiz to get an exciting gift, take part in debates, sing along in concerts and to a giant karaoke, watch acrobats and graffiti artists. Get a glimpse of Princess Astrid of Belgium, who will be visiting the Parliament. Don't miss the NGO village and children's corner, exhibitions and regional food tasting.

Join the Facebook chat on volunteering in Europe with Irish MEP Marian Harkin from  1015-1045 CET via http://chat.epfacebook.eu.

Luxembourg, Saturday 1100-1800 CET

A "European village", public debates, concerts and a huge cake await you in Clairefontaine square.

Strasbourg, Sunday 1000-1800 CET

Visit EP political group stands, plus stands by the administration, member states and cross-border organisations. Join debates with MEPs in the plenary chamber about the European Year of Volunteering and see the "Figure de l'Europe" exhibition. The 2010 Lux Prize winner "Die Fremde" will be screened at the “L’Odysée” cinema. 

Feo Aladag’s film, Die Fremde (When We Leave) will also be screened in all 27 member states during May. For timing and venues check your local EP information office website.

Events in the UK, Ireland throughout May

The Dublin office has organised a plethora of events on Monday 9 May, Europe Day, from choirs and bands to a cake tasting with items from across Europe and the first ever Europe Day debate in the Oireachtas with  Irish MEPS, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and European Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.

On 9 May find out "What it's really like working for the EU" at a networking event at Europe House in London and join the Edinburgh office for the fifth annual Europe Quiz on 19 May. Later in the month there is a workshop on how to engage more with the EP in Coventry.