Things To Do in Germany

International Bodensee Festival
Friedrichshafen
April - May 2008

Bodensee Lake is packed with visitors hoping to catch a series of fantastic classical music concerts. The festival features a jam-packed schedule of acclaimed musicians as well as exhibitions and theatre events.

Hamburg Harbour Birthday Festival
Hamburg
9 May – 12 May 2008

The Hamburg Harbour is one of the oldest ports of call along the River Elbe. The city of Hamburg celebrates its birthday each May with a series of events ranging from food to entertainment and shows. The festivities also include hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, a craft fair, and a parade of ships in the harbour. It is a truly remarkable event that will entertain the whole family.

Oberhausen International Short Film Festival
Oberhausen
May 2008

Thousands of visitors flock to Oberhausen to catch this world renowned short film festival. Short films are reviewed at this festival by international buyers and industry buffs for over fifty years. The event has prospered the careers of thousands of filmmakers making it one of the most import film events in the world.

International Dixieland Festival
Dresden
May 2008

The International Dixieland Jazz Festival heads into is 38th year in 2008. The city of Dresden gets into the Dixie jazz spirit as the event takes over various venues through the city. Enjoy the many jazz performances along with a special series of events for children.

International Bus Pulling Championships
Wolfenbüttel
May 2008

Watch in amazement as over 30 teams engage in the sport of bus pulling. The teams compete against each other to become the champions of this extraordinary event. The large buses are towed by the participants in front of a cheering crowd of thousands.

Red Wine Festival
Assmannshausen
May 2008

The district of Rheingau is famous for its vineyards that produce excellent Riesling and red wine grapes. The region is known for its mild climate and is often referred to as the "German Riviera". The Red Wine Festival is set against the romantic back drop off the Rhine River and steep hills.

Rock am Ring
Nuremberg
6 June - 8 June 2008

Join the thousands of concert goers that flock to the Nurbürgring race track each year to enjoy live music from a spectacular line up. The concert headliners take center stage while smaller bands play on the alternastage. The event is sponsored by MTV and has gained recognition as one of the top rock festivals in the world.

Street Music Festival
Leipzig
June 2008

This festival is one of international recognition with thousands of visitors make the trek to Leipzig each year to take part in the festivities. The event features music of all kinds from bands that fill the city's streets. Be sure to stop at the many market and food stalls that are alongside the many performers.

Laut and Luise Children's Music Festival
Hamburg
June 2008

Get the kids and head to the Planten un Blomen Park in the Hamburg's city center to take part in this event. Musical instruments are strewn through out the park by event organizers and children are encouraged to experiment and make as much noise as possible!

Parade of Cultures
Frankfurt
21 June 2008

Join the thousands of event goers and participants as they march along the streets of Frankfurt during this colorful and vibrant event. Various cultures are represented as the parade entertains the crowds with lively music, costumes and an exciting parade procession.

All Nations Festival
Berlin
June 2008

Various embassy buildings in Berlin open their doors to the public on this special day. Be sure to have your festival pass stamped by each embassy as you pass by as proof of your admittance. Learn more about various nations such as Guatemala, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, and Panama.

Stadtgrundungsfest - Munich's Birthday
Munich - Marienplatz
14 June 2008

Be sure to wish Munich a "Herzlichen Glueckwunsch zum Geburtstag" for the city's 850th birthday in as the residents will: with plenty of beer and celebration. You will find many different performances and expositions showcasing the long history of this venerable city.

Hamburg Harley Days
Hamburg
20 June - 22 June 2008

Harley riders descend upon Hamburg for the largest European festival for Harley enthusiasts. Music stages offer many different music genres while dealers offer the latest in Harley gear. The festival culminates with a parade of thousands of Harley motorcycles for spectators to enjoy.

Summer Night of Museums
Dresden
12 July 2008

Stay up late in Dresden on the Long Night, visiting more than 40 museums that collaborate to remain open until the early morning. Special tours and parties are made available to patrons make for a special night of culture and expression.

Stuttgart Jazz Open
Stuttgart
11 July - 19 July 2008

Jazz performers from around the world descend on Stuttgart for a week of great music both indoors at the Liederhalle and outdoors in the nearby open air stage. The three stages of the festival are connected by a free and convenient shuttle bus to allow you to enjoy the many featured artists.

Lake Rabbit Fest
Friedrichshafen
July 2008

The Lake Rabbit Fest is a perfect weekend activity for families to attend, which has delighted children for nearly 60 years. Theater performances, fairy tale readings and workshops provide many activities for children to enjoy. Fireworks conclude Saturday's activities, with a parade featured on Sunday.

Kinzig Valley Cycle Day
Hanau
September 2008

Bring your bicycle to the Kinzig Valley near Frankfurt to relish in over 50 miles of roads that are devoted solely to cycle enthusiasts in an effort to promote environmental awareness. Bicycles can be rented locally from train stations and bike shops in the area, if you did not pack accordingly.

Oktoberfest
Munich
September - October 2008

The ultimate festival devoted to beer awaits travelers from around the world. Millions of gallons of beer are consumed during this event, which is only part of this massive festival. Musical performances, brewery wagon rides, and countless attractions will ensure that fun is had by families and single travelers alike.

Weimar Onion Festival
Weimar
10 - 12 October 2008

Since 1653, Weimar's Zwiebelmarkt, or onion market, will showcase more than only onions. Nowadays, this festival incorporates midway style attractions and local music and food, with the traditional onion market of old. The event culminates with the crowning of the Onion Queen.

Berlin Festival of Lights
Berlin
14 October - 26 October 2008

All of Berlin sparkles during the annual Festival of Lights. From the TV Tower in Alexanderplatz to the Brandenburg Gate, much of the city glows for its visitors. Special lightseeing tours on foot, by boat or on bicycle are available as well as events such as the Nights of Open Doors and Midnight Weddings are available during this festival.

Cologne Carnival
Cologne
11 November 2008

At 11:11AM (sharp!), the city of Cologne kicks off carnival season with a massive street party and parade in the city center. A dizzying array of local vendors, musical performances and plenty of local Kolsch beer will keep you moving and dancing into the night.

Winter World
Berlin
November 2008 - January 2009

Central Berlin becomes a wondrous winter playground complete with skating, sledding and a beautifully illuminated Christmas market. See the Alps without traveling and enjoy carousels, street performances, and of course some warm mulled wine known to the locals as gluhwein.