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EVENTS

7 unmissable events in Germany this June

As the summer arrives in Germany, so do a host of exciting events you don't want to miss out on.

Linda Manuitt Ceravolo dances with a group from the CRAS association in Berlin-Schöneberg as part of the Fete de la Musique in 2020
Linda Manuitt Ceravolo dances with a group from the CRAS association in Berlin-Schöneberg as part of the Fete de la Musique in 2020. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Christoph Soeder

2nd to 11th of June, Hessentag in Pfungstadt

The Hessentag is an annual festival held in different cities across the state of Hesse to highlight the vielfalt (variety) of the region.

This year’s Hessentag will be held in Pfungstadt, a small town in the Darmstadt-Dieburg district in southern Hesse, approximately 17 kilometres southwest of the city of Darmstadt.

The 60th edition of the festival will be a special “anniversary Hessentag” for the town, as it’s been 50 years since Pfungstadt hosted its first Hessentag in 1973.

READ ALSO: 7 reasons why June is the best month in Germany

This year’s event aims to bring the entire region of Hesse closer to Pfungstadt and to “foster a sense of unity” for visitors. There’ll be a variety of cultural performances, concerts, parades, exhibitions, and culinary delights, providing a vibrant celebration of Hessian culture and traditions.

June 8th – 18th: Bachfest in Leipzig

If you’re a baroque music fan (who isn’t?) then Leipzig is the place for you this June.

An open-air concert on the market in front of the Old Town Hall in Leipzig during Bachfest, 2017. Photo: pa/obs/Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH | Andreas Schmidt

This year’s Bachfest – which has been running in various forms for over 100 years – will mark the three-hundred-year anniversary of the world-famous composer taking on the role of director of music at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig in 1723.

To celebrate, there’ll be over 150 events where renowned international musicians and groups will honour the musical legacy of the forward-thinking composer.

June 9th – 11th, Eurofolk Festival in Ingelheim am Rhein

For 50 years, the picturesque town of Ingelheim am Rhein on the banks of the Rhine has been host to a vibrant folk festival.

The Eurofolk Festival has garnered a dedicated following over the years, particularly among the hippie community.

In this year’s 51st edition, the festival will host an array of live musical performances on two stages as well as diverse stalls brimming with tasty treats, stylish apparel, musical instruments, and other unique items to buy for everyday and special occasions.

June 17th – 25th Kieler Woche in Kiel

Kieler Woche or “The Kiel Week” is one of the largest sailing events in the world. It combines competitive sailing races with a lively festival atmosphere, featuring concerts, street performances, art exhibitions, and a spectacular fireworks display.

People watch passing sailing ships during the traditional windjammer parade at the end of Kiel Week in the Kiel Fjord from the beach in Friedrichsort. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Gregor Fischer

Visitors can see a variety of international regattas at the Olympic Centre Schilksee and watch hot-air balloons, hot-air ships, and model balloons take to the skies at the Nordmarksportfeld.

Meanwhile, there’ll be live music and theatre performances at the open-air stages at Krusenkoppel and the Fördebühne.

June 16th – July 16th: Tollwood Festival, Munich

The Summer Tollwood Festival in Munich is a month-long celebration of arts, music, culture, and environmental awareness, featuring an exciting program of concerts, theatrical performances, exhibitions, workshops, and food stalls.

The Weltsalon (world saloon) offers a platform for discussions, lectures, and workshops on pressing social and environmental issues where experts, activists, and artists come together to address topics like climate change, human rights, and global justice.

Renowned national and international musicians and bands from a diverse range of genres like pop, rock, folk, and jazz will perform on multiple stages and there’ll be a delightful array of international cuisine with food stalls offering traditional Bavarian dishes to global delicacies.

June 21st Fête de la Musique in Berlin

Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is an international music festival celebrated on June 21st each year in Berlin. 

Members of an Indonesian wedding procession from Lombok perform in front of the Konzerthaus on Gendarmenmarkt as part of the Fête de la Musique.

Members of an Indonesian wedding procession from Lombok perform in front of the Konzerthaus on Gendarmenmarkt as part of the Fête de la Musique. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Christoph Soeder

For one day, the festival fills the city’s streets, parks, and venues with live music performances. Musicians from various genres and backgrounds, both amateur and professional showcase a diverse range of music styles throughout the day and night, with impromptu concerts often popping up in different neighbourhoods.

June 28th – July 2nd: Fusion Festival, Mecklenburg Western Pommerania

Fusion Festival is a renowned music and arts festival that takes place every year at a former military airfield in Lärz, Mecklenburg-Western Pommerania, in northeastern Germany.

It’s become an iconic event in the European festival scene, and it’s known for its unique atmosphere, eclectic music lineup, and emphasis on community and creativity.

As well as a diverse musical programme from renowned artists and underground talents, the festival also hosts numerous workshops and discussions.

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BERLIN

The best events happening in Berlin in May 2024

From Workers' Day dancing and demonstrating to a chili festival plus lots of culture - here are some events to keep you busy in Berlin this May.

The best events happening in Berlin in May 2024

Do you have an event in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany that you’d like us to highlight? Let us know by emailing [email protected]

May Day events – across the city 

For Tag der Arbeit or International Workers’ Day on May 1st, several events are happening across Berlin, including local community gatherings and hang-outs in parks.

For those looking to get on their dancing shoes, Labour Day events take place annually particularly in the Kreuzberg area of the city. The “Tanzen statt arbeiten’ or ‘Dancing instead of working on May 1st’ starts from 10am at Mariannenplatz and is free to the public.

Nearby, there is a free open air event at Bolzplatz Falckensteinstraße Xberg.

Some clubs are also offering free-entrance day time events, including Renate and Ritter Butzke.

If attending a demonstration for workers’ rights is more your thing then check out the annual Labour Day rally held by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). 

It takes place from 12pm under the motto ‘More wages, more free time, more security’ outside the Rotes Rathaus in Mitte. An event for children will also be held in the area, making it a family-friendly draw. 

READ ALSO: ‘Tag der Arbeit’: What to do on May 1st in Germany

May Day revelry in Berlin

Berlin’s Görlitzer Park in Kreuzberg often becomes an over-crowded hub for casual May Day celebrations on the 1st. Photo: picture alliance / dpa | Ole Spata

XJAZZ! Festival, May 6th-12th, across Berlin

Music fans should prepare as the XJAZZ! Festival is taking over the city this month. 

A total of 10 stages in Kreuzberg will host more than 70 concerts for the event, featuring to a mix of styles from jazz, funk, hip-hop and more.

Artists such as Florence Adooni and Nduduzo Makhathini are on the bill. 

Check out the various ticket options here.

READ ALSO: Seven unmissable events happening around Germany in May 2024

Chandelier sessions with David Kitt, May 6th, Wilmersdorf

For a local music event, check out the Chandelier Sessions.

On Monday May 6th, well-known Irish musician David Kitt will perform at the Tuesday Coworking site at Bundesallee 187, 10717 Berlin-Wilmersdorf. 

Produced and recorded by Kitt himself, his 2023 album ‘Idiot Check’ was written between 2016 and 2022 in Dublin, Paris and eventually the remote town of Ballinskelligs in south-west Kerry county, where the artist moved during the pandemic and has stayed ever since. 

Exploring a range of themes from the breakdown of relationships, to socio-political issues and the absence of religion, Kitt’s songwriting reflects the current turbulent times and is relatable. 

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the music kicking off at 8.30pm.

Tickets to the Chandelier Sessions are donation-based and must be booked via Eventbrite.

Primavera Spring Festival, May 11th-12th, Schöneberg

Head west in mid-May for Schöneberg’s community spring festival to enjoy German local produce, including asparagus. 

Akazienstraße is transformed into a promenade featuring lots of stalls selling plants and garden items as well as snacks. 

It’s the perfect wholesome festival if you’re looking to spruce up your balcony for summer, as well as sample some cute cafes and shops. 

Berlin Chili Festival, Berliner Berg Brewery, May 25th-26th

The fiery Berlin Chili Festival is returning for its spring edition. The event, which is sponsored by Oatly, will be held at the Berliner Berg brewery and you can expect a celebration of chilis, hot sauce, craft beer, and food.

Guests attending the two-day family-friendly festival will be able to enjoy live music, comedy, and cabaret on the main stage, with Oatly providing drinks and soft-serve ice cream to soothe the spice burn. 

The festival will see some of Europe’s best hot sauce makers will come together to offer different varieties. There will be 55 hot sauce stands and delicious food from 15 carefully selected vendors.

Get ready for your chili fix at the Berlin Chili Festival.

Get ready for your chili fix at the Berlin Chili Festival. Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay

Speaking ahead of the event, founder Neil Numb said: “We are really excited to be returning again this May. Our September event was our biggest yet, with over 7,000 chili fans attending over the two days, and this latest event looks set to be even bigger and we are thrilled to be working with such an amazing partner with Oatly.”

Entry to the event is via donation either in advance or on the door. Full information can be found at https://www.berlinchilifest.com/

Blown Away – The Palace of the Republic, Humboldt Forum, starting May 17th

The Palace of the Republic was a building that hosted the parliament of East Germany for several years. But it was knocked down – and the Humboldt Forum now stands in its place. 

A special programme called ‘Hin und weg. The Palace of the Republic is Present’ will focus on the vanished site, reflecting on its own existence and prehistory as well as the publicly debated question of why the palace was demolished and the Humboldt Forum built in its place.

An exhibition starting May 17th will bring together objects from and about the palace, drawings, photographs and posters, as well as audio and video interviews.

Karneval del Kulturen, May 17th to 20th, across Kreuzberg

There are lots of public holidays in Germany this May. And on the Whitsun-long weekend, the Karneval atmosphere in Berlin is once again set to take place. 

Guests come from all over the world to celebrate this four-day street festival from Friday to Whit Monday, which includes multicultural parades and events through the city with over 2,500 groups and performers.

With a focus is on cultural openness and diversity, the highlight is the parade through Kreuzberg on Sunday starting from 2pm. From Brazilian samba to West African drums and Bernese carnival brass, you’ll hear music and see folk costumes from all over the world. 

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