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EVENTS

10 unmissable events in Germany this September

From wine tastings to a world-famous sporting event, there's no shortage of events to keep you busy in Germany throughout September.

10 unmissable events in Germany this September
Carousels spin at the Dippemess funfair in Frankfurt in 2016. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Frank Rumpenhorst

August 25th to September 10th: Herbstvolkfest, Nuremberg

The second largest folk festival in Bavaria (after Oktoberfest) is a great event for families.

Among the attractions at the Autumn Folk Festival are the Petersburg Sled Ride, the Hollywood Family Scooter and exhilarating rides such as the Wild Mouse XXL and the Roll Over with pyrotechnic effects.

The programme includes a Samba show, a Punch and Judy theatre, a vintage car parade, and the Night of a Thousand Lights – a huge fireworks display above the Dozen Pond.

For jobseekers, there’s a very unique apprentice speed-dating event in the Ferris wheel, where major employers from the region try to fill their apprenticeship positions.

August 30th to September 8th: Rheingauer Weinmarkt, Frankfurt am Main

The annual Rheingau Wine Market will take place on the Freßgass, an upmarket shopping street in the city centre of Frankfurt, this year – returning to its usual format after two alternative versions.

Over the years, the festival, which showcases exquisite regional wines, has transformed from a hidden gem into one of the most beloved events in Frankfurt, attracting up to 250,000 visitors.

READ ALSO: 9 of the best day trips from Frankfurt with the €49 ticket

More than 600 wines can be tasted at the stands of around 30 participating winemakers this year and numerous food stalls from the Freßgass district offer visitors a traditional and international snack selection. 

September 8th to 17th: Dippemess im Herbst, Frankfurt am Main

The Dippemess is one of the largest and oldest folk festivals in the region, known for its lively atmosphere, traditional rides, games and food stalls.

The fairground features a wide range of attractions and rides for visitors of all ages, from traditional carousels and a Ferris wheel to modern thrill rides, games, arcades, and sideshows.

September 9th and 10th: Tag des offenen Denkmals, Cologne

Many monuments in Cologne are not usually accessible to the public, or only partially so. But this changes every year on the Open Monument Day.

This year, on September 9th and 10th, over 150 locations will offer more than 500 events related to the city’s monuments.

READ ALSO: 8 things to do on a rainy day in Cologne

For 48 hours, public buildings, hidden small monuments, industrial architecture, green spaces, churches, village chapels, centuries-old structures as well as 20th-century architecture will be open to the public.

Be aware that, due to high demand, certain events require registration. 

September 9th to 13th: Invictus Games, Düsseldorf

For the first time, the Invictus Games – founded by British royal Prince Harry for veterans who have been physically and/or mentally affected by war, will be held in Germany.

The games will take place at the Merkur-Spiel-Arena and the surrounding Sports Park in Düsseldorf and will see 10,500 athletes from up to 23 nations compete against each other in 10 different sports including athletics, swimming, cycling, powerlifting, archery, and rowing.

The “Invictus Village” also provides a diverse programme of cultural and social activities for athletes and visitors. Tickets for the sporting events are free of charge.

September 9th and 16th: Rhein in Flammen, Oberwesel and St Goar

The “Rhine in Flames” festival is celebrated five times a year along the Rhine River with illuminated castles, colourfully decorated boat processions, numerous festivities along the banks, and magnificent fireworks displays.

Fireworks are ignited on the Rhine River between Rüdesheim and Bingen in July 2023. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Arnold

The September instalments will take place in the towns of Oberwesel and St. Goar and visitors can enjoy a ride on an illuminated ship, passing by the legendary Loreley Rock and the Rheinfels and Katz castles. As well as the fireworks, you will also experience a beautiful view of the illuminated Rhine shores.

September 13th to 17th: Berlin Art Week

Berlin Art Week is an annual, week-long celebration of contemporary art in Germany’s capital. The event offers a diverse array of exhibitions, art fairs, performances, and discussions.

Showcasing both established and emerging artists across disciplines like painting, sculpture, photography, and video art, it’s a platform for artists, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts to engage with Berlin’s lively art scene.

READ ALSO: 10 ways to enjoy the summer in Berlin for free

A number of Berlin-based institutions for contemporary art also use the opportunity to collaborate with many artists and galleries for a series of events, promoting the city as a place for making, celebrating and discussing art.

September 16th to October 3rd: Oktoberfest, Munich

Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually starts in late September and runs into the first weekend of October.

In case you didn’t know: it’s the world’s largest beer festival which takes place every year in the Bavarian capital of Munich.

READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about Germany’s Oktoberfest

After being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Oktoberfest – also nicknamed Wiesn – attracted 5.7 million visitors who consumed 5.6 million litres of beer last year and this year is expected to be well-visited, too.

Photo: Oktoberfest visitors walk in front of the Ferris wheel across the Theresienwiese at the Oktoberfest. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Felix Hörhager

As well as beer, the festival also features attractions such as the “Krinoline“ carousel from the 1920s and live brass music, an ox roasting tent, and more historical rides such as the Calypso, as well as throwing and shooting booths.

September 20th to September 23rd, Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg

The Reeperbahn Festival is an annual music and arts event held in Hamburg which takes place in the city’s vibrant St. Pauli district, known for its lively nightlife scene.

The festival showcases a diverse lineup of musical acts spanning various genres, including indie, electronic, rock, and pop, while also featuring art installations, workshops, and discussions.

Visitors of the Reeperbahn Festival relax in the Festival Village at Millerntorplatz in 2018. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Axel Heimken

Renowned for its emphasis on emerging talents, the festival serves as a platform for both established and up-and-coming artists to perform on numerous stages across the area, attracting music enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world.

September 22nd to October 8th: Cannstatter Wasen, Stuttgart

The Cannstatter Volksfest, known as the Wasen, is named after its location in the Neckar Park in the Bad Cannstatt district of Stuttgart.

Spanning approximately 25 hectares, the festival features a multitude of fairground rides, earning the Wasen its reputation as Europe’s largest fair.

During the festival parade on the first Sunday of the event, elaborately decorated brewery wagons, colourful traditional groups, and music bands from the entire region march through the historic streets of Bad Cannstatt to reach the Wasen.

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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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