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| Stuttgart Wine Village |
With anniversaries and unique events all year long, 2010 is shaping up to be a year of variety and diversity in Germany. From modern to traditional, the festivals and anniversaries offer something for every taste, including the RUHR.2010 European Capital of Culture, the decennial Passion Play performance in Oberammergau, the 300th anniversary of the renowned Meissen Porcelain, the 200th birthday of composer Robert Schumann in Leipzig, 175 years of German Rail in Nuremberg, and last but not least, the 200th year of the world’s most famous beer festival, the Oktoberfest in Munich! Year-round, Germany’s event calendar is brimming with high-quality concerts, art exhibitions, festivals and fairs. Check out these event highlights for 2010 and 2011 and you will see that any time is a good time to go! For a complete list of events, please visit www.cometogermany.com/events.
July 15 - 20, 2010
Classic Open Air, Berlin
Held annually in the stunning setting of Gendarmenmarkt, the city’s most beautiful square, this festival features all-time favorites in operetta, opera, classical and contemporary music.
www.classicopenair.de
July 25 – August 28, 2010
Bayreuth Festival
Every year in July and August the Bayreuth Festival attracts visitors from around the world with its exceptional productions of Richard Wagner’s operas. The celebrated works are performed in alternation at the festival theater, which was built especially for the event back in 1876. The performances are one of the highlights of the German festival season.
www.bayreuther-festspiele.de
July 31 – August 7, 2010
Gay Games VIII, Cologne
Every four years since 1982, 12,000 participants from 70 countries gather to participate in the Gay Games. This event is open to everyone, friends and family of the gay community, regardless of age, skill level or physical challenge.
www.gaygamescologne.com
August 20 - 22, 2010
Luther – Das Fest, Eisenach
Craftworkers, people in historical costumes, traveling players and entertainers recreate the fascinating atmosphere of a medieval market for Central Europe’s biggest historical spectacle when Luther’s life story is staged in three parts at original open-air venues.
www.luther-das-fest.de
August 25 - September 5, 2010
Stuttgart Wine Village Festival
Every fall, Stuttgart’s city center is transformed into a festive village with 120 wine arbors offering over 250 unique local wines. Visitors can enjoy the heart of Swabian culture with animated dancing, singing and regional specialties.
www.stuttgart-tourist.de
September 10 – October 11, 2010
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| Beethoven statue in Bonn |
Beethoven Festival, Bonn
Every year in late summer, Beethoven’s native city of Bonn celebrates the Beethoven Festival, showcasing top international orchestras, acclaimed conductors, outstanding soloists and celebrated ensembles taking part in around 70 concerts and operas.
www.beethovenfest.de
October 13 – 24, 2010
Festival of Lights, Berlin
For the sixth time the Festival of Lights will turn Berlin into a sparkling city with a celebration of illumination and events. World-famous historical spots and landmarks like Brandenburg Gate and the TV Tower will be highlighted by colorful lights, projections and fireworks. Complementing the festival are numerous cultural events on the topic of “light” as well as special “lightseeing tours” by bus, boat or bicycle.
www.festival-of-lights.de
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| View of the stalls at the Christmas market on Hauptmarkt Square, Nuremberg |
November – December, 2010
Christmas Markets
City centers all over Germany are transformed into atmospheric Christmas markets with giant Christmas trees and decorated booths that offer handcrafted gifts and regional specialties. Especially famous for these characteristic markets are Nuremberg, Rothenburg and Dresden.
www.germany.travel
March 3 – 9, 2011
Carnival
Carnival is the festival season in Germany, particularly in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz, featuring shindig parties, colorful parades and fancy dresses.
www.germany.travel
March – April, 2011
International Music Festival, Heidelberg
In March and April, Heidelberg resounds with music. Since 1997, the annual “Heidelberg Spring” music festival has become the leading event for classic and contemporary music in Germany with 80 concerts of acclaimed orchestras and soloists.
www.heidelberger-fruehling.de
April – June, 2011
Asparagus Festivals
Every year the asparagus season is celebrated with festivals where creative and traditional asparagus treats are served. Two of the most popular festivals are held in Schwetzingen and Bruchsal near Stuttgart.
www.germany.travel
June 26 – July 17, 2011
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™
In 2011, Germany will play host to the top 16 women’s soccer teams competing for the world championship title. The matches will take place in nine German cities, among them Berlin, Frankfurt and Dresden. Ticket sales have already begun and Germany expects thousands of enthusiastic fans.
www.fifa.com/germany2011