Festivals in Germany

Oktoberfest

Season or date: Late September to early October

World''s largest beer festival held in Munich.

Rhine Carnival

Season or date: Week before Ash Wednesday

Costume parade festivals held in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

Christmas Markets

Season or date: December Advent period

Stalls line squares nationwide, bustling with mulled wine and crafts.

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)

Season or date: February

One of the world''s three major film festivals. International event gathering film fans.

Leipzig Bach Festival

Season or date: June

Bach-related music performed centered on St. Thomas Church.

Wagner Festival (Bayreuth Festival)

Season or date: July-August

Prestigious music festival staging composer Wagner''s operas in a dedicated theater.

Ruhrtriennale

Season or date: Biennial summer

Contemporary art festival held in industrial heritage venues.

Stuttgart Spring Festival

Season or date: April

Family-oriented folk festival with traveling fairgrounds and beer tents.

Erntedankfest (Harvest Festival)

Season or date: First Sunday in October

Traditional harvest celebration popular in rural areas.

Festival of Lights

Season or date: October

Nighttime event illuminating Berlin''s historic buildings.