Best of German Festivals: World-class Food, Music and Culture!

Germany offers a complete experience to all traveller types. Punctual. Serious. Humourless. Many believe the Germans to be among the least fun people on this planet. Let us tell a few little secrets that more than 30 million annual international visitors already know: Germany is super fun! From tangible history, huge cities with robust architecture, soul-soothing culture, stunning countryside and fun-filled German festivals, this land promises a holiday full of surprises. German festivals are plentiful, colourful and a unique chance to immerse yourself into the true essence of the German culture.

Most Spectacular German Festivals

Undeniably, most of the German festivals are so artistic and celebrated with a lot of joy and splendour. Be it any month of the year, you will be amazed to be a part of some festival throughout the year and have a memorable vacation. Let’s sink into some of these German festivals that are a must in your bucket list!

1. Oktoberfest, Munich

Germany’s Oktoberfest in Munich has a reputation of being one of the most legendary beer swills in the world. What started as a grand royal wedding celebration, is now the largest folk festival in the world. Nearly 7 million people are a part of this extravaganza consuming nearly 8 million litres of beer. The Bavarian capital of Munich is completely lit up during this time which is filled with castles, palaces and mountains.

Oktoberfest continues for around 2 weeks during the Fall season(Mid September to first Sunday of October). The entire city Dons Dirndl and Lederhosen attracts huge crowds where people indulge in crazy eating and drinking. For all beer fanatics- Oktoberfest is a must!

• Where: Munich, Germany
• When: Mid September to the first week of October(Around 16-18 days)
• Highlights: Parades in traditional costumes, Breakdancer ride, Bavarian beer, roasted wild Owen, Wild carnival, pasta dumplings with creamy mushrooms and much more.

2. Berlinale Film Festival, Berlin

Popularly known as The Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale is the world’s second-biggest and largest publicly attended film festival. It trails the remarkable Cannes Film Festival. With over half a million patrons from the International film industry, Berlinale is an explosion of glamour, talent and entertainment.

Apart from screening some of the best films, The Berlin International Film Festival is also promoting and encouraging new film projects. The most prestigious awards at the event are the Golden and Silver Bear awards. This extravaganza show is a must for any film buff!

• Where: Berlin, Germany
• When: 3rd week of February
• Highlights: International film celebrities, World-class filmmakers, Best film screenings, Electrifying ambience and Irresistible glamour, and much more.

3. Karneval, Cologne

Originating from Venice, Carnivals are now celebrated all over the world in a grand manner. Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities, situated on the mighty Rhine River. Karneval in Cologne is one of the biggest street German festivals, with over a million people out on the streets participating in this.

Crazy costumes 2-week long, amazing events and over 70+ decorated boats are among the major highlights of this Karneval. The whole week is, like most traditional German festivals, accompanied by heavy drinking and lots of dancing.

• Where: Cologne, Germany
• When: Mid November 2020.
• Highlights: Crazy costumes, fancy parades, marching bands, decorated boats and more drinking and dancing.

4. Beethovenfest, Bonn

Honouring the legendary music of Ludwig van Beethoven, this breathtaking festival introduces people to Germany’s classical music. The year 2020 marks the 250th birth anniversary of this legendary artist. This annual festival features 70+ concert performances by some of the world’s best orchestras, soloists, etc. It is a paradise for classical music lovers!

• Where: Bonn, Germany
• When: 14th March 2020 to 22nd March 2020
• Highlights: Soul soothing orchestras, live bands and a ride into Germany’s classical music.

5. DFB Pokal, Berlin

DFB Pokal is a football competition, which is nothing short of a festival held annually in Germany. Held every year, the DFB Pokal is a knockout tournament for 64 of Germany’s top qualified football teams. It’s a dream for every football fan to experience the atmosphere at the Dortmund stadium.

It’s electrifying, insane and we bet you would not have seen anything like this before. Singing, cheering, open weeping makes the DFB Pokal Final one of the wildest and most emotional annual events in Germany!

• Where: 2020 final in Berlin, Germany
• When: Year-long and final is in the month of May.
• Highlights: Some of the most dramatic football matches, electrifying crowds and cheering, and crazy fireworks etc.

6. Munich Opera Festival

Internationally acclaimed, the breathtaking Munich Opera Festival is one of the top-rated German music festivals. It is well known for its extremely rich tradition, unique settings and jaw-dropping performances. It hosts more than 30 opera performances annually. This festival also hosts Broadway musicals, concerts and ballet productions.

Munich Opera Festival is a grand celebration of the culture through music and arts. The world-class concierge service makes this festival extraordinary. Finally, this cultural delight will truly add unforgettable memories to your German holiday.

• Where: Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Germany
• When: Late June to late July
• Highlights: Broadway musicals, ballet productions, live orchestra and soothing German classical music.

7. Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart

 Lasting for more than three weeks, Cannstatter Volksfest is a wonderful funfair and beer festival held annually. This is the world’s second-largest beer festival after the Oktoberfest. Enjoy the colourful festival tents, joyful rides, vibrant flea markets and much more. In short, this wonderful attraction is a complete entertainment package.

• Where: Stuttgart, Germany
• When: 3rd week of September
• Highlights: Colourful festival tents, crazy costumes, flea markets and Festival parades and much more.

I am pretty sure you are craving for some cold beer now. Want to explore Germany to it’s fullest while immersing in these world-class German festivals? We have got you! Reach out to the experts at Pickyoutrail for your Germany vacation with a complete touch of personalization.