Events in Bavaria
Sports & Adventure
72th Four Hills Tournament
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The New Year’s Ski Jumping, which is traditionally held on January 1 as part of the Four Hills Tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, is one of the major ski jumping highlights of the season. Jumping distances of up to 140 meters are possible on the newly built Great Olympic Hill.
Bavaria’s most beautiful panoramic Run
Ettal / Oberammergau
The King Ludwig Trail has existed since 1968. The sections of varying lengths pass through the magnificent natural and cultural landscape around Linderhof Palace. It is now Germany’s biggest open cross-country skiing event – with participants from around 30 countries.
Biathlon World Cup
Ruhpolding (Chiemgau-Arena
This vacation resort in the Alps is famous for its biathlon tradition. The World Cup has been held no fewer than 40 times here. It is returning once again this year in January.
Largest luge race in the Allgäu
Pfronten
A real carnival spectacle! The big wooden sleds (Schalenggen) laden with hay race down the valley at speed. The candidates wear traditional costumes – and the fun is immense for everyone involved!
Marathon
Würzburg
Würzburg Marathon entrants can choose between the marathon, half-marathon, and 10-kilometer distance – and enjoy taking in the fantastic historical sights in the Franconian baroque city along the way. It is one of the biggest running events in Franconia.
Mountain Run on the Zugspitze
Grainau, Leutasch and Mittenwald
Around 4,000 runners conquer the mountain trail around Germany’s highest summit in the country’s biggest trail running event. They must overcome an elevation gain of approximately 5,000 meters on the 111-kilometer ultra-trail – and also run through the night.
Biggest triathlon in Europe
Roth
One of the most traditional and popular long-distance triathlons in Europe. The swimming section takes place along the Main–Danube Canal.
Mountain bike stage race
Oberammergau
The world’s toughest mountain bike stage race, die CRAFT Bike Transalp, is being held for the 25th time this year – and is passing through the pretty Upper Bavarian village of Oberammergau.
Pilgrimage to St. Bartholomew’s Church
Schönau / Königssee
One of the world’s oldest highland pilgrimages. The pilgrims walk for almost nine hours from the Austrian village of Maria Alm on the Hochkönig, crossing the Steinernes Meer plateau before finally reaching St. Bartholomew’s Church by the romantic Königssee. They make the journey whatever the weather!
Customs & Traditions
Mounted procession
Bad Tölz
Saint Leonhard is the patron saint of cattle – and is venerated in Bad Tölz every year with a procession known as the Leonhardifahrt. Around 80 magnificently decorated horse-drawn wagons parade through the town. At the end, whip-crackers known as “Goaßlschnalzer” drive away the “evil spirits.”
Fire Ceremony in the Allgäu
Different places in the Allgäu
On the first Sunday of Lent, the people of the Allgäu region traditionally light bonfires in the dark. It is an age-old custom, accompanied by brass band music, gun salutes, and crullers.
One of the oldest children's festivals
Nördlingen
The schoolchildren of Nördlingen parade through the old town in this festival procession, accompanied by marching bands. A family afternoon is then held for young and old alike, “Stabenklettern” included – a competition in which people climb poles.
Bavaria's oldest historical children's festival
Kaufbeuren
In Bavaria’s oldest children’s festival, the children of Kaufbeuren re-enact the history of their town between the Late Middle Ages and Biedermeier period. The activities last for twelve days, involving around 1,700 children in historical costumes and lots of horses, carriages, and musical bands.
Bavaria's largest festival with traditional costumes
Teisendorf
Bavaria’s largest traditional costume festival with 8,000 participants! The program includes a celebratory Mass with subsequent procession, evening entertainment with local songs and dances, a folk dance competition, and a market for traditional costumes and handicrafts.
Roman past comes to life
Kempten - Cambodunum Archaeological Park
Kempten’s Cambodunum Archaological Park becomes the setting for a journey back in time to everyday Roman life 2,000 years ago – with mounted games, gladiator battles, ancient handicrafts, plenty of opportunities to join in the action, and real historical authenticity.
Religious procession
5,000 pilgrims and 1,500 horsemen and horsewomen take part in this historical pilgrimage in honor of the “Most Precious Blood of Christ.” This is one of the biggest mounted processions in the whole of Europe.
Assumption Day with religious
Worship Catholic communities in Bavaria
The adoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a long tradition in Bavaria. On August 15, Catholics celebrate the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Masses are held in many Catholic communities in Bavaria to mark this occasion, at which the worshippers have herbal bouquets consecrated.
Historical parade with domestic livestock
Bad Kötzting
A big procession celebrates the farmhands and the tradition of the wagoners. Magnificent horse-drawn wagons, crockery, and old farming equipment such as threshing wagons and seed drills can all be admired.
Festival Days of Celebrating the Imperial City Rothenburg
For three days, the entire old town of Rothenburg is transformed into a huge, medieval camp. Knights pitch their tents, countryfolk roam around the alleys, and townspeople hurry across the squares in ruffled skirts. The Middle Ages are presented by various historical groups. And the guests? They simply intermingle with everyone!
Historic city wall festival
Nördlingen
The romantic streets and squares of the medieval old town are filled with old crafts, historical musicians, jugglers, magicians and artists, traveling folk, sutlers, flag-wavers, drummers and more. Visitors to the City Wall Festival experience three carefree days full of family fun and immerse themselves in the rich history of Nördlingen.
Cattle Drive procession in the Allgäu
Different places in the Allgäu
Many dairy cows, cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs spend the summer up in the Allgäu mountains in an Alpine pasture. When they return to the valley elaborately decorated in September, a big festival is held, often with music and a marquee.
Cattle Drive procession
Pfronten
The biggest cattle sorting event in the eastern Allgäu region takes place in Pfronten, featuring around 400 young cattle and 15 cows decorated with garlands. Once they have been brought back down from the pastures, a proper party is held in the marquee with traditions, music, beer, and folk dance.
Mounted procession
Bad Tölz
Saint Leonhard is the patron saint of cattle – and is venerated in Bad Tölz every year with a procession known as the Leonhardifahrt. Around 80 magnificently decorated horse-drawn wagons parade through the town. At the end, whip-crackers known as “Goaßlschnalzer” drive away the “evil spirits.”
Traditional custom
Bayerischer Wald - Bodenmais
On dark November evenings, men with huge clattering cowbells go from door to door – and are rewarded by the residents with beer and snacks. The background: The bells used to drive away the wolves, thereby protecting the herds and the prosperity of the farming folk.
Traditional custom
Allgäu - Sonthofen
Sinister figures clad in animal fur with horns and huge cowbells – known as “Rumpelklausen” – prowl around the streets of Sonthofen on both evenings. A custom dating back to ancient times that is said to ward off the evil winter spirits.
Fairs & Festivals
Winter Festival
Munich
The winter outing of this alternative culture festival not only features plenty of theater, concerts, and performances, but also stands selling organic food and a particularly charming Christmas market. Entry is free to over 80 percent of the events!
Procession with fire
Pottenstein
A religious torchlit procession is always held at dusk on the Feast of the Epiphany in Pottenstein. At the same time, countless small fires are lit on the hillsides around the town. It is an unforgettable sight.
Swimming event
Neuburg an der Donau
The colder, the better! At Europe’s biggest winter swimming event, around 2,000 brave swimmers plunge into the icy waters of the Danube every January. And swim a distance of four kilometers.
Festival about Bertolt Brecht
Augsburg
Augsburg, birthplace of the poet and dramatist Bertolt Brecht, once again this year pays tribute to its son with a festival of theater, literature, and music. The program to mark the 125th anniversary of the literary figure goes by the title “Brecht’s People.”
Lake and Wood Festivals at lake Tegernsee
Several destinations
Every self-respecting Tegernsee club organizes its own lake or wood festival in the summer. Beer and tasty treats are an integral part of it all, along with brass band music, dances in traditional costume, and a really good atmosphere.
All in the open air of course!
Castle Festival
Neuburg an der Donau
Every two years, the old town in Neuburg an der Donau celebrates all things Renaissance: Jongleurs, dancers, pages, and musicians, all clad in historical attire, bring the past to life. There are also fanfare bands and a market.
One of the oldest historic festivals in Germany
Dinkelsbühl
One of Germany’s oldest and most flamboyant historical festivals. It tells the story of how children saved the town in the Thirty Years’ War and there are several performances. The program also includes a procession and children’s dances.
Historic Folk Festival
Forchheim
This traditional folk festival in the Kellerwald in Forchheim goes on for eleven days. The Ferris wheel can be seen from afar, the landmark of the Annafest. Yet the other attractions, bands, and beer cellars also help to create the unique atmosphere.
Augsburg’s public holiday
Augsburg
The High Festival of Peace has been celebrated in Augsburg since 1650 – and with it the city’s religious freedom. The supporting program includes concerts, theater, performances, workshops, and discussions on topical social issues. There is also a church service, “Friedenstafel” (Peace Table), “Friedensgebet” (Prayer of Peace), and much more besides.
Roman Limes Parade
Kipfenberg
The Upper Bavarian town of Kipfenberg invites people to embark on a journey back in time to the Roman past with its Limes Festival. The highlight is the historical procession with Roman chariots, although Bavarian beer tents are also part of the program.
Cheese Festival
Lindenberg
A must for all connoisseurs: Special cheese varieties from all over the world, delicious chutneys and mustards, and fine regional schnapps and gins lead visitors into temptation at Lindenberg’s cheese and gourmet festival in the Allgäu region. There is also a supporting program with live music, cookery shows, interviews, and much more besides.
Festival Days of Celebrating the Imperial City Rothenburg
For three days, the entire old town of Rothenburg is transformed into a huge, medieval camp. Knights pitch their tents, countryfolk roam around the alleys, and townspeople hurry across the squares in ruffled skirts. The Middle Ages are presented by various historical groups. And the guests? They simply intermingle with everyone!
Old Town Festival with water jousting
Nuremberg
The innkeepers in Nuremberg’s old town welcome visitors for two weeks, where they can then sample the finest Franconian specialties in rustic half-timbered buildings. The program also includes a fall market, water jousting, a procession, concerts, and a Punch and Judy show.
Historic Franconian Folk Festival
Fürth
The Michaelis-Kirchweih is a parish fair that dates back 900 years and celebrates St. Michael’s Church in Fürth. It is considered the “Queen of the Franconian parish fairs.” The program includes gun salutes and fireworks.
Winter Festival
Munich
The winter outing of this alternative culture festival not only features plenty of theater, concerts, and performances, but also stands selling organic food and a particularly charming Christmas market. Entry is free to over 80 percent of the events!
Beer Festival
Spring Folk Festival
Augsburg
The spring outing of the biggest folk festival in the Allgäu / Bavarian Swabia region delights its visitors with exciting new rides, classic attractions, sweet temptations, and two big marquees. Let’s go!
Spring Folk Festival
Passau
One of the finest folk festivals in East Bavaria. The Maidult attracts visitors with rides, regional delicacies, beer tents, and plenty of music and atmosphere. The highlight is the grand procession of traditional costumes on the first Sunday of the festival.
Franconia's largest folk festival
Erlangen
The world’s oldest beer festival was first held in 1755. The venue is the Burgberg in Erlangen, where visitors sit beneath chestnut trees and drink cool beer out of steins, enjoy Franconian specialties, and have fun on the carousels and at the shooting galleries and raffle booths.
Historic beer festival with dressed procession
Hof
The “National Holiday” in Hof. There is a procession and “Starkbier” (strong beer) and bratwursts are served. A guided tour traces the footsteps of the Hussites, 15th century Christian reformers.
Franconian Beer Festival
Nuremberg
In the moat beneath the almost 1,000-year-old Imperial Castle – also known as the “world’s longest beer garden” – Nuremberg celebrates its traditional beer festival. For five days, it is all about the Franconian art of brewing, accompanied by hearty food, music, and a varied program.
North Swabia's largest folk festival
Nördlingen
North Swabia’s largest folk festival! In addition to rides and tasty treats, there are around 200 market stalls that turn the Mess’ into a large open-air department store.
Beer Festival
Kulmbach
Considered the world’s “purest” beer festival. Why? Because there are no rides or other amusements here to distract visitors from the real reason why they come: the Kulmbacher beer and the Franconian delicacies. Cheers!
One of the largest folk and beer festivals
Straubing
This is one of Bavaria’s biggest folk festivals. Over one million visitors every year enjoy the roller coasters, carousels, and the culinary delights in no fewer than seven beer tents. There are wonderful nostalgic rides in the historical section, along with a beer tent “from the good old days.”
Autumn Folk Festival
Rosenheim
The “Rosenheimer Wiesn” starts at the end of August. It is a big folk festival and much loved in the region and far beyond. Visitors enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the ambience in the beer tents, the authentic music, and the reasonable prices.
One of the oldest fairs in Bavaria
Abensberg (near Ingolstadt)
The Gillamoos market in Abensberg has been around since 1317. It is as popular now as it was 700 years ago – now in the form of a real folk festival complete with festival hall, music, party, and politics.
Folk Festival
Landsberg
Cotton candy and grilled fish on a stick, carousels and shooting galleries, beer tents and visitors in their finest traditional costumes: The traditional Landsberg folk festival is Bavarian lifestyle at its best.
Largest Folk Festival in the world
Munich
The world’s biggest folk festival has been held since 1810. Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world enjoy the authentic Bavarian lifestyle in large and small beer tents as well as at the numerous attractions and food stalls. Tip: At the “Oidn Wiesn” people celebrate the Oktoberfest just like in the olden days. A unique nostalgic experience!
Wine Festival
Wine Festival
Volkach
The Volkach wine festival is being held for the 72nd time this year. It is the biggest of its kind in Franconia. Guests can expect all kinds of food and wine stands, where they can enjoy produce from the region. Over 100 different kinds of wine are served by the glass.
Open-air theater
Historical open-air theater
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
At the end of May, the entire old town of Rothenburg becomes a “stage” for the performance of the historical play “Der Meistertrunk” (“The Master Draught”). What is it about? An episode from the Thirty Years’ War when the mayor of Rothenburg saved his town from destruction thanks to a hefty swig from the bottle.
Historical open-air theater
Wunsiedel
These theater festivals are held in Germany’s oldest open-air theater in the Franconian town of Wunsiedel. Besides classic drama, there are also musicals and performances of folk plays in the Bavarian dialect.
Historical Festival
Altdorf
Every three years, around 1,000 performers dress up in historical costumes in Altdorf near Nuremberg and transform the town center into a medieval encampment with colorful hustle and bustle. Schiller's "Wallenstein" and the folk play "Wallenstein in Altdorf" are performed in the picturesque courtyard of the old university - with amateur actors under professional direction.
Rococo Festival
Ansbach
The courtly splendor of rococo is brought to life when the members of Ansbach’s regional association transform the court garden into a glittering festival with theatre, dance, and fireworks. There is certainly no shortage of powder and wigs!
Open-air theater
Regensburg
Not only the backdrop in the inner courtyard of St. Emmeram’s Palace is unique, but also the high-caliber and wide-ranging program, which includes Mozart operas and the children’s musical “Bibi Blocksberg” as well as performances by pop stars such as Simply Red and Eros Ramazzotti.
Historical open-air theater
Bayreuth
One of the world’s most famous and exciting opera festivals. It is all about the works of the composer Richard Wagner here. They are performed in the festival hall specially built for Wagner’s operas on the Green Hill.
Germany's oldest folk play
Furth im Wald
A young chatelaine, a huge, fire-breathing dragon, and a courageous knight are the protagonists in Germany’s oldest folk play. It tells the fascinating story from the time of the medieval Hussite Wars in the 15th century. Around 1,500 locals are involved in the production. There is also a procession and folk festival.
Film Festivals
Short Movie Festival
Bamberg
Bavaria’s oldest short film festival (since 1991) brings color, verve, and drive to the dark January nights every year with around 100 short movies. It showcases German-speaking feature films and documentaries as well as children’s, animated, and experimental movies.
International Movie Weekend
Würzburg
A carefully curated film program including feature films, documentaries, short films, and children’s and young people’s movies over a period of four days in Würzburg. There are also interesting discussions with filmmakers and plenty of parties.
Film Festival
Bayreuth
For one long weekend, Bayreuth dedicates itself to the short film, showcasing the works of professionals and amateurs. The venue is the International Center of Youth Culture in Bayreuth, where the popular film festival party is also held.
Festival for Documentary Dtyle Movies
Bad Aibling
This documentary film festival in Bad Aibling is an industry get-together and vibrant public film festival. Dialogue and the sharing of ideas are especially important here: Discussions are held with the general public, filmmakers, and industry representatives after each showing.
International Short Movie Week
Regensburg
This short film week in Ravensburg focuses on a different country every year. The international festival specializes in experimental scoring from historical to topical short film productions.
Short Movie Festival
Landshut
The latest short film productions from Germany and other German-speaking countries are showcased at this public film festival in East Bavaria, a real magnet for visitors. Around 100 short films run in various program series.
International Short Film Festival
Munich
Bizarre, beautiful, barnstorming – that is the best way to describe the entries to this international short film festival in Munich’s legendary Werkstattkino. The “Hasso” public award is presented. Away from the competition, there is a special program known as “Trash and Weird.”
International Documentary Film Festival
Munich
Germany’s biggest documentary film festival, also known as DOK.fest, showcases documentary films of social relevance and artistic value. Works from all over the world are presented. The program also always includes a retrospective on the work of a renowned filmmaker.
International Film Festival
Munich
Germany’s biggest and most important summer film festival! Around 200 movies are shown, including world premieres and European and German premieres. With around 65,000 viewers, Filmfest München is also a real festival for the public.
Musical Film Festival
Oberaudorf
Set against a lovely Alpine backdrop, the focus of this festival is on the latest renowned musical films. The spectrum ranges from Hollywood productions to independent films. Open-air showings are also part of the program.
International Mountain Film Festival
Tegernsee
An interesting selection of mountain films can always be seen in October by the picturesque Tegernsee – portraits, documentaries, feature films. The focus here is always on the encounters between man and mountain.
Music & Concerts
Jazz Festival
Ingolstadt
The whole of Ingolstadt is swinging in the fall months between October and November when an exhilarating mix of jazz, rock, funk, soul, and more besides can be heard in the concert halls, bars, and churches. Famous jazz greats perform along with insider tips and young talent.
Classical Music Festival
Würzburg
The Würzburg Bach Days event is a nice way to get into the mood for the Christmas season. There are oratorios as well as organ, piano, and chamber music concerts. The Würzburg Bach Choir, Bach Orchestra, and excellent out-of-town Bach soloists guarantee the high standards for which the concerts are renowned.
Jazz events around the city
Burghausen
Major concerts by international jazz greats, as well as an extra program with morning pints, jazz nights and sessions in the castle cellar - in spring, the town of Burghausen is transformed into an Upper Bavarian New Orleans. One of the biggest jazz events of its kind.
Concerts around the city
Roth
A traditional blues rock festival that delights audiences with an innovative and boundary-crossing program. Bands and artists from all over the world perform here. The concerts are held in the “Kulturfabrik” and clubs, bars, and taverns.
Munich
One of the highlights of Munich’s cultural calendar is the Ballet Festival Week at the Bavarian State Ballet. The program has something to suit every taste – from classical ballet on pointe to modern ballet d’action and modern dance. The youngsters at the State Ballet are also given the opportunity to showcase their talent at a matinée performance.
Jazz festival in spring
Kempten
Every year at the end of April, Kempten is transformed into a real jazz stronghold. Music enthusiasts from near and far come to listen to well-known jazz greats and promising new discoveries. The event traditionally kicks off with a free concert on the town hall square.
Music Festival - from the Middle Ages to the Romantic
Regensburg
Regensburg’s most beautiful churches and two concert halls are the venues for this festival of early music, which is among the most important of its kind in Europe. The famous Regensburger Domspatzen children’s choir traditionally sings at the opening concert.
Classical Music Festival
Würzburg
Renowned musicians and up-and-coming artists with Mozart expertise meet in the summer in Würzburg and transform the magnificent baroque city into a melodious stage for a whole month. The program features around 70 concerts and events.
Open-air Rock Music Festival
Nuremberg (Zeppelinfeld)
At the start of June, 80,000 people regularly make a pilgrimage to the Zeppelinfeld in the south of Nuremberg to rock out for four whole days. The lineups in recent years have included Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Wanda …
Classical Music Festival
Augsburg
Augsburg is considered the official city of Mozart – and holds a festival every year in remembrance of the Mozart family. It presents not only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most famous works, but also compositions by other classical composers like Bach, Handel, and Monteverdi.
Folk Festival
Fürth
Many different stages and a varied program of rock music and samba, poetry slam and jazz. There is also a program of youth culture, a “Sustainability Festival,” and an old town festival – and the whole of Fürth joins in the party.
International Samba Festival
Coburg
The biggest samba festival outside Rio? It takes place in the Franconian town of Coburg! That is when 3,000 “Sambistas” spread the party mood on the open-air stage, while 200,000 enthralled spectators dance along.
Classic Music Festival
Herrenchiemsee
High-caliber concerts in a royal setting – this is what is on offer at the festival of Herrenchiemsee, the palace of Ludwig II reminiscent of Versailles, which is situated on an island in Chiemsee. The concerts take place in the majestic hall of mirrors and in the cathedral on the neighboring island known as Fraueninsel.
Open-air Rock Music Festival
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
An open-air indie, rock, pop, and punk festival in the Franconian valley known as Taubertal. Over 50 bands perform on four stages in front of around 15,000 spectators and offer something to suit every taste.
Bavaria’s largest electronic & house music festival
Bad Aibling
In the pleasant Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills, the air is electric in August. That’s because southern Germany’s biggest electronic music festival is held in Bad Aibling. There are over 50 artists from Germany and abroad, plus the best party atmosphere on five stages, including dance floor.
Historical Music (violin) Festival
Füssen
As the “cradle” of violin and lute making, Füssen is the venue for a festival where concerts, readings, lectures, and musical experiments are designed to show the historical, artistic, and artisanal expertise of the city when it comes to all things “strings.” The program includes early and new music, with performances by renowned artists and up-and-coming ensembles.
Jazz Festival
Ingolstadt
The whole of Ingolstadt is swinging in the fall months between October and November when an exhilarating mix of jazz, rock, funk, soul, and more besides can be heard in the concert halls, bars, and churches. Famous jazz greats perform along with insider tips and young talent.
Classical Music Festival
Würzburg
The Würzburg Bach Days event is a nice way to get into the mood for the Christmas season. There are oratorios as well as organ, piano, and chamber music concerts. The Würzburg Bach Choir, Bach Orchestra, and excellent out-of-town Bach soloists guarantee the high standards for which the concerts are renowned.
Exhibitions
Exhibition "Ois anders: Major projects in Bavaria 1945 - 2020"
Regensburg – Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte
The exhibition "Ois anders: Großprojekte in Bayern 1945 - 2020" traces Bavarian megaprojects and describes the transformation of the Free State from 1945 to the present day. The exhibition has a sophisticated and innovative media and film design and sees itself as a sustainable and climate-friendly model project.
Munich - Kunsthalle
Around 1900, young visionary artists in Munich set out to revolutionize art and reform life. With objects from painting, graphic art, sculpture, photography, design and fashion, the exhibition sheds light on Munich's role as the cradle of Art Nouveau in Germany and shows how topical the issues of life discussed at the time still are today.
Christmas markets
Bayerns Städte, Gemeinden und Dörfer sind in der Weihnachtszeit von Weihnachtszauber erfüllt.
Die Weihnachtsmarktsaison erstreckt sich über die gesamte Adventszeit, von Ende November bis einen Tag vor Weihnachten.
Upcoming Events 2024
Danube Festival
Ulm/Neu-Ulm
At the International Danube Festival – a festival of encounters – the diversity of cultures and lifestyles along this major European river is celebrated. A cultural program featuring dance, music, literature, and exhibitions from all countries through which it flows, plus the “market of Danube countries” provide an enriching insight into this key part of Europe.
A town re-enacts the Middle Ages
Landshut
This historical festival is held every four years, resurrecting a historically significant 15th century wedding. Over 2,000 locals in authentic historical costumes take part in the Landshut Wedding – an unforgettable spectacle.
Oberammergau
In 1633, the people of Oberammergau made a promise: To perform the Passion of Christ every ten years if the plague ended - and their prayer was answered. Since then, the Passion Play has attracted visitors from all over the world. The 42nd performance took place in 2022 and remains a unique experience that brings history and faith to life.
