When you think about visiting Germany, your first thought may be of Oktoberfest, the world’s most famous beer festival held every October in southern Germany. Just as the United States encompasses much more than cowboys and barbecue, Germany is much more than leiderhosen and beer. If you are planning a German vacation this summer or fall, here are some events that you should consider visiting:
Classic Open Air: Berlin
This music festival is not what you might imagine: instead of grunge bands, think jazz, opera, soul, swing and classical music. The concerts are held from July 5 to July 9 in the Gendarmenmarkt Square, and tickets can be purchased onsite from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, or at Ticketmaster.de. If you’re not already staying in Berlin, concertgoers can book a room at the Berlin Hilton for a reduced rate of 149 Euros per night (about $185, depending on the currency rates).
Museum Embankment Festival: Frankfurt
During the weekend of August 24-26, you can enjoy special events and exhibitions at ten museums in Frankfurt during this festival. Watch the dragon boat race on the River Main, and indulge in a variety of ethnic dishes from around the world. You can also hear live music, watch cabaret shows and take advantage of other cultural events. Every year, this event draws over three million visitors, making it one of the largest cultural celebrations in Europe.
Stuttgart Wine Village Festival: Stuttgart
From August 29 to September 9, you can enjoy a tradition started in 1974. Each year, one million visitors gather in the Neckar region of Germany to enjoy 250 local wines. You will also learn about the Swabian culture, complete with regional dances, singing and other specialties.
Beethoven Festival: Bonn
Each year, as the weather begins to turn to fall, beautiful Bonn celebrates the Beethoven Festival. The Andris Nelsons and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will kick off the event on September 7, and it will run for a full month, until October 7, with international orchestras, soloists and ensembles. This is not to be missed for the music lover privileged to be spending this fall by the River Rhine!
Oktoberfest: Munich
While Germany is not only about Oktoberfest, it’s still an important part of the country’s rich traditions. Over six million visitors from all over the world travel to Munich each year for this enormous festival. If you haven’t seen Oktoberfest before, you may be surprised at the size and intensity of the event. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, you will still enjoy the Bavarian music and food, as well as the lively camaraderie of fellow Oktoberfest-goers. This year, the celebration goes from September 22 to October 7.
In between all of the events taking place all over Germany, you should have your fill of delicious cuisine, quaint villages featuring lovely tudor homes, and picturesque scenery of mountains, castles and gorgeous foliage. Viel Spass! (Have fun!)
