Fireworks ()
This has to be my favorite time of the year (and not just because of the weather). There is a festival somewhere every weekend, so boredom is not a feeling you should be experiencing during your summers in Germany.
“Volksfests,” literally translates to people festivals, have a long-standing tradition in Germany. How they all started varies based on the host city’s history or the purpose of the festival. Most are familiar with Frühlingsfest in Stuttgart (Spring) and Oktoberfest in Munich (Autumn). What about all those months in between? What about the festivals that are more than just carnival rides, beer and food (not that those aren’t important). Germany offers a wide variety of festivals — music, historical, film and diversity.
Get your calendar and pens ready! Here are some summertime festivals you may enjoy.
JULY - AUGUST
Richard Wagner Festival - Bayreuth
This fest offers a series of musical and theatrical performances hosted in the Bayreuther Festspiele. Be sure to check the schedule soon to purchase your tickets in advance.
JULY - SEPTEMBER
Rhein in Flammen - Multiple Locations
Bingen, Rüdesheim, Spay, Koblenz, Oberwesel and St. Goar host spectacular fireworks displays over the Rhein River. It’s popular for festival-goers to view the show from boats on the water. Check each city’s special program leading up to the fireworks and tickets.
JULY
Kilani Folk Festival - Würzburg
At the crest of the summer festival season, you’ll find a fantastic, traditional, carnival-type festival. “Traditional” does not make this just another festival. Kilani offers its own variety of foods and entertainment. It could also be a new-to-you city and another experience to include in this European chapter of your life. Check out the city's website for more information.
Melt! Festival - Gräfenhainichen
This open-air music festival features top artists and up-and-comers in electronic music and indie rock. Go for a day or camp out for the weekend. Either way, go to meltfestival.de to get your tickets today!
AUGUST
Long Night at the Museums - Berlin
Step outside the norm with an amazing art festival of sorts. Museums across the city stay open until the wee hours of the morning, offer special programs and a behind-the-scenes look into what makes them so extraordinary.
Museumsuferfest - Frankfurt
Enjoy a spectacular festival celebrating art, culture and music along the Main River. It’s one of Germany’s largest cultural festivals. Go online to check the schedule of events which includes concerts and indoor and outdoor art exhibits.
Historical Burgenfest - Manderscheid
Free admittance into the time warp of this medieval festival. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching craftsmen at work, medieval games, music and food. Going in costume is highly encouraged. Find out more here.
By no means is this list all inclusive! Germany has so much to offer, so I urge you to get out there and experience as much as possible!
