Mathaisemarkt March 6 – 10 and 13 – 15 in Schriesheim

The Bergstrasse, more hills than mountains north of Heidelberg, beckon with rides for all ages, a wine tent and numerous market stalls selling things you never knew you needed, from decorative items to household goods or maybe something for the garden. The parade on March 8 at 2 p.m. is a highlight of the festivities. This year’s edition is themed “A look into the future- Schriesheim celebrates 2064.” Check the weather forecast before setting out, because last year’s edition had to be canceled due to a big storm.

Easter Egg Market March 7 – 8 in Eberbach

The beautiful Eberbach Monastery, nestled in the Rhine Valley, is a stunning setting for this annual Easter egg market known throughout far and wide for its assortment of high-quality wares on sale. Some 90 exhibitors from Germany and other European lands show off their intricately decorated works, incorporating techniques including painting, batik, cross-stitch, piercing and more. Porcelain and ceramic eggs, along with floral decor. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 7 and 10 a. m.-5 p.m. March 8. Adult entry costs 6 euros, while ages 11 and under enter for free.

Luminale March 12 – 15 in Frankfurt and Offenbach

Every two years, in conjunction with a trade fair focused on lighting, Frankfurt’s sleek urban landscape is shown off to maximal effect. Once dusk sets in, the city’s buildings and public spaces are set off with installations, video-mapping and other special effects. The Light Walk leads visitors along a route encompassing many of these dazzling effects. While some indoor venues charge admission fees, the outdoor lighting displays can be enjoyed free of charge.

RendezVino March 13 – 15 in Karlsruhe

This event gives wine lovers the chance to try and buy a variety of different wines from Germany, Europe and beyond. In addition to a zone for sampling the bounty of the grape, visitors will also find a variety of gourmet products and spirits. Whiskey, gin and craft beer tastings are offered as well. The Messe Karlsruhe is located at Messeallee 1, 76287 Rheinstetten. Hours are noon-8 p.m. March 13 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 14-15. Entry costs 15 euros for adults and is free for children under the age of 12. Entry after 4 p.m. costs 8 euros.

Hessen International Motorcycle Exhibition March 13 – 15 in Wiesbaden

Motorcycle riders can kick start the season by checking out this exhibition taking place in the Rhine-Main Congress Center, where many of the latest models from top makers are on display, along with accessories for looking great and staying safe. Action-packed shows round out the offerings. The RMCC is located right downtown at Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 1. Entry costs 9.90 euros when tickets are bought in advance or 15 euros at the door. Youth age 15 and under enter for free.

Medieval Market March 13 – 15 in Mannheim

Travel back to those wonderful days of yore, when brave knights rescued fair maidens, jesters entertained at the king’s court, and a motley assortment of market folk hawked their wares. Craftsmen wearing attire from back in the day, from coopers to glass blowers to bow makers, show off their skills here. Young visitors can try their hand at archery or tossing of the javelin or take a spin on a hand-operated wooden carousel. Once evening falls, the site is lit up by lanterns and countless candles. Food and drink vendors make sure nobody goes hungry or thirsty. The strains of medieval music in the air complete the scene. The Herzogenried Park is located at Max-Joseph-Straße 64, 68169 Mannheim. Hours are 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. March 13, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. March 14 and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. March 15. Adults pay 7 euros to enter, children pay 4 euros, and those age five and under enter for free.

Strong Beer Festival March 13 – April 5 in Munich

Have you ever sampled strong beer? If you have, you can surely confirm the stuff lives up to its name. Not only is this one potent potion, but it also packs a punch in terms of calories. What got monks through the post-carnival season of Lent and its dietary restrictions is still brewed centuries later. Starkbier can be identified by their names: generally, they’ll have a suffix ending in "-ator" (Salvator, Triumphator, Maximator). The Paulaner Nockherberg is just one of several breweries hosting celebrations fuelled by these brews. In contrast to Oktoberfest, this celebration belongs to Munich’s residents, and while tourists are certainly part of the scene, it’s regarded as a much more authentic outing. Book tickets to Nockherberg’s fest or similar outings hosted by other breweries before traveling to avoid disappointment.

Long Night of Museums March 21 in Stuttgart

Fans of culture and nightlife, this is the event you’ve been waiting for! Each year in early spring, Stuttgart’s museums, galleries, industrial landmarks and other unexpected spaces stay open late to offer a variety of cultural events, from concerts to guided walks to hands-on activities. A total of 86 venues are taking part in this year’s edition, nine of which are on board for the first time. The ever-popular “rolling museum” is the opportunity to tour the city in a classic auto driven by a member of a local motor club, who volunteer their vehicles and services on the night. A combination of free shuttles and public transportation also transport visitors between the venues. The action unfolds between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. the following day. Tickets bought on-site cost 19 euros for adults and 4 euros for those ages 6 - 14.

Summer Day Parade March 22 in Speyer

Had well enough of winter? Watch it burn to ashes at this folk festival based on ancient rites. Each year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, the good folks of Speyer turn out for a colorful parade that’s mean to offer a brief respite from the solemnity of the season. These child-friendly festivities begin with a concert at 2 p.m., and the parade itself gets underway at 2:30 p.m. The action first unfolds in the pedestrian zone, between Kaufhof and the Altpoertel, then moves to the Klipfelsau, where an effigy of a snowman is set alight. Entry is free.

Easter Market March 27 – 29 in Wiesbaden

Decorated eggs, home décor, floral arrangements, candles, jewelry and a whole lot more are just some of the goods vendors will be peddling from around some 80 stalls set up in Wiesbaden’s pedestrian zone and at Mauritiusplatz. On Sunday, March 29, downtown shops will be open for shoppers from 1 p.m.-6 p.m., and crafters, in particular, will want to check out the fabric market on the Dern'sches Gelände.