Michaelis-Kirchweih Through Oct. 9 in Fürth

This traditional Bavarian volksfest offers scary rides, gaming booths, a beer tent with live music, tasty treats and dazzling fireworks displays.

German Wine Festival Oct. 2-14 in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse

In additional to a wine village and midway with rides, a vintners’ parade with costumed marchers and over 100 floats takes place Oct. 13.

Duck Race Oct. 5 in Tübingen

Put your money on a yellow numbered rubber duck and hope yours finishes first in its journey along the Neckar River. If so, you win!

Viezfest Oct. 5 in Merzig

This festival celebrates the local drink of choice, a fizzy apple cider, with culinary specialties of the region and live music on four stages.

Stuttgart Night Oct. 19 in Stuttgart

Fans of culture and nightlife can enjoy concerts, shows, dance, exhibitions, guided tours and parties at 60 venues throughout town.

Long Night of Museums Oct. 19 in Munich

Visitors can enjoy a fun and fascinating stroll through 90 museums, galleries, churches, and artists’ studios open late into the night.

Halloween at Burg Frankenstein Oct. 25 through Nov. 9 in Darmstadt

Crazed zombies stalk victims across 12 scare zones at this Halloween party set in castle ruins. The action is tamer on Sundays, family days.

Days of the New Wine Oct. 18-20 and 25-27 in Rüdesheim am Rhein

Once the grapes have been harvested, it’s time to celebrate autumn’s glory with the fizzy new wine known as Federweisser.

Plan ahead

Carnival season begins Nov. 11 in Cologne

When the carnival period, referred to as Germany’s Fifth Season, officially kicks off at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11, tens of thousands of costumed revelers will come together on Heumarkt Square to celebrate the date with live music, shows and mad antics.