What's on in Germany: July 29 - August 4

This week's highlights: Toots & The Maytals in Munich, hot air Balloons in Leipzig, and a queen's wardrobe goes on view near Berlin.


BERLIN


Music/Concerts


Inventionen 2010: Music for more than one loudspeaker

Tired of the typical "sit in a chair, look at the stage" concert-going experience? During the Inventionen Festival's four nights of "acousmatic" music, the audience sits in a circle at the centre of St. Elisabeth's Church, while dozens of loudspeakers transmit strange but wonderful sounds.

Price: €10
Location: St. Elisabeth Church/ Villa Elisabeth, Invalidenstrasse 3
Times: Thursday, July 29 - Sunday, August 1, 5pm
Phone: 030 20 22 08 20
More Information: www.inventionen.de



Exhibitions


Oberbaumbrucke Open Air Gallery

Berlin's prettiest bridge becomes an art gallery this Sunday. Browse the paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures of one hundred and one local artists as you stroll across the Spree. Don't forget your dancing shoes. DJ Constantin Ruger spins tango tracks from from 4-10pm.

Price: Free
Location: Oberbaumbrucke
Times: Sunday, August 1, 10am-10pm
More Information: www.openairgallery.de



Luise - The Queen's Clothes

Take a midsummer's journey to the royal family's former summer residence, Paretz Palace this weekend. King Frederick William III's wife was beloved for her grace, dignity, courage, and beauty - but let's not forget about her fabulous sense of style. A glorious collection of Queen Luise's elegant Empire-style dresses, sparkling jewels, portraits, and other personal items go on view Saturday.

Price: €7
Location: Schloss Paretz, Parkring 1, Ketzin
Times: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-6pm; July 31 - October 24
More Information: www.berlin.de




COLOGNE



Events


Gay Games Cologne

You don't have to know how to turn a triple axel on the ice, or run a four minute mile to enjoy the Gay Games. Heck, you don't even have to be gay. In the spirit of inclusion, the Gay Games are open to everyone. And its not just about sports. There will be lots of singing, dancing, and even cheerleading in Cologne this week. Head on down for a gay old time.

Price: Various
Location: Various
Times: Saturday, July 31 - Saturday, August 7
More Information: www.games-cologne.de



Flower and Garden Market

Green thumbs, get thee to the Kölner Tanzbrunnen Sunday when the venue's open air stage becomes a gardener's Eden. From rakes to rose bushes, the market offers everything you need to make your garden more beautiful than your neighbour's. Snag the latest in bird baths and terra cotta pots. After all, the season's still in full bloom.

Price: Free
Location: Open Air Tanzbrunnen Köln, Rheinparkweg 1
Times: Sunday, August 1, 11am-6pm
More Information: www.blumen-gartenmarkt.de




FRANKFURT



Festivals


Main Fest

Frankfurt's oldest summer festival shifts into high gear Friday as carousels and carnival games come to life with their blinking lights and cheerful tunes. Be there for the opening ceremony when the Fountain of Justice is transformed into a fountain of wine.

Price: Free
Location: The Römerberg
Times: Friday - Saturday, noon-1am; Sunday - Monday, noon-midnight; July 31 - August 2
More Information: www.frankfurt-tourismus.de




HAMBURG



Galleries/Museums


Family Saturday at the Museum for Applied Arts

People sure dressed funny in the Middle Ages. Bring the kids along on a quest through the Museum for Applied Arts for mediaeval shoes, clothes, and accessories. After the hunt, the little ones can design their own accessories in the museum's studio.

Price: Free
Location: Museum for Applied Arts, Schaumainkai 17
Times: Saturday, July 31, 10am-5pm
Registration required: 069 212 38 522
More Information: www.angewandtekunst-frankfurt.de




HAMBURG



Festivals


Duckstein Festival

Trapeze artists fly over head while live bands perform along the riverside. Summer in Hamburg is a time to celebrate. "Art, culture, and cuisine" is this year's festival theme, so arrive ready to indulge in some of the best food and entertainment this city has to offer.

Price: Free
Location: Between Fleethof, Hotel Steigenberger, Bleichenfleet and Stadthausbrücke Bridge
Times: Thursday, July 29, 6-10pm; Friday, July 30, 6-11pm; Saturday, July 31, 2-11pm; Sunday, August 1, noon-10pm
More Information: www.hamburg.de




LEIPZIG



Festivals


Saxonia Balloon Fiesta

What's more majestic than summer's blue sky filled with a rainbow of hot air balloons? Be dazzled in Leipzig this weekend as dozens of the heavenly orbs take flight. Then, redirect your gaze earthward and sign up for the hip hop dance class.

Price: Free
Location: Silbersee
Times: Thursday, July 29 - Sunday, August 1
More Information: www.balloonfiesta.de





MUNICH



Dance


Rock the Ballet: Rasta Thomas & The Amazing Boys of Dance

They've shared the stage with Elton John, and walked the catwalk for fashion designer Richie Rich. On Monday, dancer and choreographer Rasta Thomas' fearless company The Amazing Boys of Dance begins a two-week run at Munich's Prinzregenten Theater. Their sensational show pairs Backstreet Boys style with Baryshnikov sex appeal.

Price: €22 - 54
Location: Prinzregententheater, Prinzregentenplatz 12
Times: Monday, August 2 - Sunday, August 15, 8pm
Ticket Hotline: 018 05 57 00 99 (.14/min)
More Information: www.rock-the-ballet.de



Music/Concerts


Toots & The Maytals

One of reggae music's most important, influential, and long-standing groups bring their jubilant rock-steady beats to Munich Tuesday. The new disc Flip and Twist features heartfelt tracks like "Fool For You" and "Perfect Lover" that showcase the soulful cool of Toots' legendary voice.

Price: €18
Location: Backstage, Halle, Wilhelm-Hale-Strasse 36
Times: Tuesday, August 3, 9pm
Ticket Hotline: 018 054 81 81 81 (.14/min)
More Information: www.tootsandthemaytals.com