What's on in Germany: August 19 - 25

This week's highlights: Pop in Cologne, Argentine stories in Frankfurt, dragonboat races in Hamburg and a palace festival in Potsdam.


BERLIN

Festival

F**kparade

Come on out and bring the kids... on second thought, maybe not. People familiar with Berlin will not be surprised to learn that the Fuckparade is a grassroots demonstration that mixes partying and politics. Participants are welcome to bring their own drums and boom boxes to help speak out against the creeping corporatization and “Disneyfication” of their beloved city.

Price: Free
Location: Leipziger Platz to Revaler Strasse
Times: August 21, 2pm
More Information: F**kparade Website


Sports

International Stadium Festival (ISTAF)

Berlin’s enormous Olympic Stadium was host to more than a few subpar sporting events this year as Hertha Berlin, the city’s Bundesliga representative, compiled the worst record in the league. Luckily for sports fans, the 69th International Stadium Festival is taking place in the same stadium this weekend. Come see the world’s best track and field athletes compete. You might even see a few new world records set.

Price: €9 - €39
Location: Olympic Stadium
Times: August 22
More Information: ISTAF Website


Dance

Tanz im August: Berlin International Dance Festival

This annual showcase brings artists from all over the world to the Hauptstadt to showcase the latest developments in contemporary dance. This year’s festival will feature works from fifteen different countries. Many of the dancers hold workshops all over the city for aspiring dancers - or those who are just plain interested.

Price: €5.50 - €14.14
Location: Various locations
Times: August 19 - September 3
More Information: Tanz im August Festival Website



COLOGNE

Festival

Cologne on Pop

Not just a festival for music lovers, the Cologne on Pop Festival features lectures and workshops during the day for musicians and industry professionals, while offering a host of live concerts after happy hour. A must for anyone interested in or looking to break into the music industry as well as music lovers in general. This year’s festival features acts such as Caribou, Booka Shade, The Go! Team, Timid Tiger and more.

Price: Information immediately unavailable
Location: Various locations
Times: August 23 - 28
More Information: Cologne on Pop Website



DRESDEN

Festival

Dresden City Festival

Fans of German history have always flocked to the state of Saxony. For centuries, Saxon kings and queens ruled the eastern part of modern Germany, and set the stage for the eventual unification of the country in 1871. Dresden has always been at the centre of Saxony’s rich cultural heritage, and the annual Dresden City Festival is a celebration of the city’s unique history. Enjoy music, art, and children’s entertainment, plus don't miss the tour of the Elbe River via paddle steamer.

Price: Free
Location: Various locations
Times: August 20 - 22
More Information: Dresden City Festival Website



FRANKFURT

Exhibit

Artists from Argentina: Tales of Resistance and Change

One of the largest and most interesting countries in South America, Argentina, has experienced an incredible amount of progress and challenge in the new millennium. The Frankfurter Kunstverein has taken notice and is featuring an impressive collection of Argentine art from the last ten years. The works range from political pieces to abstract expressions and even offer novices a great picture of the contemporary struggles and successes in Argentina.

Price: €6, students €4
Location: Kunstverein
Times: August 20 - October 31, Tue - Sun, 11-7pm
Phone: (0) 69 2193 140
More Information: Kunstverein Website



HAMBURG

Festival

Rockspektakel

Hamburg’s rock music scene is legendary. Many bands have polished their chops in the bars and clubs along the Reeperbahn, most notably the Beatles. Rock fans can come out to the Rathausmarkt Square in front of City Hall this weekend for the Rockspektakel, a free festival that lasts all weekend. Since 1988, the festival has hosted up-and-coming bands from around the country, rain or shine. Who knows? Perhaps fans this year will witness the next rock supergroup.

Price: Free
Location: Rathausmarkt
Times: August 20 - 22
More Information: Rockspektakel Website


Sports

Dragonboat Festival

In the mood for some outdoor sporting fun? Come see over 100 teams race at the Binnenalster Lake in Hamburg. The Dragonboat Festival features a number of exciting races throughout the entire weekend. Those who need a break from the action can enjoy a variety of food stands, shows, children’s entertainment, and Asian ceremonies where one can learn more about the dragonboat tradition. Grab a spot on the Neuer Jungfernstieg for one of the best views of the races.

Price: Free to watch
Location: Binnenalster
Times: August 21 - 22
More Information: Dragonboat Festival Website



HANNOVER

Festival

Fireworks Competition

Hannover’s appropriately-named Grosser Garten (Large Garden) is the sight of its summer fireworks competitions. Groups from five different countries come together to show off their pyrotechnic skills and wow audiences under the summer sky. Spectators can also enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks, classical music, and theatre performances.

Price: Prices vary
Location: Grosser Garten
Times: August 21, times vary
Phone: (0) 511 168 44543
More information: Herrenhäuser Garten Website



POTSDAM

Festival

Potsdam Palaces Night

Potsdam is known for its stunning Baroque palaces and beautiful gardens. It even gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990. There is no better way to experience the magic of Potsdam than on Potsdam Palaces Night, when the buildings and gardens are open late and lit up with lights throughout the evening. Enjoy classical music as you stroll through Park Sanssouci, and find a spot in the grass to enjoy the evening-ending fireworks spectacular.

Price: €52 (under 14 free)
Location: Various locations
Times: August 21
More Information: More Information: Potsdam Palaces Night Website



STUTTGART

Festival

Stuttgart Wine Village

Although best known for its beer, Southern Germany offers a wide variety of delicious wine. The Stuttgart Wine Village is one of the largest wine festivals in Germany. Some of Baden-Württemberg’s best and biggest wineries come together for this annual twelve-day festival. Come and sample some of Germany’s established favorites such as Spätburgunder or Riesling, or try something new from one of the many wine stands in the village.

Price: Free
Location: City centre
Times: August 25 - September 5, 11am-11pm (Thu & Sat until 12am)
More Information: Stuttgart Wine Village Website