August is the month to enjoy Germany at its festive best. Don’t forget to double check dates and pre-book tickets where needed. Many of these events fill up fast!
August 1st -3rd: Berlin Brettspiel (“Board Game”) Con
Start the month with some friendly competition at Berlin Brettspiel Con, one of Europe’s largest gatherings for board game enthusiasts.
Held at the Estrel Convention Centre, the get together features new releases, classics, indie prototypes and family favourites.
There are also tournaments, giant free-play areas, and the chance to stock up on your favourites.
Throughout August: Bayreuther Festspiele (“Bayreuth Festival”)
For opera lovers, August is all about Bayreuth.
The legendary Bayreuther Festspiele in Bavaria draws fans of Richard Wagner from around the world to its unique hilltop theatre. Expect cutting-edge productions and musical perfection in the only opera house built to Wagner’s specification.
August 6th – 10th: Open Flair Festival in Eschwege, Hesse
A cult (and family) favourite, the Open Flair Festival in Eschwege majors in rock, punk and indie acts alongside poetry slams, cabaret, and art.
The lakeside location and relaxed vibe make it a summer highlight—perfect for those seeking great live music in a family-friendly setting.
Open Flair is one of dozens of music festivals taking place around the country in August. In Schleswig-Holstein, heavy metal heads will be raising a glass to deceased Black Sabbath front man Ozzie Osbourne at Wacken Open Air at the beginning of the month. MS Dockville takes place in Hamburg in the middle of the month.
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At the end of August, Berlin Atonal combines electronic music and immersive visual art in a stunning, post-industrial space.
August 13th –17th: Weindorf Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Rothenburg, Bavaria
Raise a glass at the Weindorf, Rothenburg’s beloved wine village festival. Local winemakers set up stalls beneath the towers of this perfectly preserved medieval town on Germany’s Romantic Road.
Sip Franconian specialties, enjoy hearty regional fare, and unwind to live music as the sun sets over the cobblestones.
August 13th –-30th: Tanz im August, Berlin
Tanz im August transforms Berlin into a global centre for contemporary dance.
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Over two weeks, Germany’s capital city hosts international stars, experimental groups, and innovative productions across venues like HAU and Radialsystem. From dazzling solos to daring large-scale works, this festival is a must-visit for anyone who believes in the power of dance to tell a story.
August 20th – 24th: Gamescom, Cologne
Gamers, mark your calendars! Towards the end of August, Cologne welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors to the world’s biggest video game trade fair.
Test the latest releases, join e-sport tournaments, spot your favourite streamers, and get exclusive peeks at what’s coming next in the gaming world. Expect giant halls, cosplay, esports, and pop culture energy on overload.
August 21st – 25th: Sandkerwa Folk Festival in Bamberg, Bavaria
These days, the Sandkerwa is one of the largest folk festivals in Bavaria, offering five days of celebration in the narrow streets of Bamberg amidst the romantic atmosphere of Little Venice. Think riverside beer tents, colourful folk parades, traditional music, and the lively Fischerstechen (“fishermen’s jousting”) on the Regnitz.
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Each year, over 200,000 people gather to (re)discover Franconian beer, specialities, music, dancing and traditional garb. Puppet stages, concerts and fishing competitions are also on the agenda this year, alongside an impressive fireworks display.
August 23rd –24th: Open Days of the German Federal Government, Berlin
Ever wanted to walk through the corridors of power?
The Open Days of the German Federal Government open up rare public access to the chancellery, ministries, and other government buildings in Berlin.
Explore the inner workings of Germany’s democracy, quiz ministers and policy experts, and enjoy hands-on children’s activities and live performances.
August 30th: Kölner Lichter, Cologne
Prepare to be dazzled as the Kölner Lichter lights up the Rhine. After a five-year pause, Cologne’s legendary fireworks event returns, synchronizing dramatic pyrotechnics with music. Arrive early to find a good spot on the banks of the river!
August 29th – 31st: Museumsuferfest Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main
Round off the month on a high at Museumsuferfest, Frankfurt’s lively weekend of arts, food, and music along the Main river.
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This art and culture event takes its name from the Museumsufer, the nickname given to the banks of the river due to the large number of museums located there. For the occasion, museums on the northern and southern banks of the Main keep their doors open late into the night.
Do you have an event in Germany that you'd like us to highlight? Let us know by emailing news@thelocal.de.
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