Germany is a country with a rich culture and tradition, and that is reflected in its many festivals. There are festivals for music, art, food, and just about anything else you can think of. And, of course, there are also plenty of summer festivals!
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, check out our list of the 12 best music. From huge international events to small local gatherings, there’s something for everyone.
1. Nürburgring 24 Hour Race
Every year, on the last weekend of May, hundreds of thousands of people descend on the small town of Nürburg, Germany for the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race. The race, which has been held annually since 1970, is a test of both man and machine, as teams of drivers attempt to complete as many laps as possible around the grueling Nürburgring Nordschleife, a 13-mile course with more than 170 turns.
In recent years, the race has attracted some of the world’s top drivers, including Formula One stars like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. The event is also a major draw for spectators, with more than 300,000 people attending the race each year.
In addition to the main 24-hour race, the weekend also features a series of support races and live music from some of Germany’s top DJs. If you’re looking for a unique summer festival experience, the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race is not to be missed.
Address: Otto-Flimm-Str, 53520 Nürburg, Germany
To know more about Nürburgring, click here.
2. Wacken Open Air
Every year, music lovers from all over the world descend to the small town of Wacken in northern Germany for the annual Wacken Open Air festival. For four days, the town is transformed into a mecca for metalheads, with over 80,000 people attending from more than 80 countries. The festival features over 200 bands playing on eight stages, making it one of the largest and most diverse metal festivals in the world.
In addition to the music, there is also a huge camping area, as well as a medieval market, and a variety of other attractions. Whether you’re a die-hard metal fan or just looking for a unique summer festival experience, Wacken Open Air is definitely worth checking out.
Location: Wacken, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Rock am Ring
Rock am Ring is one of the biggest and most popular music festivals in Germany. The festival takes place every year in June, and it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The lineup usually includes a mix of international and local acts, and the genres range from rock and metal to pop and hip-hop.
In addition to the music, there are also plenty of stalls selling food and drink, as well as other merchandise. Rock am Ring is always a great experience, and it’s one of the best ways to experience German culture.
Address: Beuthener Str. 19, 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
4. Hurricane Festival
The Hurricane Festival is one of the biggest summer music festivals in Germany, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. The festival takes place in the small town of Scheeßel, situated in the northern part of the country. Despite its relatively small size, the town has a long history of hosting musical events, dating back to the early 1970s.
In recent years, the Hurricane Festival has become increasingly popular, with world-renowned artists such as Muse, Foo Fighters, and Green Day performing on its stage. The festival usually takes place in late June or early July, and features a wide variety of musical genres, from rock and pop to hip-hop and electronic dance music. If you’re looking for a summer festival with a bit of everything, the Hurricane Festival is definitely worth checking out.
Location: Scheeßel, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
5. Southside Festival
Each year, music lovers from all over the world descend upon the small town of Neuhausen ob Eck in southern Germany for the Southside Festival. For three days, more than 100,000 people come together to enjoy live music from some of the biggest names in the business. From rock and pop to electronic and hip-hop, there’s something for everyone at Southside.
In addition to the main stage, there are also smaller stages dotted around the site, giving up-and-coming bands a chance to showcase their talents. With a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly crowd, Southside is one of the best summer festivals in Germany.
Location(s): Neuhausen ob Eck Airfield, Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany (2002–present)
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
6. Melt! Festival
The Melt! Festival is a music festival that takes place in Germany every summer. The festival features a wide range of musical genres, from electronic to rock to hip-hop. In addition to music, the Melt! The Festival also offers a variety of other attractions, including art installations, food trucks, and a Ferris wheel.
The festival takes place in the city of Ferropolis, which is located in the east of Germany. Melt! is one of the largest and most popular summer festivals in Germany, attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. If you’re looking for a summer festival that has something for everyone, then the Melt! The Festival is definitely worth checking out.
Location(s): Gräfenhainichen, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
7. Lollapalooza Berlin
Lollapalooza Berlin is one of the city’s biggest and most popular festivals, attracting tens of thousands of music lovers from all over the world. The festival takes place in the iconic Tempelhof Airport and features a wide range of musical genres, from pop and rock to hip-hop and EDM.
In addition, to live music, visitors can enjoy food from around the world, art installations, and a variety of other activities. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend or a chance to discover new music, Lollapalooza Berlin is sure to deliver.
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
8. SonneMondSterne
SonneMondSterne is a three-day event that takes place in the town of Saalburg and features a wide variety of music, art, and culture. One of the highlights of SonneMondSterne is the massive main stage, which features some of the biggest names in electronic music. The festival also has a strong focus on visual arts, with live paintings and installations scattered throughout the site.
In addition to the music and art, SonneMondSterne also offers a variety of food and drink options, as well as a camping ground for those who want to make a weekend of it. Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience or just a fun way to spend a summer weekend, SonneMondSterne is definitely worth checking out.
Address: Wetteraweg 2, 07929 Saalburg-Ebersdorf, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
9. Time Warp
One of the most popular summer events in Germany is the Time Warp festival, which takes place in Mannheim every year. The festival is famous for its eclectic mix of music, from techno and house to drum and bass. The atmosphere is electric, and the crowds are always ready to dance.
With a huge range of food and drink on offer, as well as a selection of artworks and installations, Time Warp is a feast for the senses. If you’re looking for a summer festival that’s unlike any other, then Time Warp is definitely worth a visit.
Location(s): Mannheim, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
10. Mayday
Mayday, or Maifeiertag, is a public holiday in Germany that is celebrated on May 1st. The holiday has its roots in the Roman festival of Floralia, which was a celebration of springtime and fertility. However, over time it has become associated with the labor movement and is now a day for celebrating workers’ rights.
Traditionally, Mayday celebrations involve street parades and rallies, and there is often a strong political element to the proceedings. In recent years, however, the holiday has also become a more mainstream affair, with an emphasis on family fun and socializing. One of the most popular events on Mayday is the Berlin Mayday parade, which attracts tens of thousands of revelers each year.
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
11. Nature One
Nature One is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in Germany, and takes place every year in the town of Kastellaun. The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world and features a wide range of musical styles, from techno and house to trance and hard dance.
Nature One is also known for its spectacular visuals, with laser shows and pyrotechnics lighting up the sky. In addition to the music, there are also a variety of other activities on offer, from yoga classes to market stalls. Whether you’re a party animal or a nature lover, Nature One is sure to have something for you.
Location(s): Missile base Pydna near Kastellaun, Germany
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
12. Berlin Love Parade
Every summer, Berlin comes alive with a series of festivals celebrating music, art, and culture. One of the most popular is the Love Parade, a massive street party that attracts visitors from all over the world. The parade features float decorated with colorful paintings and sculptures, and the crowd is often decked out in elaborate costumes.
The atmosphere is electric, and the music is loud and pumping. For one day, the city becomes a giant dance floor as people of all ages let loose and enjoy themselves. The Love Parade is just one of many summer festivals in Germany that make Berlin such an exciting place to be. From open-air concerts to film screenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
In Conclusion
Germany is a great place to be during the summer months, thanks to its many festivals. Whether you’re looking for a huge international event or a small local gathering, there’s sure to be something that is very interesting. These are just a few of the many great summer festivals taking place in Germany every year. So get out there and enjoy the summer, and surely have a memorable time.
