Major Events & Festivals in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
1. Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt)
A traditional Christmas market with over 250 stalls selling festive food, drinks, and gifts. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of the old town square.
- Unique Food: Try local specialties like Glühwein (mulled wine) and Lebkuchenherzen (gingerbread hearts)
- Timing: Runs from late November to December 23rd
- Location: Set in the beautiful Dorpstadt area of Dortmund's Old Town
2. Ruhrfestspiele (Ruhr Festival)
An international festival showcasing theatre, music, and dance performances. Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Dortmund.
- International Performers: Brings together artists from all over the world
- Variety of Performances: Offers a wide range of genres and styles, appealing to diverse tastes
- Location: Performances take place in various venues across Dortmund and the Ruhr region
3. Dortmunder Fasenacht (Carnival)
A lively carnival celebrating the spirit of Mardi Gras with parades, music, and masquerade balls. Join in the fun during this exciting week-long event.
- Parades: Featuring colorful floats, musicians, and elaborate costumes
- Timing: Takes place during the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday
- Local Tradition: Rooted in centuries-old tradition, with its own unique customs and costumes
4. Westfalenhallen International Trade Fair
A large trade fair showcasing a variety of industries such as consumer goods, technology, and services. Discover the latest trends and innovations.
- Industry Sectors: Offers fairs for different sectors like food, fashion, electronics, and more
- Timing: Happens several times a year with various themed events
- Location: Takes place at the Westfalenhallen, one of Germany's largest exhibition centers
5. Internationales Jazzfestival Dortmund
A renowned jazz festival featuring both established and up-and-coming artists. Delight in the rich melodies and rhythmic beats of this vibrant event.
- Artists: Attracts top international jazz musicians and bands
- Timing: Usually takes place in June or July each year
- Venues: Performances take place at various venues throughout Dortmund's cultural scene
6. Internationales Theaterfestival Dortmund
A festival showcasing contemporary theater performances from around the world. Explore thought-provoking and innovative plays at this exciting event.
- Artists: Attracts talented theater companies from various countries
- Timing: Takes place in May each year
- Location: Performances take place at various theaters and art spaces across Dortmund
7. Ruhr in Licht (Ruhr in Light)
A spectacular light festival illuminating Dortmund's industrial heritage sites. Marvel at the beautiful, creative displays and installations.
- Uniqueness: Uses unique lighting techniques to highlight Dortmund's industrial architecture
- Timing: Takes place in November each year
- Location: Features various sites such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and the Westfalenhallen
8. Dortmunder Frühling (Dortmund Spring)
A cultural festival featuring music, art, and sports events. Celebrate the arrival of spring in Dortmund with a variety of activities.
- Activities: Offers concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events during the festival
- Timing: Usually takes place in late April or early May each year
- Location: Events take place at various venues across Dortmund, including the Westfalenhallen and the Konzerthaus Dortmund
9. Dortmunder Herbst (Dortmund Autumn)
A cultural festival featuring music, art, and food events. Embrace the autumn season in Dortmund with a variety of activities.
- Activities: Offers concerts, exhibitions, and culinary events during the festival
- Timing: Usually takes place in late September or early October each year
- Location: Events take place at various venues across Dortmund, including the Westfalenhallen and the Konzerthaus Dortmund
10. Dortmunder Sommer (Dortmund Summer)
A festival celebrating summer with music, art, and outdoor activities. Enjoy the warm weather and vibrant atmosphere in Dortmund.
- Activities: Offers concerts, exhibitions, and outdoor events during the festival
- Timing: Usually takes place in July each year
- Location: Events take place at various venues across Dortmund, including the Westfalenpark and the Konzerthaus Dortmund
11. Dortmunder Kulturtage (Dortmund Cultural Days)
A festival showcasing diverse cultural events and activities. Experience the richness of Dortmund's multicultural community during this exciting event.
- Activities: Offers concerts, exhibitions, and workshops from various cultures
- Timing: Usually takes place in May each year
- Location: Events take place at various venues across Dortmund, highlighting the city's diverse cultural scene
12. Dortmunder Kinderfest (Children's Festival)
A family-friendly festival with activities, games, and performances for children. Let your little ones enjoy a fun-filled day in Dortmund.
- Activities: Offers a variety of age-appropriate games, workshops, and shows
- Timing: Usually takes place in June each year
- Location: Takes place at various venues across Dortmund, including the Westfalenpark and the Konzerthaus Dortmund
13. Dortmunder Filmwoche (Dortmund Film Week)
A film festival showcasing both national and international films. Discover new cinema talent and enjoy a variety of screenings.
- Films: Features documentaries, short films, and feature films from various countries
- Timing: Usually takes place in November each year
- Location: Screenings take place at various cinemas across Dortmund
14. Dortmunder Jugendkulturfest (Youth Culture Festival)
A festival celebrating youth culture with music, art, and workshops. Join young people from all over Dortmund in this exciting event.
- Activities: Offers concerts, exhibitions, and workshops tailored to youth culture
- Timing: Usually takes place in August each year
- Location: Takes place at various venues across Dortmund, showcasing the city's vibrant youth scene
15. Dortmunder Lesebühne (Dortmund Reading Stage)
A literary festival featuring readings, discussions, and workshops with renowned authors. Expand your literary horizons in Dortmund.
- Authors: Attracts popular and established writers from various genres
- Timing: Usually takes place in October each year
- Location: Events take place at various venues across Dortmund, including libraries and cultural centers