Highlights of the Month

26 May: Some forty days after Easter, Germans take another holiday. While the origins of Ascension Day are religious, many in Germany just appreciate the day off.

Affenfaust Galerie, Mar-Dec: Contemporary art, installations, performances and murals: The Knotenpunkt Festival makes Hamburg a true street art hub.

Hamburg's legendary music scene can't be stopped: it lives on digitally under the hashtag #LIVEFROMHAMBURG.

26 May: Those used to celebrating Father’s Day by bringing dad breakfast in bed and playing football in the yard may be confused by the German traditions.

Große Freiheit 36, 27 May: In need of a laugh? Hamburg International Comedy puts on regular comedy shows in English. This time it's the Women’s Day Edition featuring an all-female lineup of hilarious ladies.

Alster Lake, 28 May: To celebrate the strong ties between Hamburg and Japan, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually.​​​​​​​

Lange Reihe, 28-29 May: This celebration of diversity and creativity boasts lots of stands, shows and culinary delights.​​​​​​​

Messehallen Convention Centre, 28-29 May: Dozens of exhibitors providing lifestyle updates for contributing to a greener modern world.

Jork, 26-29 May: Live like a Viking at the annual Viking Market in Jork just west of Hamburg.

Most of the COVID-related restrictions have been lifted all over Germany, but there are still certain things to keep in mind. Read our overview.

Elbphilharmonie, 28 April - 1 Jun: Orchestras, choirs and solo artists from around the globe join forces in this annual festival.​​​​​​​

Messehallen Convention Centre, 31 May - 3 Jun: The year's earliest manufacturing trade fair is also the industry’s largest event in Northern Germany.  

Various locations, 3-4 Jun: One of the biggest jazz, blues and soul festivals in Germany takes place in the port area.​​​​​​

Jungfernstieg, 5 Jun: While most find it hard just to stay out in the summer sun, thousands of athletes actually choose to run, swim and cycle the extra 141 miles.

5-6 Jun: People in Hamburg are happy for the long Pentecost weekend but few know why it exists in the first place.

Various locations, 31 May - 6 Jun: During this celebration of the short film, visitors are treated to 4 days worth of films.

Various locations, 29 May - 6 Jun: From animation to docs, this festival showcases international short films for kids.

Eppendorf, 11-12 Jun: The street festival offers live music, huge flea markets and the legendary Kellner-Rennen.

Keep up-to-date on the current situation and learn about the health system, hospitals, doctors and pharmacies in Hamburg.

Wilhelmsburg, 10-12 Jun: Dozens of acts play for free at locations across the island of Wilhelmsburg.

Scheeßel, 17-19 Jun: Tens of thousands of guests descend which showcases the biggest bands. Enjoy the music!​​​​​​​

Various Locations, 22 - 26 Jun: 3 cinemas showcase contemporary Japanese films - anime, comedy, drama and documentaries.

Various locations, 24-26 Jun: Dozens of bands, nine venues, three days. The best part? Discovering new music while partying on an Elbe riverboat!

St. Pauli, 23-26 Jun: Arts and entertainment for a good cause: for four days, the stadium is Hamburg's (sub-)cultural place to be. 

Großmarkt, 24-26 Jun: Around 50,000 bikers roll into the city for a weekend of gathering, live music and contests.

As Hamburg loosens restrictions, this contact tracing app is one of the best ways to help keep yourself and others safe. 

Kiel, 18-26 Jun: Party at the World's biggest sailing event for everything from dinghies to tall ships! Kiel, gateway to Scandinavia!​​​​​​

Messehallen, 24-26 Jun: The Babywelt convention offers information, workshops and stands galore to new, old, expecting and future parents.

Various locations, 27 Jun - 2 Jul: The Hauptsache Frei performing arts festival is a hotspot for free-spirited artistic expression.

Altona, 17 Jun - 3 Jul: This Altona-based street festival combines theatre performances, arts, flea markets, live music and parties.

Planten un Blomen, May - Sep: The Planten un Blomen lake lights up in magical colours accompanied by classical music. Perfect for a picnic!​​​​​​​

Explore Hamburg's rich culture from the comfort of home. Online screenings, livestreams, tours and podcasts abound.