Christopher Street Day, Hamburg
There's no doubt about it: Hamburg has one of the most colourful gay scenes in Europe. Openness has tradition in Hamburg. Whether cultural or culinary - the harbour city has just the thing for every taste, no matter how off-beat - if Hamburg hasn't got it, no one has. Trends and novelties do particularly well under Hamburg's sun. It's no coincidence that Germany's first gay marriage was officiated here either. And in 2007, the city will celebrate CSD again.
> http://csd2008.hamburgpride.com/ (German only)
Aug *
Potsdam Palaces by Night and Impressions of the Palaces by Night
Nowhere else is Prussia's baroque period shown to be more splendid, luxurious and romantic than in the Sanssouci Park. On a summer's night, visitors can marvel at the magnificently illuminated palaces and parks, enjoy an opulent programme of theatre and music, literature, dance and cabaret, and treat themselves to a meal prepared by the best chefs from Potsdam and Berlin.
> www.schloessernacht-2007.de
Aug 7 - Aug 10
Hanse Sail, Rostock, Warnemuende
The maritime festival at the Warnow and the Baltic Sea with about 250 traditional sailing ships and museum ships as well as a varied cultural program ashore got its start in 1991. It has been called "[the] year's most beautiful staging on the water." Without a doubt the Hanse Sail can also be called "one of the most photogenic festivals" in Germany and the Baltic area. Photographers will find plenty of subjects, but also without a camera the Hanse Sail is always a feast for the eyes - the parade of ships, the regattas, the special manoevers and ships and crew members from dozens of countries.
> www.hansesail.com
Aug 9 - Aug 24
Moritzburg Festival, Moritzburg
The Castle Moritzburg just outside of Dresden will come alive once again in 2008 with the wonderful sounds of Jan Vogler and his roster of international musicians. For two weeks, soloists from all over the world will present works of chamber music in Volkswagen's Transparent Factory, the Schloss Moritzburg, the Frauenkirche and the Evangelical Church in Moritzburg.
> www.moritzburgfestival.de
Aug - Oct
Wine Festivals
In fall Germany boasts hundreds of wine harvest celebrations, ranging from small scale parties in delightful medieval villages to full blown open air festivals in cities featuring thousands of vintages. They offer a great opportunity to enjoy the country's food and culture. The "Weinfeste" are as diverse as the wines they celebrate and some date back hundreds of years. Most of the festivals feature some form of music - be it traditional bands, dancing or singing - while some will include a Lord Mayor's procession or Wine Queen contest.
> www.cometogermany.com
Aug 22- Aug 24
Luther Festival, Eisenach
Central Germany's biggest historical spectacle is back. An entire Eisenach quarter is again transformed into a series of scenes from the late Middle Ages with lots of loving attention to detail. Craftworkers, people in historical costume, traveling players and entertainers recreate the fascinating atmosphere of a medieval market. Luther's life story is staged in 3 parts at original open-air venues. An enchanting and moving medieval experience.
> www.luther-das-fest.de
Aug 27 - Sep 7
Wine Village, Stuttgart
More than 250 wines from Baden-Wuerttemberg are sold in more than 120 lovingly decorated vine bowers on Marktplatz and Schillerplatz around the old Palace. Wine festivals are taking place in Germany's 13 wine regions from late August to October for example in Wiesbaden and Mainz.
> www.stuttgart-tourist.de
Aug 29 - Aug 31
Museum Bank Festival, Frankfurt/Main
Frankfurt's museums lining the Main's riverbanks put on a multi-faceted program with many attractions. Spread over three days, it features a non-stop program of cultural events to please all ages and also takes in numerous major museums, theaters and concert halls across the city. A firm festival favorite is the dragon boat race, bringing Chinese mythology to life on the River Main. Seeing out the weekend with a bang, the festival saves the best for last and usually ends with an impressive riverside display of fireworks and music on Sunday evening.
> www.frankfurt-tourismus.de
Aug 29 - Sep 28
Beethoven Festival, Bonn
Every year in autumn the Beethoven Festival Bonn attracts the attention of music lovers from all over the world. More than 60 concerts of international orchestras, meaningful ensembles and prominent soloists, as well as an extensive accompanying program are performed at more than 20 venues in Bonn and the region: the Beethoven Hall, the house of birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, old castles and fortresses along the river Rhine.
> www.beethovenfest.de
