Highlights of the Year in the Rhine-Main Region

Mainz

01.01. - 14.02.2024
Mainz carnival
It's carnival time in Mainz, the fifth season begins. This year under the motto 2023: "In Mainz, Fastnacht is all about peace, freedom and tolerance."
The revellers and carnival revellers get ready for great days and jubilant nights.

12.02.2024
The Rose Monday parade
The highlight for every fool is the Rose Monday parade of the Mainz Carnival: on Rose Monday, it starts punctually at 11.11 a.m. and parades through the most beautiful streets of the city center. It finally reaches its climax around Mainz Cathedral. The route of the procession is approx. 7.2 km, the length of the procession has now reached 9 km.

23.03 - 07.04.2024
Mainz Rhine Spring
The Rhine Spring opens the funfair season in Mainz. After the funfair had to be postponed to the end of July last year due to construction work on the banks of the Rhine, this time it takes place in spring again, in keeping with its name. For 16 days, there is the full program with candy floss, bumper cars, Ferris wheel, ghost train and many other rides.

05.05.2024
Gutenberg Marathon - fun run
The Mainz fun run is getting a new look this year. The marathon course will be scrapped and the focus will instead be on the half marathon. In addition, a ten-kilometer run and the schoolchildren's Ekidenlauf will be offered. The organizers are hoping for 5,000 to 6,000 registrations for the half marathon and 3,000 for the ten-kilometer race. The registration phase is underway. As usual, the route leads.

09.05. - 12.05.2024
Mainz Wine Bank Festival
It was not until 2022 that the "Mainzer Weinufer" celebrated its premiere in its current form. In 2023, the festival had to be canceled due to construction work on the banks of the Rhine between the Theodor-Heuss Bridge and Kaisertor. This year, the four-day event is returning to the calendar. Around 50,000 people attended the premiere in 2022, which is why the organizers from Mainzplus Citymarketing want to remain true to their concept. Wine enjoyment, a view of the Rhine and a live program - this triad is designed to win over wine lovers.

17.05 - 20.05.2024
Open Ear Festival
"Art, criticism, ruckus": this is the overarching theme of the popular festival, which is taking place for the 50th time this year. In its anniversary year, the organizers say they want to explore the importance of art and culture for democracy. As usual, this includes a colorful mix of lectures, discussions, music, theater, film and cabaret. For four days over the Whitsun weekend, the Citadel will once again be transformed into a large festival area and a meeting place for young and old. Advance tickets are already on sale.

11.07. - 16.07.2024
Brezelfest
Mainz-Bretzenheim
The Brezelfest takes place in the historic center of Bretzenheim. On three days, the clubs offer culinary specialties and a wide range of games as well as a stage program for young and old.

07.06. - 09.06.2024
Strawberry Festival
Mainz-Gonsenheim
At our folk festival, everything revolves around the

21.06. - 24.06.2024
St. John's Night in Mainz
Stage program
Typical program items also include theater, cabaret, jugglers and, of course, music on the stages in the city center.
Sailing regatta and three-bridge run
Sporty visitors get their money's worth: at the sailing regatta and the traditional Three Bridges Run.
Rhine fun
Attractive offers for the whole family await you along the entire riverbank area in front of the Electoral Palace: children's carousels, fast and high rides as well as food and drink stands provide variety and fun at the funfair! The Ferris wheel, the colorful lights of the stands and the red illuminated castle gate show the way.
Fireworks
Four days of summer fun end on Monday evening at around 10.30 pm with a magnificent firework display over the Rhine at the height of the Electoral Palace. You can marvel at the spectacle from the riverbank or from the Theodor Heuss Bridge; the bridge is closed to traffic from 10 p.m. (see Closures for details).
- Open air concerts in the most beautiful places in Mainz

28.06. - 08.08.2024
SUMMER IN THE CITY - Open air concerts in the most beautiful squares in Mainz
This year you can once again enjoy the warm summer air with your best friends to your favorite artists - in the most beautiful places in Mainz?
For over 10 years, the SUMMER IN THE CITY festival has been turning this dream into a dreamlike reality. Here, people celebrate, dance and enjoy life together.

www.summerinthecity-mainz.de
Clueso, Montez, Silbermond, Ronan Keating, Zucchero, The BosshossBukahara, Elif

25.07. - 28.07.2024 RÜSSELSHEIM
Herzberg Festival
Rüsselsheim
The Burg Herzberg Festival, also known as Bonsai Woodstock, is a music and literature festival of hippie culture in the Gehau district of Breitenbach. With 12,000 visitors, the Burg Herzberg Festival is the largest open-air hippie festival in Europe.

30.07.2023
Jazz picnic
Relax to live jazz music and experience a colorful children's program with lots of movement and skill games as well as interesting offers in the creative area (e.g. painting swing or air-brush tattoos).

29.08. - 08.09.2024
Mainz Wine Market
Mainz city park
Mainz presents itself from its most beautiful side on the last weekend in August and the first weekend in September: the Mainz Wine Market in the city park attracts numerous winegrowers and exhibitors from the region. Guests can stroll around the grounds during the popular wine tasting and sample their personal wine selection from participating winegrowers. A colorful music program provides the perfect feel-good atmosphere. The popular artists' market takes place in the rose garden for those interested in art. Handmade treasures such as jewelry, ceramics and woodwork are offered at numerous stands. For younger guests and their families, a bouncy castle will be set up on the children's meadow by the flamingo pond where they can play and run around to their heart's content.

27.10.2024
Fête de la Gastronomie and open coat sales Sunday
Mainz city center

23.11. - 23.12.2024
Mainz Christmas Market
MAINZ city center
Against the historic backdrop of the 1,000-year-old St. Martin's Cathedral, the Mainz Christmas market shines with festively decorated stalls. Experience numerous cathedral concerts and matinees. For young and old, there is the traditional fairytale performance in the Mainz State Theater. The popular Christmas card printing in the Gutenberg Museum's print store is also one of the special Christmas attractions in Mainz

Wiesbaden

27.01.2024
hr2-Hörgala
The big cabaret revue at the hr2-Hörfest Wiesbaden once again guarantees mercilessly good entertainment and the best training for the diaphragm and laughter muscles - with the unique Carmella de Feo, the incomparable Sulaiman Masomi, the extraordinary Anna Piechotta and the unrivaled Martin O.
The evening will be hosted by hr2 presenter Klaus Krückemeyer.

12.02. - 04.02.2024
International Motorcycle Show Hesse
RMCC Rhein-Main Congress Center, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 1
The IMA opens its doors for the second time and presents many new two-wheeler innovations and a spectacular supporting program. Renowned motorcycle manufacturers will be presenting their highlights for the coming season. Dealers and manufacturers of helmets, clothing, motorcycle accessories and travel equipment round off the offer with a large selection.

11.02.2024
Carnival parade
Wiesbaden city center
The participants in the carnival Sunday parade include the affiliated clubs of DachoWiesbaden, clubs and groups from all over Germany and abroad. In keeping with tradition, the parade starts at 1.11 pm at Elsässer Platz. From there, the parade makes its way through the city center, past the town hall and thousands of fools at the roadside.

17.03. - 24.03.2024
German Television Thriller Festival
Caligari FilmBühne, Marktplatz 9, Murnau Filmtheater, e.g. Murnaustraße 6
The popular crime thriller festival takes place at the Caligari FilmBühne. As part of the festival, the German Television Award will once again be presented.

15.03. - 17.03.2024
Easter market and Sunday shopping
Pedestrian zone and Mauritiusplatz
Opening hours: Friday and Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
The traditional Easter market takes place in Wiesbaden's pedestrian zone and around Mauritiusplatz two weeks before Easter. Many different stalls present a colorful range of arts and crafts. On Sunday, a fabric market with over 100 stalls takes place on the Dernschen grounds. Parallel to the Easter market, the Wiesbaden automobile exhibition is held on Schlossplatz, and a Sunday open for business rounds off the three days of events.

16.03.2024
Rock-Pop-Jazz Festival
Cultural Forum, Friedrichstraße 16


05.04. - 08.04.2024
Spring Festival
Alsace Square
The spring festival offers numerous rides every year. From the Ferris wheel you have a special view of the action on the fairground - numerous food stalls, throwing and lottery booths.

24.04. - 30.04.2024
goEast Festival
Caligari FilmBühne Marktplatz 9, Murnau Filmtheater, e.g. Murnaustraße
The festival now welcomes around 200 guests every year, including well-known directors and stars. A lively exchange with Central and Eastern Europe takes place every spring.

25.04.2024
Ball of the wine 2024
Wiesbaden Kurhaus
Every year, the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) invites guests from politics, business and the culinary scene to the Ball des Weines, one of the most beautiful balls in Germany. Enjoy a wonderful evening with music, wine, top cuisine and dancing.

01.05. - 31.05.2024
International May Festival
Hessian State Theater Wiesbaden, Christian-Zais-Straße
After the Bayreuth Festival, the Wiesbaden International May Festival is the oldest in Germany. Every year, under the artistic direction of artistic director Uwe Eric Laufenberg, major drama and opera ensembles, ballet companies and musicians from all over the world come to Wiesbaden.

01.06. - 31.08.2024
Summer market
Mauritiusplatz
A cultural diversity with Wiesbaden artists, clubs, music and dance schools is offered at the summer market as well as a varied entertainment program around culture, entertainment and gastronomy. Extensive greenery invites you to linger and brings nature to Mauritiusplatz.

07.06. - 09.06.2024
Theatrium / Wilhelmstraße Festival
There will be three days of celebrations on and around Wilhelmstraße in 2024: A total of 180 stalls along Wilhelmstraße, Burgstraße, around the Hotel Nassauer Hof, on the Bowling Green and the Warmen Damm will offer culinary delights from all over the world. Walking acts will also provide entertainment.
Varied program on five stages

22.06. - 07.09.2024
Rheingau Music Festival
various venues
The Rheingau Music Festival once again delights audiences with concerts by world-class soloists and orchestras. Every year, around 120,000 music lovers from near and far come to Wiesbaden and the Rheingau to experience the finest in concert enjoyment at over 40 mostly historic venues.

www.rheingau-musik-festival.de

12.07. - 15.07.204
Schierstein Harbor Festival
Schierstein - Harbor
The festival around the Schierstein harbour, with an amusement park and a 500 meter long "Fressgass", is not only attractive for water lovers.

09.08. - 18.08.2024
Rheingau Wine Week Wiesbaden
"The longest wine bar in the world" is in Wiesbaden: For ten days, Schlossplatz, the square in front of the Marktkirche and the Dern'sche Gelände will once again be transformed into a dream destination for lovers of fine Rheingau wines. In addition to wine, there is of course a wide range of culinary delights to suit every taste under the motto "Discover, taste and enjoy the familiar and the new".

27.09. - 29.09.2024
City festival, fall market and arts and crafts market
City center, old town, Warmer Damm
Pedestrian zone and Mauritiusplatz
A daily changing program is offered on the most beautiful squares in Wiesbaden. The harvest festival on the "Warmer Damm", the autumn market, an open Sunday and the Wiesbaden automobile exhibition on the Schlossplatz are also part of the city festival.

28.09. - 29.09.2024
Harvest festival
Warmer Damm green space
City and country celebrate Thanksgiving
The harvest festival on the "Warmer Damm" is part of the city festival.

15.11. - 24.11.2024
Exground Film Festival
Caligari FilmBühne, Marktplatz 9, Murnau Filmtheater, e.g. Murnaustraße 6
Wiesbaden's oldest film festival is one of Germany's most important events for international, independent productions.

26.11. - 23.12.2024
Shooting Star Market 2024
The stalls at the Sternschnuppenmarkt offer Christmas accessories and gift items. There are also snack stands and the historic horse-drawn carousel in front of the town hall for young and old. Get into the Christmas spirit with arts and crafts, pre-Christmas specialties and an equally atmospheric accompanying program with choirs, nativity plays, tower winds, concerts, storytelling and much more. The attractive Christmas offer in the city center is extended by the Mauritiusplatz with the Ferris wheel and the WinterStubb.  
Four large entrance gates, illuminated with lilies, form the chosen entrance.

28.11.2024 - 14.01.2025
Ferris wheel with Winterstubb
Mauritius Square
The square is decorated with festively illuminated lilies, which come from Wiesbaden's city coat of arms. A 25-metre-high, magnificently decorated Christmas tree, Christmas scents and festive music from the annual Sternschnuppen market create the right atmosphere.

November 2024 - January 2025
Children's Christmas market
Luisenplatz
An attractive light display provides an atmospheric setting. There is an entertaining children's program in a special atmosphere, as well as stalls selling goods and interesting food stalls to round off the family program.

Darmstadt

13.01. - 21.01.2024
dazz - Jazz Winter Darmstadt
Several venues in Darmstadt
In January, dazz - Jazz Winter Darmstadt celebrates the city's vibrant music scene. More than 10 different venues present jazz and other improvising art forms in very different locations. During the 10 days, musicians from all over Europe, from Finland to Poland, Israel to Portugal; from Germany, from Berlin to Plauen and from the Rhine-Main region, from Frankfurt to Seeheim will present themselves to the Darmstadt audience at 18 events.
In addition, dazz sets an example for queerness in the fantastic seventh year with the film "Die Große Freiheit" (music: Nils Petter Molvǣr and Peter Brötzmann) and an "Evening for Sun Ra".

03.02.2024
NightWash Live: Comedy Mixed Show
NightWash brings the freshest stand-up comedy from hip comedians and newcomers to the stage. Surprising show interludes meet the very best audience. Every show is unique and of the highest standard.
With over 200 live dates per year, the format has become the most successful live comedy show in the German-speaking world. In 2016, NightWash was awarded the German Comedy Prize.
Numerous stars of the scene such as Luke Mockridge, Mario Barth, Carolin Kebekus, Chris Tall and Faisal Kawusi made their first appearances here.
With us this time:
Christiane Olivier (presenter)
Miss Allie
Amir Shahbazz
Negah Amiri
This top-class comedy evening on Saturday, February 3, is guaranteed to leave no dry eye!

10.02.2023
Science Slam Darmstadt
Centralstation Veranstaltungs-GmbH, Schlossgraben 1, 64283 Darmstadt
Science - exciting, understandable, funny. Who will win the "battle" for the best presentation? The audience decides!
The science slams prove that scientific topics that are considered dry as dust can not only be presented in an understandable and exciting way, but also in a funny way. In 2006, Alex Dreppec from Darmstadt came up with the idea of organizing a tournament of short scientific presentations along the lines of poetry slams. Science slams are now held in more than 30 cities across Germany, and have also caught on in Indonesia, Chile, South Africa and the USA.

18.04. - 28.04.2024
Darmstadt Spring Fair
City center
The fair invites you to stroll, enjoy, meet friends and have fun - with rides, food stalls and the dip and sales market.

26.04. - 28.04.2024
The Princely Garden Festival - Kranichstein Estate
Kranichstein Estate
Selected exhibitors from the world of gardening, nature and country living present themselves at Hofgut Kranichstein. The event is complemented by an equestrian supporting program and a wide range of hands-on activities for children.

16.05. - 19.05.2024
Castle moat festival 2024
Darmstadt city center
The music festival is a 4-day celebration of music by nationally renowned, regional and young artists.
A program that unites the entire musical diversity in the heart of Darmstadt. The city center is transformed into a unique temporary festival backdrop and offers enough space to celebrate together on 23,000 square meters around the Residenzschloss.

30.06.2024
Darmstadt sports & games festival
The Sports & Games Festival in Herrngarten has been a permanent fixture in Darmstadt's events calendar for over 40 years. On the last Sunday in June, young and old, sports enthusiasts and beginners come together in the Herrngarten to play sports and get to know new ideas for sports and games. Every year, over 15,000 visitors come to the Sports & Games Festival and enjoy themselves at around 90 play stations.

04.07. - 08.07.2024
74th Darmstadt Heinerfest
Darmstadt city center
At this festival for the whole family, Heiner fans of all ages get their money's worth. No wishes are left unfulfilled, with an extensive cultural and leisure program, Ferris wheel, fairground rides and live music on several stages.

17.08. - 18.08.2024
Darmstadt arts and crafts market
Darmstadt city center
Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
A good 90 artisans from all over Germany will be presenting their crafts at the Darmstadt Arts and Crafts Market. The diverse offerings range from ceramics, jewelry and woodwork to textiles, leather goods, art and much more. Numerous exhibitors also demonstrate their crafts live at their stands.

29.08. - 02.09.2024
Darmstadt Wine Festival
The Darmstadt Wine Festival is a very special tribute to the wine-growing tradition that is now being revived in the city. This festival has been taking place for 40 years. Over 30 wine and food stands invite you to stroll, taste, enjoy and linger in Wilhelminenstraße.

04.07. - 08.07.2024
74th Darmstadt Heinerfest
Darmstadt city center
At this festival for the whole family, Heiner fans of all ages get their money's worth. No wishes are left unfulfilled, with an extensive cultural and leisure program, Ferris wheel, fairground rides and live music on several stages.

17.08. - 18.08.2024
Darmstadt arts and crafts market
Darmstadt city center
Saturday 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
A good 90 artisans from all over Germany will be presenting their crafts at the Darmstadt Arts and Crafts Market. The diverse offerings range from ceramics, jewelry and woodwork to textiles, leather goods, art and much more. Numerous exhibitors also demonstrate their crafts live at their stands.

29.08. - 02.09.2024
Darmstadt Wine Festival
The Darmstadt Wine Festival is a very special tribute to the wine-growing tradition that is now being revived in the city. This festival has been taking place for 40 years. Over 30 wine and food stands invite you to stroll, taste, enjoy and linger in Wilhelminenstraße.

Thursday to Saturday: 12 noon to midnight
Sunday: 12 to 21 o'clock

Frankfurt

22.03. - 14.04.2024
Dippemess in spring Fairground on Ratsweg
The Dippemess is the funfair in Frankfurt am Main. It takes place in spring and fall.
The date for the Dippemess in spring 2024 has been set. The fair will take place from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, April 14, 2024 on the fairground on Ratsweg in front of the Frankfurt ice rink.

18.05. - 21.05.2024
Wäldchestag
The Tuesday after Whitsun is known as Wäldchestag in Frankfurt am Main, when a large traditional folk festival takes place at the Oberforsthaus in Frankfurt's city forest.
This day has been known as the national holiday of the Main metropolis for centuries. The Wäldchestag stands for identification and solidarity of the citizens with their city.

19.06. - 28.06.2024
Opera Square Festival
The Opernplatzfest is a tribute to one of Frankfurt's most beautiful squares. Urbanity and pure joie de vivre characterize the urban space. The culinary offerings are of the highest quality and set new gastronomic accents every year with a combination of tradition and trend.

Opening hours
Daily 12.00 - 23.00 h

02.08. - 05.08.2024
Mainfest Römerberg, Fahrtor
The Mainfest at Mainkai, Fahrtor and Römerberg is one of Frankfurt's oldest public festivals. Today, the Mainfest with its large summer gardens on the banks of the Main is a great way to experience the river and its banks.
The "Fischerstechen" is also held again and the Mainfest is opened with wine from the fountain of justice and ends with a firework display of superlatives.

Opening hours
Friday: 12.00 - 01.00 h
Saturday: 12.00 - 01.00 h
Sunday: 12.00 - 24.00 hrs
Monday: 12.00 - 24.00 hrs


09.08. - 18.08.2024
Cider festival - Roßmarkt
The cider festival has become a tradition in Frankfurt am Main. At the summery Frankfurt Roßmarkt, everything revolves around the Hessian national drink and what you can make from it.

In Hesse, cider, also known as "Ebbelwoi", has been a popular drink for centuries. Many people drink it on its own, but it is also very popular mixed with mineral water or lemonade.

Together with the wineries, a varied stage program is put together with lots of live music. Frankfurt specialties provide the right basis.

23.08. - 25.08.2024
Museumsuferfest
With an extraordinary program offered by Frankfurt's museums, numerous stage productions and stagings, the Museumsuferfest is one of Europe's largest cultural festivals.

Opening hours
Fri., 23.08.2024, 15.00 - 01.00 (end of music program 00.00)
Sat., 24.08.2024, 11.00 - 01.00 (end of music program 00.00)
Sun, 25.08.2024, 11.00 - 24.00 h (end of music program 22.00 h)