Highlights of the year Hamburg

October 2025

October 31, 2025
#seeforfree
October 31 is a great day to visit more than 50 participating museums in Hamburg free of charge and enjoy an unforgettable day filled with art and history.
Reformation Day (October 31) is an official holiday in Hamburg, and this year more than 50 museums are opening their doors free of charge to art and culture enthusiasts. From the Hamburger Kunsthalle to the HSV Museum, there is much to discover – enjoy exploring the cultural treasures of our city!

November 2025

November 2, 2025
Sunday shopping in the city center
On this Sunday, Hamburg's shops in the city center and other districts will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The shopping events will be accompanied by a supporting program of culture, art, music, and sports to marvel at and participate in. This makes Sunday shopping in Hamburg a treat for the whole family.

November 7, 2025 - December 7, 2025
Winterdom - Traditional folk festival
Hamburger Dom, Feldstraße, 20359 Hamburg
Tap-dancing Santa Clauses and rapping angels are back!
Three times a year, the Heiligengeistfeld comes alive: in spring, summer, and winter, the Hamburger DOM takes place here! Founded in the 11th century, it is now the largest folk festival in northern Germany and attracts millions of visitors every year. More than 200 showmen line up along the 1.6-kilometer-long DOM Mile, offering exciting attractions, fast roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and nostalgic rides that are great fun for young and old alike.

December 2025

December
Christmas in the “Heiße Ecke”
This temporary Christmas musical brings nine performers to the stage in over 50 roles and captivates audiences with its dynamic performance full of emotion and charm. Even in winter, real neighborhood characters, drunken Santa Clauses, and perhaps even the legendary Angel of St. Pauli meet at the snack bar. The garbage men are busy shoveling snow, the ladies of the night in front of the “Red Banana” have switched to moon boots and thick down jackets, and the tourists are getting cold feet on their neighborhood tour. It promises to be a bustling Christmas spectacle!A fast-paced stage show with great catchy songsEvery evening, nine performers in over 50 roles and costumes take to the stage in the musical Heiße Ecke in Hamburg – some of whom have to eat several cold sausages in every show... it's a tough job! Add to that 22 great catchy songs, a fast-paced stage show, and the atmosphere of the cult theater. Now also available in a Christmas version at Schmidts Tivoli on the Reeperbahn.

January

Until mid-January
Christmas markets
Some of Hamburg's Christmas markets run until mid-January and offer a festive atmosphere with mulled wine, crafts, and culinary delights.

Until March 2026
Cornelia Poletto PALAZZO
Spiegelpalast at the Deichtorhallen, Deichtorstraße 1, 20095 Hamburg
Take contemporary acrobatics, brilliant comedy, and a great live band, and spice it all up with a delicious 4-course meal from Hamburg's top chef Cornelia Poletto – welcome to the PALAZZO Extravaganza!

January
Art Mile: 3-day ticket
The Hamburg Art Mile includes six renowned art galleries in the center of Hamburg. The Hamburger Kunsthalle, the Bucerius Kunst Forum, the Deichtorhallen Hamburg, the Kunstverein in Hamburg, the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg, and the Kunsthaus Hamburg are ideally located between the Alster and Elbe rivers and within walking distance of each other, inviting visitors to stroll and explore the Art Mile.

February

February 1, 2026
Running & Sightseeing – the athletic city tour
6:30–8:00 a.m. – Meeting point: Hudtwalcker Straße subway station

February 1, 2026
Backstage tour and musical performance: Disney's Tarzan
Backstage tour and musical performance: &Julia – the musical

February 27, 2026 - March 1, 2026
Hamburg Motorcycle Days and Hamburg Tattoo Days
A meeting place for fans of both cultures. Live shows and workshops round off the experience.

March

March 20, 2026 - April 19, 2026
Frühlingsdom - A traditional folk festival
Hamburger Dom, Heiligengeistfeld, Feldstraße, 20359 Hamburg
The Hamburger DOM takes place three times a year, in spring, summer, and winter! Founded in the 11th century, it is now the largest folk festival in northern Germany and attracts millions of visitors every year. More than 200 showmen line up along the 1.6-kilometer-long DOM Mile, offering exciting attractions, fast roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and nostalgic rides that are great fun for young and old alike.

April

March 20, 2026 - April 19, 2026
Frühlingsdom - A traditional folk festival
Hamburger Dom, Heiligengeistfeld, Feldstraße, 20359 Hamburg
The Hamburger DOM takes place three times a year, in spring, summer, and winter! Founded in the 11th century, it is now the largest folk festival in northern Germany and attracts millions of visitors every year. More than 200 showmen line up along the 1.6-kilometer-long DOM Mile, offering exciting attractions, fast roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and nostalgic rides that are great fun for young and old alike.

April 18, 2026
21st Long Night of Museums
Museumsdienst Hamburg, Glockengießerwall 5 A, 20095 Hamburg
Guided tours, culinary delights, music, dance, and many other events in more than 40 museums and exhibition venues.

April 26, 2026
HASPA Marathon Hamburg
Marathon Hamburg, Carolin-Cohn-Str. 71, 22297 Hamburg
Sports fans take note: Germany's largest spring marathon starts and ends at the exhibition center. Among German marathons, the Hamburg Marathon is considered the highlight of the spring. The unique harbor backdrop of the Elbe metropolis is an experience that sports enthusiasts should not miss. You are cordially invited to the Hamburg Marathon: whether you run alone or with friends or cheer on the runners as a spectator.

April 18, 2026
Long Night of Museums
Museumsdienst Hamburg, Glockengießerwall 5 A, 20095 Hamburg
Guided tours, culinary delights, music, dance, and many other events in more than 40 museums

May

April - May 2026
Cherry blossom season in the Altes Land

May 1, 2026 - June 3, 2026
International Music Festival
Presents concerts with artists from all over the world. It promotes cultural exchange and musical diversity. Hamburg's culture thrives here at a high level.

May 8, 2026 - May 10, 2026
837th Hamburg Port Anniversary
The world's largest port festival, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt to the Landungsbrücken
St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken, 20359 Hamburg
The Hamburg HARBOR BIRTHDAY is opened every year with a grand parade. When tugboats dance ballet on the Elbe, it's an experience that can only be had here. Looking at ships from the inside and outside at the “Open Ship” event makes many a sailor dream of the seven seas. Along the colorful harbor mile, you can enjoy musical entertainment and culinary delights, from typical fish sandwiches to delicious cocktails.

From May 13, 2026, to May 17, 2025
German Show Jumping and Dressage Derby
Derby Park Klein Flottbek, Baron-Voght-Straße 81, 22609 Hamburg
For the 94th time, the international show jumping elite will set out to master the oldest and most difficult course of all time. In addition to the legendary show jumping derby, since 2008 the world's most lucrative show jumping series, the Longines Global Champions Tour, has been a guest at Derby Park Klein Flottbek, where the top 30 in the world rankings, among others, are eligible to compete.

May 16, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Tennis at Rothenbaum (Hamburg Open)
The tournament is one of the most important in Germany. World class players to watch.

June

June 2, 2026–June 7, 2026
International Short Film Festival
It shows innovative short films from around the world in various genres.

June 5, 2026–June 6, 2026
Elbjazz Festival
It brings jazz music to various locations along the Elbe River. International artists and local musicians thrill the audience. The maritime atmosphere is unique.

June 7, 2026
Ironman HH Championship
Ironman Hamburg is considered one of the toughest race courses and attracts professional athletes. Participants complete swimming, cycling, and marathon running. A major sporting event with high audience resonance. 

June 12, 2026 - June 14, 2026
48h Wilhelmsburg Culture Festival
A festival featuring art, music, and performances. The creative scene presents its projects.

June 20, 2026 - July 6, 2026
altonale26 Culture Festival
Offers theater, music, art, and workshops in the Altona district. Audiences and artists find space for exchange here.

June 26, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Hamburg Harley Days
- a large gathering of the Harley-Davidson community with shows and rides.

June 28, 2026
Hella Hamburg Half Marathon
is a competition for runners through the city's harbor areas. Spectators create a lively atmosphere.

July

July 3, 2026 - July 4, 2026
Schlagermove Festival
Schlagermove is a festival of love with colorful parades, music, and parties. Thousands celebrate Schlager culture.

July 24, 2026 - July 28, 2026
International Spielbudenfestival
Spielbudenplatz, Hamburg - St. Pauli
Top artists from the international street art scene present street theater on Spielbudenplatz. The first wooden booths were erected as early as 1795, where puppet theaters and tightrope walkers performed and various showmen presented all kinds of curious performances. These booths gave the square its name, and the Spielbudenfestival aims to continue this tradition in a contemporary form.

July 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Sommerdom - A traditional folk festival
Hamburger Dom, Feldstraße, 20359 Hamburg
Three times a year, the Heiligengeistfeld comes alive: in spring, summer, and winter, the Hamburger DOM takes place here! Founded in the 11th century, it is now the largest folk festival in northern Germany and attracts millions of visitors every year. More than 200 showmen line up along the 1.6-kilometer-long DOM Mile, offering exciting attractions, fast roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and nostalgic rides that are great fun for young and old alike.

July 25, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Pride Week (CSD Demonstration)
sends a message of diversity and acceptance. 
Various venues, including: Jungfernstieg, Ballindamm
Every year, the colorful

August

July 25, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Pride Week (CSD Demonstration)
sends a message of diversity and acceptance. 
Various venues, including Jungfernstieg and Ballindamm
Every year, the colorful and diverse HAMBURG PRIDE demonstration winds its way through downtown Hamburg. It is the highlight of PRIDE WEEK and a spectacular parade with more than 15,000 participants, attracting thousands of people along the route. The event concludes with the annual CSD street festival at Jungfernstieg and Ballindamm along the Binnenalster.

July 24, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Sommerdom – a traditional folk festival
Hamburger Dom, Feldstraße, 20359 Hamburg
Three times a year, the Heiligengeistfeld comes alive: in spring, summer, and winter, the Hamburger DOM takes place here! Founded in the 11th century, it is now the largest folk festival in northern Germany and attracts millions of visitors every year. More than 200 showmen line up along the 1.6-kilometer-long DOM mile, offering exciting attractions, fast roller coasters, spooky ghost trains, and nostalgic rides that are great fun for young and old alike.

August 14, 2026 - August 15, 2026
Dockville Festival
combines music, art, and urban lifestyle on the banks of the Elbe. Young artists and bands dominate the program.

August 16, 2026
ADAC Cyclassics Cycling Event
Germany's largest cycling event with professional races and amateur tours. A huge sports party with athletes from all over the world.

September

September 1, 2026 - September 4, 2026
23rd SMM Hamburg International Maritime Fair
- the leading international maritime trade fair. Companies and experts from the shipping industry meet here. The focus is on innovation and networking.

September 5, 2026
Hamburg Theater Night
BallinStadt - Various Hamburg theaters
More than 300 program items in 40 theaters, connected by 50 shuttle buses and 8 Alster ships
For one night in September, theater enthusiasts can once again experience the diversity of Hamburg's theater scene. Around 30 theaters are participating again this year: large, well-known theaters, but also smaller theaters, state-subsidized and private theaters, are putting together their very own programs. There will be exclusive previews of upcoming productions and excerpts from popular productions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the theaters behind the scenes.

September 16, 2026 - September 19, 2026
Reeperbahn Festival
Various venues, including the Elbphilharmonie
The Reeperbahn Festival is Europe's largest club festival and the largest European platform for international pop culture and the music industry. Since 2006, Hamburg's Reeperbahn has become the center of the international music world for four days in September, serving as an interface between artists, audiences, industry representatives, and society.

Oktober 2026

November 2026

Dezember 2026