Cologne Events

ColognePride

Cologne celebrates the unique spirit of the LGBTQ+ community with a series of programmes, including the CSD Street Festival and CSD Parade.

Date: 24 June 2023 - 09 July 2023
Venue: Various venues and locations.
Website: https://www.colognepride.de/
Cost:

Most events are free.

SummerJam

If you like reggae and dancehall, head to this festival set on an island in Fühlinger See (a swimming lake) in Cologne.

Date: 30 June 2023 - 02 July 2023
Venue: Fühlinger See
Website: https://summerjam.de/de/
Cost:

Various.

Cologne Marathon

The Cologne Marathon combines elite running events with a fun-filled festival.

Date: 01 October 2023 - 01 October 2023
Venue: Streets of Cologne.
Website: https://koeln-marathon.de/
Cost:

Free to spectate.

Museumsnacht Köln (Museum Night Cologne)

Museumsnacht Köln (Museum Night Cologne) sees several museums and art venues putting on special events.

Date: 04 November 2023 - 04 November 2023
Venue: Various museums and art venues.
Website: https://www.museumsnacht-koeln.de/
Cost:

Various.

Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)

Cologne has several Christmas markets, including Markt der Engel, Nikolausdorf, and also markets in various city quarters (known as "Veedel" in Cologne). Each market features a different theme, with surrounding venues offering thematic performances.

Date: 20 November 2023 - 23 December 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various.
Cost:

Free.

Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival )

In Cologne, the carnival season starts in November (the previous year) but goes into high gear six weeks before Easter. The Shrove Monday parade (Rosenmontag in German) is particularly noteworthy, in which you can expect elaborate floats, costumed dance groups, and marching bands parading through the city.

Date: 08 February 2024 - 13 February 2024
Venue: Streets of Cologne.
Website: http://www.koelnerkarneval.de
Cost:

Various.