Hanover Events

Marathon Hanover

As runners pound the streets of Hanover for the annual marathon, numerous samba bands and musicians accompany the athletes and the city offers an entertainment programme on Trammplatz where a big stage will host games, art activities, a children’s circus and music. The winners’ prizes will also be presented here.

Date: 26 March 2023 - 26 March 2023
Venue: Throughout the city.
Website: https://www.marathon-hannover.de/en/
Cost:

Free to spectate.

International Fireworks Competition

International teams compete to put on the best firework displays. Competition displays take place several times a year. Thousands of spectators come to see the displays, which are accompanied by music. The extravaganza is held in pretty baroque-themed gardens.

Date: 20 May 2023 - 16 September 2023
Venue: Herrenhäusen Gardens
Website: https://www.hannover.de/Tourismus/Top-Events-und-Veranstaltungen/Feste-und-Spezial/Internationaler-Feuerwerkswettbewerb
Cost:

Various.

Schützenfest (Marksmen's Fair)

The world's largest Marksmen's Festival attracts millions of annual visitors. Established in the 16th century, it consists of several large beer tents and the "Marksmen's Parade", a parade of marksmen from around the world, plus many bands, and several wagons, carriages and big festival vehicles. The fair also features various food and drink stalls and amusement rides.

Date: 30 June 2023 - 09 July 2023
Venue: Schützenplatz.
Website: https://www.hannover.de/Veranstaltungskalender/Feste-Festivals/Sch%C3%BCtzenfest-Hannover-2023
Cost:

Free.

Kleines Fest im Grossen Garten (Little Festival in the Great Garden)

Kleines Fest im Grossen Garten (Little Festival in the Great Garden) will host hundreds of artists from around the world across multiple stages. Expect music, theatre, puppet shows and pantomimes.

Date: 05 July 2023 - 30 July 2023
Venue: Grosser Garden, Herrenhäusen.
Website: https://www.kleinesfest-hannover.de/hannover/kleines-fest/
Cost:

Various.

Maschseefest (Masch Lake Festival)

Music, street theatre, clowns, aquatic activities and culinary delights mark this popular annual summertime event. Around two million visitors flock to the city for the celebration, which started in 1986.

Date: 26 July 2023 - 13 August 2023
Venue: Maschsee
Website: https://www.visit-hannover.com/Maschseefest
Cost:

Free entry.

Swinging Hannover

Thousands of people gather to hear free jazz music played in front of the city's town hall.

Date: 01 September 2023 - 30 September 2023
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Various venues.
Website: http://www.swinginghannover.info
Cost:

Free.

Christmas Market

Hanover‘s three Christmas markets help to create a festive spirit. The most traditional Christmas market takes place in the Old Town illuminated with scores of candles and lights and featuring plenty of stalls. It's a chance for visitors to sample a plethora of German food and delicacies and buy traditional handmade gifts including trinkets and wooden toys. The historical and Finnish Christmas village and the so-called Wishing Well Forest are also linked to this occasion.

Date: 20 November 2023 - 06 January 2024
(Date to be confirmed)
Venue: Old Town.
Cost:

Free entry.