1. Oberammergau Passion Play
When the plague hit the Bavarian village of Oberammergau in the 17th century, its inhabitants vowed that they would perform the Passion Play every ten years, if the disease would spare them. It did, and the villagers kept their word: Once in a decade, Oberammergau produces the Passion Play. Over 2000 villagers take part in this extraordinary cultural event, which is set on an open-air stage with the German Alps as an impressive backdrop.
When: May 15 – October 3, 2010
Where: Oberammergau (1 hour south of Munich)
2. Munich Opera Festival
Celebrated every summer since 1876, the Munich Opera Festival at the Nationaltheater offers an excellent program of opera and ballet performances throughout June and July. Don’t miss the free open-air concert “Opera For All”.
Where: National Theater, Munich
When: June - July, 2010
3. Berlin Fashion Week
Attention Fashionistas: International designers present their latest collections in the German capital during the Berlin Fashion Week. Find out what’s "in" at runway shows, trade fairs, exhibitions, and parties, all taking place in the historic heart of Berlin.
Where: Berlin, Bebelplatz and various venues
When: beginning of July, 2010
4. Cologne Gay Pride
Cologne is home to one of the oldest and most vital gay communities in Germany, and its annual celebration, the Cologne Gay Pride, is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in the country. Highlight of the festivities is the colorful gay pride parade with more than 120 floats parading through the historic center of Cologne. Parties, panel discussions, and a street festival complete the weekend.
Where: Center of Cologne
When: July 2 - 4, 2010
5. Classic Open-Air Festival Berlin
Enjoy classic music al fresco at Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful historic squares in Berlin. The concerts feature operetta, opera, and classical and contemporary music.
Where: Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
When: July 15 - 20, 2010
6. Richard Wagner Festival
With this annual musical festival, the Bavarian town of Bayreuth pays tribute to the 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner. The world's largest Wagner Festival has been sold out since 1876, and Wagner fans get their tickets years in advance to enjoy some of the composer's best operas, from The Ring Cycle, to Parsifal. They are performed in a specially designed opera house, the Festspielhaus, which was built under Wagner's supervision.
When: July 25 – August 28, 2010
Where: Festspielhaus, Bayreuth
7. DOM Festival in Hamburg
Since the 14th century, Hamburg celebrates the DOM, one of the largest open-air fun fairs in the North of Germany. Bring the whole family for ferries wheels, roller coaster, concerts, and fireworks.
Where: Heiligengeistfeld, in the city center of Hamburg
When: July 30 - August 29, 2010
