1. Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest in Bavaria is t highlight of Germany's festival calendar: Every September and October, over visitors from around the world mingle with locals to celebrate Bavarian culture and cuisine and to have a good time with German beer, music, parades, concerts, and fun rides.
When: September 22 - October 7, 2012
Where: Munich
2. Art Forum Berlin
For art lovers, Berlin is the place to be this fall: Art Forum Berlin, one of Germany's leading art fairs, presents more than 130 galleries from around the world. The event focuses on modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculpture, installation, video art, and photography. In addition, many Berlin museums and galleries host special exhibitions.
When: October 3-7, 2012
Where: Berlin
3. Stuttgart Beer Festival - Cannstatter Wasen
The Cannstatter Wasen, as this festival is called in German, started as an autumn fair in 1818 and quickly became one of the leading beer festivals in Germany, second only to Oktoberfest in Munich. Celebrate autumn with Swabian food, beer and wine, and bring the family for Oompah bands, parades, roller coasters, and the world’s largest mobile Ferris wheel.
When: September 28 - October 14, 2012
Where: Stuttgart
4. October 3rd - Germany's National Holiday
October 3rd is "Tag der deutschen Einheit" – Day of the German Reunification. This national holiday commemorates the anniversary of Germany's reunification since 1990. Almost every German city celebrates October 3rd, but the best open-air festivities will be held at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the national symbol of Germany.
When: October 3
Where: throughout Germany
5. Frankfurt Book Fair
The Frankfurt Book Fair, annually held in October, is the world's largest trade show of books and the place to be for book lovers, publishers, translators, and authors. During the week, the book fair is only open to accredited trade-visitors, but come on the last weekend of the fair, when everybody can take a peek into the international world of media. Enjoy readings, exhibitions, concerts, and films alongside the presentation of books.
When: October 10-14, 2011
Where: Frankfurt
6. Festival of Lights in Berlin
During the Festival of Lights, more than 45 of Berlin's most iconic landmarks and historic buildings will be illuminated from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. every night. The Festival with its laser shows, light projections, and fireworks transforms the Berlin TV Tower, the Museums Island, the Brandenburg Gate, and many more attractions into magical visions. Special "lightseeing tours" are offered by bus, boat, or bicycle.
When: October 2012
Where: Berlin
7. October 31st - Reformation Day
On October 31st, Germans do not only celebrate Halloween (imported in the mid-nineties from the U.S.) but they also commemorate a religious holiday, Reformationstag, "Day of Reformation". Read more about the origin of Reformation Day, which dates back to 1517.
When: October 31st
Where: throughout Germany
