Top Events and Annual Festivals in Frankfurt, Germany

Given Frankfurt reputation as a commerce, culture, and transportation hub, it’s not surprising that this city is also home to numerous top events and annual festivals. From the Night of the Museums to the Apple Wine festival, adding even more excitement to the city’s already vibrant atmosphere.

These Frankfurt festival and events are also great reasons to visit what was once one of the most important city states in the Holy Roman Empire. Take a closer look at some of the best reasons to spend a few days in this exhilarating city.

1. Nacht der Museen Night of the Museums

Frankfurt’s world-famous Museumsurfer (Museum Riverbank) is a riverside district that’s home to 39 renowned museums and galleries. While this major attraction is worth visiting at any time of the year, arguably the best time to explore it is on Nacht der Museen or Night of the Museums. Once a year, more than 40 museums, galleries, and exhibition houses in Frankfurt and Offenbach collaborate to treat the public to a night of culture, education, live music, readings, performances, theatre, workshops, video installations, DJs, and parties.

Night of the Museums is the perfect opportunity to go on special guided tours of current exhibitions, enjoy a host of special events, and round off the programme by sampling gastronomic specialities. Even though most of the museums and galleries along the Museumsurfer are within walking distance of each other, you don’t need to worry about walking too far at this highly anticipated Frankfurt event. A complimentary shuttle bus service connects all venues on the night, so you can reach even those off the beaten track with ease.

Date: Usually on the third Saturday of May

Venues: These are various including the Frankfurt Archaeological Museum, the Caricatura Museum, the German Film Institute and Film Museum, Eintracht Museum, Frankfurt Historical Museum, and Struwwelpeter Museum.

2. Frankfurt Dippemess

Twice a year, the Ratsweg fairground comes alive with colour, lights, and joie de vivre, thanks to an iconic Frankfurt festival. Held in spring (March-April) and autumn (September), the Frankfurt Dippemess continues to delight both young and old. Immerse yourself in all the flair and fun of an authentic folk festival, where you’ll find rides, a traders’ market, stalls, shooting stands, and an array of culinary delights.

While some attractions appear at both of the twice-yearly Dippemess festivals, others are seasonal, so they’re available only at the spring or the autumn event. Some of the highlights you can enjoy at this famous Frankfurt fest include carousels, rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel, the Big Ghost Train, and stalls selling a variety of goods. You’ll also find games of skill and chance, traditional festival snacks such as candy floss and roasted almonds, local and international food and beverages, and the festival tent offering live music, cider, and beer. It’s easy to see why the Frankfurt Dippemess is one of the top places for family and friends to have fun. Experience living history for yourself by visiting Frankfurt’s oldest folk festival.

Date: Spring Dippemess: March-April, Autumn Dippemess: September

Venue: The fairground on Ratsweg in front of Frankfurt Eisporthalle.

3. Wäldchestag – Frankfurt Forest Festival

A party in a forest probably isn’t the first thing most people think of when they hear the name of this bustling city, but that’s exactly what happens on Wäldchestag, the Frankfurt Forest Festival. Once limited to the Tuesday after Pentecost Sunday, this Frankfurt event has grown into a four-day semi-official holiday that offers entertainment for the whole family. Head to the city forest and enjoy traditional fairground attractions such as shooting galleries and game stalls, rides, and stage shows, as well as foodie experiences in summer gardens, snack stands, and marquees.

The Frankfurt Forest Festival dates back to 1792, although no one knows exactly how it started. What we do know is no other German city has a similar celebration. One theory is that Wäldchestag owes its origins to the craftsmen’s annual festival processions, which ended with a joyous gathering in the forest. Another theory suggests that the festival evolved from the servants’ and maids’ picnic that followed the annual Whitsun cattle drive. Whatever its origins, this Frankfurt festival is still very popular with citizens and visitors alike. Plan your visit to coincide with Wäldchestag for an undeniably unique experience.

Date: Usually at the middle to end of May

Venue: Oberforsthaus in Frankfurt’s city forest

4. Deutsches Jazzfestival – Frankfurt Jazz Festival

If jazz gets your toes tapping, make your way to Frankfurt for the Deutsches Jazzfestival, the world’s oldest continually held event of its kind. The Frankfurt Jazz Festival attracts not only performers and fans from around Germany, but also from around the world. Treat yourself to five glorious days of world-class jazz at some of the city’s top jazz venues at this celebrated Frankfurt festival.

The Deutsches Jazzfestival was first held in 1953 as a showcase of Germany’s best jazz. This Frankfurt event took on a more international flavour in the 1960s and has continued to attract prominent musicians and singers from Europe, North America, and elsewhere. Among the musicians who have performed at the event were Volker Kriegel and Alan Skidmore, Eberhard Weber and Pharaoh Sanders, Lauren Newton, Christopher Dell, and Terri Lynne Carrington.

Date: Usually mid to late October

Venue: hr-Sendesaal and other venues

5. Apfelweinfest – Apple Wine Festival

Apple wine (Ebbelwoi) is inextricably linked to the very soul of Frankfurt, and a visit to the city is incomplete without taking at least a sip of this traditional drink. Experience cider culture at its very best at one most lively Frankfurt events on the calendar, namely the Apfelweinfest or Apple Wine Festival. The 10-day festival sees Roßmarkt in the city centre transformed by live music, performances, market stalls, and, of course, plenty of apple wine. You’re sure to agree it’s a fitting celebration of a drink that, over the centuries, has become an expression of regional identity and a symbol of joie de vivre.

You’ll have the chance to discover apple wine’s many variations, from the traditional to the modern and innovative. You’ll also be able to sample Frankfurt’s culinary specialities such as Bethmännchen, Handkäs mit Musik, and Rippchen mit Kraut, browse stalls selling apple wine accessories, artisanal goods, and regional products, and enjoy a varied programme of live music and entertainment.

Date: Beginning to mid-August

Venue: Roßmarkt, Frankfurt

6. Frankfurt Christmas Market

While people often speak of Frankfurt Christmas Market as a single event, the wonderful truth is that the wintry city comes alive with numerous smaller Christmas markets from the end of November. Be enchanted by twinkling lights, yuletide decorations, music, the aromas and flavours of spiced wine, roasting nuts, and gingerbread, and stalls selling handmade gifts, traditional ornaments, artisanal goods, and much more. The atmosphere must be experienced to be believed. The most popular markets at what is undoubtedly the most popular Frankfurt, Germany, upcoming event include the market at St Paul’s Square, Römerberg in the old town centre, Sachsenhausen Christmas market at Goethe Tower, the Swedish Christmas market at An der Wolfsweide, the jazzy Christmas market at Hochster Schlossplatz, and the Rosa Christmas market on Friedrich-Stoltze-Platz. If you visit only one of these, make sure it’s the market on St Paul’s Square – the picturesque setting and the huge Christmas tree make it a must-see.

With its origins dating back to 1393, the Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany. Initially, the market’s purpose was to allow citizens to stock up on essential supplies for the winter. It was only in the 1800s that the market took on the themes we now associate with Christmas, such as decorated trees and stalls selling items specially linked to the festive season.

Date: Individual market dates vary. Most run from the last weekend in November until 22nd December

Venue: St Paul’s Square, Römerberg, and other venues