Carnival
February (dates vary, seven weeks before Easter)
Northern Europe's largest carnival with six days of celebrations coming to a head with the Rose Monday parade.
City centre
Website: www.koelnerkarneval.de
Cologne Pride/Christopher Street Day
Weekend in mid July
One of Europe's largest gay and lesbian festivals.
City centre
Website: www.colognepride.de
Summer Jam
Weekend in mid July
The largest reggae, dance and world music festival in Europe.
City centre
Website: www.summerjam.de
Kölner Ringfest
Last weekend in August
Dozens of established pop artists and bands put on free outdoor concerts.
City centre
Website: www.ringfestkoeln.de
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)
Late November-Christmas Eve
Six markets offering food, drink and crafts plus events and Advent boat trips.
Around the city centre
February (dates vary, seven weeks before Easter)
Northern Europe's largest carnival with six days of celebrations coming to a head with the Rose Monday parade.
City centre
Website: www.koelnerkarneval.de
Cologne Pride/Christopher Street Day
Weekend in mid July
One of Europe's largest gay and lesbian festivals.
City centre
Website: www.colognepride.de
Summer Jam
Weekend in mid July
The largest reggae, dance and world music festival in Europe.
City centre
Website: www.summerjam.de
Kölner Ringfest
Last weekend in August
Dozens of established pop artists and bands put on free outdoor concerts.
City centre
Website: www.ringfestkoeln.de
Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets)
Late November-Christmas Eve
Six markets offering food, drink and crafts plus events and Advent boat trips.
Around the city centre
View Our Airport Guides for Cologne:
Cologne - Bonn Airport