Dusseldorf - Regular Events
Dusseldorf Marathon
The annual marathon sees hundreds of competitors race over a lengthy track which meanders around the River Rhine. If you want to participate you must register in advance, and ensure that you are able to complete the race in under 5 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively you can join the spectators who cheer runners on from the sidelines.
New Year Carnival
The fun New Years party takes place from New Years Day until Ash Wednesday. A total of 300 events are staged, and the climax is a huge parade of thousands of people in outrageous fancy dress outfits, through the streets of Dusseldorf.
Rosenmontag Parade
If you missed the January carnival celebrations, then enjoy the fun at this enormous carnival, which is filled with colourful floats, dancers and revellers who form a parade which travels through the heart of the city.
Women's Month
Dusseldorf has recently dedicated the entire month of March to women. During this time period it is possible to attend over 110 lectures, events, exhibitions and discussions which are held in different venues around the city.
Easter
For some people, Easter has lost much of its religious connotations, however it is still celebrated with a national holiday and activities such as a huge Easter egg hunt, which is popular with local children.
Dusseldorf Marathon
The annual marathon sees hundreds of competitors race over a lengthy track which meanders around the River Rhine. If you want to participate you must register in advance, and ensure that you are able to complete the race in under 5 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively you can join the spectators who cheer runners on from the sidelines.
6 Day Opera
This six day festival sees the some of the Europe's most talented opera singers take to the stage. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and both single day passes and full 6 day passes are available.
Kirmes
A large funfair springs up in the city centre between the 2nd and 3rd week of July. The fair is filled with a variety of rides and stalls, including a big ferris wheel and roller-coasters.
Beer Festival
This enormous beer festival attracts over 100,000 lively revellers who fill the streets to sample Dusseldorf’s famous altbiers.
Youth Festival
September sees the arrival of the Youth Festival - where over 100,000 people attend the 80 events which are held in various venues around the city. There are lots of activities for all the family, such as workshops, book readings, dance and musical concerts, many of which are free.
German Unity Day
This annual national holiday is a celebration which marks the merging of West and East Germany in 1990. The holiday takes place on the 3rd of October and celebrations include dancing, parades and fireworks.
Christmas Market
The annual Christmas market, known as Weihnachtsmarkt, is open from the beginning of November and continues throughout December. There are a number of stalls selling decorations, gifts and delicious foods. To avoid the crowds it is worth visiting on a weekday, as it can get very busy at weekends.