As summer gives way to autumn, Germany comes alive with world-famous festivals, major sporting events, cutting-edge art, classical music and centuries-old traditions.
For many people, September in Germany means one thing: Oktoberfest. Despite its name, the world’s largest folk festival takes place mostly in September, drawing millions of visitors to Munich every year.
But there’s far more to Germany’s autumn events calendar than beer tents and Lederhosen.
If beer isn’t your thing, you could spend your month discovering emerging bands at Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival, exploring contemporary art in Berlin, watching world-class runners race through the German capital, or sampling some of the country’s finest wines in the Palatinate.
Here are nine events well worth adding to your calendar in September 2026.
September 3rd–16th: International Literature Festival Berlin
One of Europe’s leading literary gatherings returns to the German capital this September, bringing together authors, poets, journalists and thinkers from around the world.
The International Literature Festival Berlin (ilb) offers readings, discussions and workshops across numerous venues in the city, with a strongly international perspective and extensive English-language programming.
It’s an excellent opportunity for internationally minded Berliners and visitors to discover new voices and engage with global issues through literature.
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September 3rd–6th: Glücksgefühle Festival, Hockenheimring
If you’re looking for big-name music acts and festival energy, the Glücksgefühle Festival (Happy feelings festival) promises four days of exactly that.
Held at the famous Hockenheimring race circuit in Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany’s largest music festivals combines pop, hip-hop and EDM across multiple stages. Camping options make it easy to turn the event into a full weekend getaway.
Visitors to the Glücksgefühle Festival watch US band the Black Eyed Peas in 2025. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sascha Thelen
With its feel-good atmosphere and broad musical programme, it’s particularly well suited to younger festival-goers and groups of friends.
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September 3rd–October 3rd: Beethovenfest, Bonn
Music lovers should make a note of Beethovenfest, one of Germany’s premier classical music festivals.
Held in the composer’s birthplace of Bonn, the festival brings together international orchestras, chamber ensembles and acclaimed soloists for a month-long celebration of classical music.
The 2026 edition is especially significant as the historic Beethovenhalle returns as the festival’s principal venue following an extensive renovation programme.
Even those new to classical music may find this a memorable introduction to one of Germany’s great cultural traditions.
September 9th–13th: Berlin Art Week
For five days every September, Berlin transforms into one of Europe’s most important centres for contemporary art.
Numerous museums, galleries, private collections and project spaces participate in Berlin Art Week, presenting exhibitions, performances, talks and special events across the city. Many events and gallery openings can be visited free of charge.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or simply curious about modern culture, the festival offers an ideal chance to explore Berlin’s renowned creative scene.
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September 11th–21st: Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, Bad Dürkheim
Despite its name, the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt is not only about sausages. In fact, its more about wine really.
Held in the picturesque Palatinate region, the event is widely regarded as the world’s largest wine festival. Visitors can sample hundreds of regional wines while enjoying fairground rides, local food and live entertainment.
A large Ferris wheel at the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt in Bad Durkheim. Photo: picture alliance / dpa | Uwe Anspach
The main celebrations take place across two festival weekends (September 11th–15th and September 18th–21st), with a smaller Zwischenmarkt (between markets) program continuing on September 16th and 17th.
Dating back more than 600 years, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers travellers a more local alternative to Oktoberfest.
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September 13th: Tag des offenen Denkmals (Open Monument Day)
History enthusiasts are spoilt for choice during Germany’s annual Open Monument Day.
Thousands of historic buildings, industrial sites, gardens, churches and monuments across the country open their doors to the public, many of them normally inaccessible.
From grand castles to former factories and hidden architectural gems, the event offers a fascinating glimpse into Germany’s cultural heritage. Most activities are free, making it one of the best-value days out of the year.
September 16th–19th: Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
Part music festival, part cultural showcase and part industry gathering, the Reeperbahn Festival transforms Hamburg’s St. Pauli district into a giant stage.
Often described as Europe’s largest club festival, it features hundreds of concerts alongside exhibitions, discussions and creative events spread across dozens of venues ranging from intimate clubs to churches and theatres.
It’s the perfect place to discover emerging artists before they hit the mainstream and experience Hamburg at its vibrant best.
September 19th–October 4th: Oktoberfest, Munich
No September events guide would be complete without Oktoberfest.
The world’s largest folk festival returns to Munich’s Theresienwiese with its famous beer tents, traditional Bavarian costumes, brass bands, fairground rides and festive atmosphere.
Entry to the festival grounds is free, though visitors hoping to secure seats in the most popular beer tents would be wise to try and reserve ahead, particularly on evenings and weekends.
Although millions attend every year, Oktoberfest remains deeply rooted in Bavarian culture and tradition.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another Maß beer, it’s an experience that belongs on every Germany bucket list.
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September 27th: Berlin Marathon
One of the world’s great marathon races returns to the streets of the German capital on the final Sunday of September.
The Berlin Marathon attracts elite athletes and amateur runners from around the globe. It is famous for its fast, flat course, which passes many of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks before finishing near the Brandenburg Gate.
Marathon runners pass the Victory Column in Berlin. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Gora
Even if you’re not running, the atmosphere alone makes it worth experiencing. Thousands of spectators line the route to create a festival-like mood across the city throughout marathon weekend.
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