Germany takes its festivals seriously. From mid-sized cities to small villages, the calendar is dense with events — religious, seasonal, cultural, and just plain celebratory.
Oktoberfest (Munich, late September–early October) is the most famous, drawing over 6 million visitors to the Theresienwiese fairgrounds each year. The mayor of Munich taps the first keg to open proceedings, and from there it's two weeks of Bavarian beer, fairground rides, brass bands, and enormous quantities of roast chicken and pretzels. Entry to the grounds is free, but getting a seat in the big tents — especially on weekends — without a reservation is increasingly difficult. Book accommodation in Munich months in advance.
Karneval (February–March) is Germany's equivalent of Mardi Gras. Cologne and Düsseldorf go completely overboard: parades, costumes, public drinking, and five days of organised chaos in the week before Lent. The Cologne Rosenmontag parade is one of the biggest street events in Europe. Mainz, Munich (where it's called Fasching), and many other cities hold their own versions.
Berlinale (Berlin, February) is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, attracting major directors and stars and running serious competition alongside public screenings. If you're in Berlin in February and interested in film, it's worth checking what's available to the public.
Christmas Markets (Advent season, late November through December 24) are a genuine highlight of winter travel in Germany. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt is the most visited and touristy; for something more atmospheric, try the markets in Erfurt, Dresden, Regensburg, or Freiburg. Almost every town has one — some are more commercial than others, but even a modest market with a cup of Glühwein and a Lebkuchen in the cold is hard to dislike.
Starkbierzeit (Munich, March) is a Bavarian spring beer festival held during Lent — historically a workaround by monks who brewed strong beer to sustain themselves through fasting. The Paulaner brewery on the Nockherberg hosts the main celebration.
Beethoven Easter Festival (Bonn, April) and Bayreuth Festival (Bayreuth, July–August, dedicated to Richard Wagner) represent Germany's serious classical music calendar. Wagner tickets are legendarily hard to obtain; waiting lists run for years.
Wine festivals animate the Mosel, Rhine, and Franconia wine regions throughout autumn.