Autumn in Germany offers a blend of tradition and modernity, celebration and contemplation, dynamism and heritage. Make sure you donât miss out with our guide to the best of whatâs on in September.
September 11th â 20th: Berlin International Literature Festival
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the International Literature Festival Berlin is a must-visit for book lovers and culture seekers. Featuring over 90 authors from more than 50 countries, it offers more than 110 events, including book premieres, panel discussions, poetry nights, and graphic novel days.
The festival presents a unique chance to engage with emerging voices and globally celebrated writers, including this yearâs curator in residence Mexican American Pulitzer Prize winner Cristina Rivera Garza.
September 12th â 16th & 19th â 22nd: Wurstmarkt, Bad DĂźrkheim
The Wurstmarkt, held annually in the town of Bad DĂźrkheim in Germanyâs Pfalz wine region, is the worldâs largest wine festival and one of the countryâs most traditional and entertaining public festivals.
Despite its name, which means âsausage market,â wine is the main attraction, with visitors able to sample around 300 different wines from local vineyards at over 36 traditional wine stalls called "Schubkärchler."
Celebrated for over 600 years, the event began as a church fair to serve pilgrims visiting nearby St. Michaelâs Chapel and has evolved into a massive celebration of local wine, food, and culture, attracting over 600,000 visitors each year.
September 13th and 14th: Open Monument Day
On the second weekend of September, thousands of monuments and heritage sites that are usually closed to the public open their doors free of charge as part of Open Monument Day (Tag des offenen Denkmals).
Visitors can explore historic buildings, castles, churches, gardens, and sometimes even back rooms, rooftops, and cellars that are normally inaccessible. The event offers guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, and hands-on demonstrations by restorers and archaeologists.
In Berlin alone, over 300 monuments will participate.
September 13th â 14th: Celtic Weekend, Munich
Dive into history and mystery at Munichâs Archaeological State Collection with the Celtic Weekend.
The programme, designed to bring the Iron Age alive for the whole family, includes guided tours at no extra cost and workshops on coin minting and the cult tree of Manching.
READ ALSO: 7 of the best destinations for an autumn break in Germany
September 13th & 20th: Rhine in Flames, Oberwesel and St. Goar
On two spectacular evenings along the majestic Rhine, Oberwesel and St. Goar host their famous âRhine in Flamesâ fireworks festivals.
Set against the backdrop of castles and vineyards, dazzling pyrotechnics, orchestral music, and illuminated river cruises combine to create unforgettable sensory spectacles.
September 18th to 21st: Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
Known as Europeâs largest club festival and a major platform for pop culture and the music industry, the Reeperbahn festival features around 300 artists across more than 90 venues, including clubs, theatres, galleries, and even churches and boats.
Highlights in 2025 include performances by rising stars and established acts like Dry Cleaning, Blondshell, and MĂ, as well as exclusive shows in the Elbphilharmonie concert hall.
The motto of this yearâs festival is âImagine Togetherness,â emphasising community, creativity, and connection across genres and generations.
September 20th â October 5th: Oktoberfest, Munich
No list of September events in Germany is complete without mentioning Oktoberfest, the worldâs largest folk festival.
This legendary celebration bursts to life with traditional beer tents, Bavarian cuisine, lively brass bands, colourful parades, and thrilling rides.
READ ALSO: How to do Oktoberfest like a German
Millions of visitors flood Munichâs Theresienwiese to revel in two glorious weeks of fun, culture, and camaraderie.
September 21st: Berlin Marathon
Join thousands of runners and spectators in one of the worldâs premier marathon events.
The Berlin Marathon is set to welcome over 50,000 runners from around the world this year, as well as thousands more spectators at key viewing points including the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden, and Berlinâs Victory Column.
The marathon weekend also includes wheelchair races, a childrenâs marathon, and inline skating events around the city.
September 25th â October 4th: Filmfest Hamburg
The 33rd Filmfest Hamburg promises a cinematic feast of 120 national and international feature films and documentaries in cinemas including the Abaton, CinemaxX Dammtor, Metropolis, Passage, and Studio-Kino.
Among the festivalâs highlights this year is the German premiere of Fatih Akinâs Cannes-acclaimed film "Amrum," featured in the "GroĂe Freiheit" section celebrating German cinema.
Another highlight of the festival is the MICHEL Kinder- und Jugend Filmfest, running from September 26th to October 2nd, at the Studio Kino and showcasing a rich program of international feature and animated films centred on themes of friendship, courage, and standing up for what matters.
At MICHEL, children and teenagers not only watch the films but also serve as moderators, conduct interviews with filmmakers, and even form the festival jury.
September 26th â October 12th: Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart
Stuttgartâs answer to Oktoberfest, Cannstatter Volksfest is a lively, family-friendly mix of carnivals, beer tents, traditional parades, and local delicacies.
READ ALSO: Forget Oktoberfest. Here's why you should visit Cannstatter Volksfest instead
Like many German folk festivals, Stuttgartâs begins with an official barrel tapping ceremony on the first day and ends with a fireworks display on the final evening. In between there are special events including a festival parade, family days, and even a hot air balloon race.
Comments