The 10 Best Events in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart strikes a perfect balance between its funfair and beer celebration, managing to draw both families looking for wholesome fun and revelers seeking rowdier excitement. Over 17 days in late September and early October, about 4 million visitors sample the giant array of funfair rides and attractions, sway under the vibrant canopies of giant beer tents, and peruse myriad stalls in the lively traders' market. Opening day kicks off with the mayor tapping the first keg, while sensational musical fireworks close out the event over two weeks later. In between, the grand parade on the first Sunday and the hot air balloon race the following Sunday serve as festival highlights.

It’s not a party until the mayor pops open his barrel of beer… at least that’s what they say in Stuttgart. Frühlingsfest is the festival of spring. For two weeks, in the Bad Cannstatt area of Stuttgart, the festival marks the start of the warmer months and new beginnings. What started as a celebration back in 1818 to mark the end of years of suffering hunger, today the festival is all about guzzling beer, riding the Ferris Wheel, and perusing the markets. An authentic German event, Frühlingsfest is full of family attractions and traditional markets, helping all those who attend to embrace the season of new life.

For nearly a month leading up to Christmas, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt welcomes over 3 million visitors to shop for wood toys, figurines, and antiques and warm their bellies with mulled wine and fresh gingerbread. Little ones scoot about Children's Fairyland, riding the steam train, designing their own candles, and snacking on chocolate-covered fruit. The market's nativity scene features live lambs, sheep, donkeys, and a goat, and crowds gather for daily concerts performed by choirs and music groups from the Stuttgart region. A tradition dating back over 300 years, the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt stands as one of Europe's oldest and most lively Christmas markets.

If Rock, Alternative, Indy and Electro is up your alley then nothing comes close to kicking off summer at the legendary Southside Festival. For 3 days the tiny 4000 soul community of Neuhausen just north of beautiful Lake Constance hosts southern Germany’s most anticipated mega open air event featuring an impressive line up of some of the world’s best bands. A closed off airfield outside the village doubles as the arena for a diverse crowd of 60,000 fans across the music genres. Extra perk: amateur street performers, artists and acrobats tend to take over the landing strip providing for an entertaining side show in its own right. You see, there is only thing left to do - pack your air guitar, camping gear and rock out like you mean it!