Wiesbaden - May Festival
This annual festival runs through the entire month of May and includes daily events. The festival was founded in 1896, making it the second oldest music festival in western Germany. Among the performances held every year are operas, dance and theatrical performances, orchestral concerts and recitals. The aim of the festival is two-fold. It strives to incorporate high quality music, while at the same time bringing together acclaimed musicians from all over the world.
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May 5 - May 13
Bayreuth - Musica Bayreuth
Series of classical concerts in the Margravial Opera House, in the Civic Hall Bayreuth, in churches and various concert halls.
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May 5 - Sep 15
Linz to Bonn - 'Rhine in Flames'
A series of mind-blowing pyrotechnical spectacles, Rhine in Flames lights up the summer skies above picturesque towns and cities along the prettiest stretch of the mighty River Rhine. Bengal fire (a blue flare) lights up the river's many castles and palaces, Europe's largest river fleet parades in flamboyant style and the river itself fills with pyrotechnics. Watch from the backside or from boats bringing visitors to the prime viewing spots.
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May 10 - May 13
Dresden - International Dixieland Festival
The second biggest Jazz Festival in the world - about 40 bands from Europe and USA enthuse one hundred thousands of fans in concerts, on the Elbe steam boats, on the Jazz street Prager Strasse, on the big Dixieland parade, while the jam session on Theatre Square.
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May 11 - May 13
Hamburg - Harbor Anniversary Festival
Popular Harbor Festival along the river with scores of attractions on land, on water and in the air. There will be crowds populating every square inch at the river Elbe. Traditional highlights are: Parade of tall and traditional ships, tugboat ballet, dragon boat racing, and harbor illuminations.
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May 17
Hannover - Swinging Hannover
The swinging Hannover Festival has a long tradition. It takes place every year in front of the New Town hall and attracts about 30 000 visitors to celebrate with jazz artists from all over the world.
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May 25 - May 28
Berlin - Carnival of Cultures
The Carnival of Cultures is a reflection of Berlin's cultural diversity. It brings together professional artists and amateurs, young and old. It is open towards new trends and styles in youth and minority culture. 440.000 immigrants from more than 180 countries live in the German capital. The Carnival is a unique opportunity for members of Berlin's ethnic communities to make their cultures visible to Berliners and visitors alike.
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May 25 - May 28
Nuerburg - Rock am Ring
Rock im Park and Rock am Ring are the two largest open-air events in Europe. More than 150.000 people are expected to visit these highlights of the European Open-Air season. Approximately 70 bands will play on the festivals three stages.
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May/Jun
Duesseldorf - JazzRally
Düsseldorf's Jazz Rally brings an international crowd together to celebrate three days of music in venues all over the city. For these few days, jazz is king in the pubs of the local breweries and on open-air stages in the cozy 'Altstadt'.
Around 80 bands play at 30 different locations, ranging from atmospheric bars to cultural institutes, delighting the large crowds and making sure that blues, swing and Dixieland ring out across the city.
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