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.
> http://www.swinginghannover.info/ (German only)
May 1 - May 31
May Festival, Wiesbaden
This annual festival runs through the entire month of May. Founded in 1896 the festival is the second oldest music festival in western Germany. Among the performances held every year are operas, dance and theatrical performances, orchestral concerts and recitals by acclaimed musicians from all over the world.
> www.wiesbaden.de
May 3 - Sep 9
'Rhine in Flames', Linz to Bonn
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 while boats parade in flamboyant style. Watch from the river banks or from boats bringing visitors to the prime viewing spots.
> http://www.rlp-info.de/
May 9 - May 11
JazzRally, Duesseldorf
Duesseldorf'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'. Approximagtely 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.
> http://www.duesseldorfer-jazzrally.de/ (German only)
May 9 - May 12
Harbor Festival, Hamburg
Hamburg's annual Harbor Festival attracts thousands who line the river banks to see the 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.
> www.hamburg-tourism.de
May 9 - May 12
Carnival of Cultures, Berlin
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. Over 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.
> www.karneval-berlin.de
May 14 - May 18
International Dixieland Festival, Dresden
The second biggest Jazz Festival in the world - about 40 bands from Europe and USA -- entertain one hundred of thousands of fans in concerts, in various locales including on the Elbe steam boats, on the Jazz street: Prager Strasse, in the big Dixieland parade and in jam sessions on Theater Square'.
> www.dixieland.de
