The huge array of "Freiluftfeste", traditional open air celebrations, include festivals such as the "Dippemess", "Wäldchestag" or "Mainfest" as well as the cultural event "Sound of Frankfurt" climaxing at the festive scene in Frankfurt with the "Museumsuferfest". Don't miss out on these one-of-a-kind events taking place in this fascinating German city. You'll be able to enjoy them while taking a German Language Course here in Frankfurt.

Dippemess

(April)

This traditional celebration held in Frankfurt originated in the 12th Century. The market brings together uncountable stands offering all sorts of wares and a wide array of popular attractions, such as high technology amusement parks or the traditional Dippemarkt' (Pottery Market).

Wäldchestag

("Little Wood Day", early June)

The Tuesday after the Whitsun, the people of Frankfurt celebrate their 'national holiday'. During Whitsun a huge féte takes place in the Stadtwald (the city woods) around the Oberforsthaus (the Central Forestry Office) in the Niederrad area with an amusement park and leisure activity program.

Nowadays, Wäldchestag is a popular event, laden with tradition but also adapted to present day spirits, being an open air event with gourmet cuisine in summer gardens and live music. Also highly popular are the high tech amusement parks, raffles, shooting ranges, and the numerous games stands and stalls selling a variety of goods.

There are many versions of Wäldchestag's history. According to the most probable version it originated with cattle-grazing during Whitsun and with the picnic that the farmhands and servants had in the woods. What is absolutely certain is that for centuries during Whitsun Frankfurt's inhabitants 'have been flocking to the woods with their children to eat, drink and have fun'.

Mainfest

(The Main Festival in the Old City in August)

This is a popular traditional celebration in the city centre which emerged from an age old tradition - the fishermen's parties and celebrations. Since the time of imperial monarchs during the Middle Ages it was a custom to throw parties at the "Gudd Stubb" in Römerberg . All those centuries ago "Ochs am Spieß" (Roast ox on a spit) was served with "Wein aus dem Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen" (Wine from the Fountain of Justice).

Along a seemingly never-ending stretch of about 120 summer gardens, from Paulsplatz (St. Paul's Square) through to Römerberg and along the Main River Embankment are carousels for children, amusement parks, game stands, raffle stalls and shooting ranges. A family event, this festival ends with the best part of the show: live music at the Römerberg , the historic Fischerstechen (ancient fishermen's tradition) in the Main and the grand finale with a firework display.

Sound of Frankfurt

(early July, downtown)

This open air music festival, with 70 performances on 8 stages lasting for 12 hours has already become a tradition and takes place in the outskirts of Hauptwache, Stoltzeplatz, Zeil and Konstablerwache.

Museumsuferfest

(Museum Embankment Festival in late August)

The highlight of the festive scene in Frankfurt provides culture and art in its most refined form. The Museum Embankment (Museumsufer) celebrates itself at this spectacular artistic and cultural event. Besides the museum exhibitions, both the north and south banks enjoy shows, performances, music and special programs, featuring artists from all over the world. The traditional festivals celebrated by the various districts in Frankfurt, such as the Höchster Schloßfest or the Bernemer Kerb as well as the multicultural celebrations held on the streets are worthwhile events to go and see.

Höchster Schloßfest

(Höchst Castle Festival, in June/July)

For over 40 years this festival, a tumultuous display of folklore and culture, has been celebrated in this historic old town of Höchst. Festivities are formally opened at the Bolongaro Garden.

Bernemer Kerb

(in the Bornheim district in early August)

The "Bernemer Kerb" (local Borhheim holiday and traditional street party) is among one of the oldest festivals in Frankfurt (1608). It takes place on the second weekend in August, around Johannis church. With live music, Apfelwein (applewine) stands, parades down Bornheim's streets and parties at the nightclubs on Oberen Berger Street, this is certainly not to be missed.