Your guide to Dresden / Music and Entertainment in Dresden
Music and Entertainment in Dresden
Dresden boasts a plethora of exciting events and attractions. If you've ever thought about visiting this German city, you'll be pleased to discover that it's home to a number of important activities, covering everything from food and culture to music and sports. Get to know this destination by adding a few of these events in Dresden to your list of things to do.
Music Events
Germany has long been a popular destination for music fans, but Berlin and Munich aren't the only cities where you can see incredible acts perform. If you love live music, attend one of these Dresden festivals during your visit.
Dresdner Musikfestspiele
Venues throughout Dresden
The Dresdner Musikfestspiele (also known as the Dresden Music Festival) is one of the largest classical music festivals in all of Europe. Established in 1978, the performances take place at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city, including the Semperoper opera house, Dresden Frauenkirche, Großer Garten, St. Anne's Church and Kulturpalast. Fans of classical music won't want to miss this amazing event, which is held over the course four and half weeks in May and June. You can catch orchestral concerts, chamber music, soloists and so much more during this prestigious music festival in Dresden.
Internationales Dixieland Festival
Venues throughout Dresden
For a taste of jazz during your visit to Dresden, check out the Internationales Dixieland Festival. First held in 1971, this popular event is among the longest running traditional jazz festivals in the world. Like the Dresdner Musikfestspiele, it's also held in a number of indoor and outdoor venues across Dresden, such as the Großer Garten, Kulturpalast, Terrassenufer and Dresden Zoo. Hundreds of thousands of jazz fans flock to Dresden during this weeklong event in May, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.
Sports Events
Want to attend an activity that will get your heart pounding with excitement? Dresden offers plenty of fun sporting events to satisfy your craving for a good matchup. Check out these attractions in the city to catch an athletic event during your visit.
Rudolf-Harbig Stadion
For soccer fans, Rudolf-Harbig Stadion is the center of the action in Dresden. This 29,000-seat stadium is the home of the SG Dynamo Dresden. In addition, it has hosted a wide variety of international matches featuring teams like West Ham United, Ajax Amsterdam, Celtic Glasgow, Real Betis, and more. In addition to attending sporting events here, visitors can also sign up for one of the popular stadium tours which lead guests through the facility, including VIP seating sections, locker rooms, and player tunnels.
Energieverbund Arena
As one of the largest sports facilities in the area, Energieverbund Arena is the site of some of Dresden's most exciting sporting events. The main area is the ice rink, which can seat up to 4,400 people and hosts ice skating and ice hockey competitions. It's most noted for being the home of the local ice hockey club, the Dresdner Eislöwen. The building also has a three-field ball game hall and an open-air ice skating runway.
Food and Drink Events
For more inspiration for things to do in Dresden, dive in to the local food culture. Dresden is known for its Saxon cuisine, but it also offers a variety of international fare at restaurants throughout the city. Considering checking out these food highlights during your visit.
Pfund's Dairy
The entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most beautiful dairy shop in the world belongs to the one and only Pfund's Dairy. This shop, which was established in 1880, features some of the most astounding architectural details in all of Dresden. You'll see hand-painted Villeroy and Boch ceramic tiles accenting almost every surface. The golden details and glowing chandeliers add a luxurious feel to the selection of milk, cheese, chocolate and more.
Neustädter Markthalle
Sample the freshest foods in Dresden during a visit to the Neustädter Markthalle (Neustadt Market Hall). In addition to serving as an art, antique and flea market, the hall also hosts a number of local and international food vendors. Browse through the food stands to shop for groceries or attend one of the Neustädter Markthalle street food events to try delicious fare on site.
Cultural Events
Soaking up some of the local culture is easy when you visit Dresden. There are plenty of fascinating cultural attractions that you can enjoy during your stay, including the following activities and locations.
Elbhangfest
Between Loschwitz and Pillnitz
Get a taste of Dresden's lively community spirit at Elbhangfest, an annual three-day street festival held each June. It's hosted along the banks of the Elbe river and features a number of exciting events, including parades, readings, musical performances, dancing and other activities focused on Saxon culture. Local craft vendors and food and beverage vendors are on site as well. This is a family-friendly festival with lots of fun activities for all ages. During the Christmas season in Dresden, there's an Elbhangfest winter market in Loschwitz with local artisans and food vendors.
Striezelmarkt
Visit one of the world's oldest Christmas markets by going to Dresden's Striezelmarkt. It's been around since 1434 and attracts millions of visitors each year. There are more than 240 vendors at the market selling lovely crafts and other goods, many of which make for excellent holiday gifts. You'll also find a number of local foods for sale, including glazed apples, kräppelchen and gingerbread. The mulled wine is another favorite at this festival, and many visitors save the beautifully designed wine cups as a souvenir.
Bundeswehr Museum of Military History
One of the most fascinating cultural attractions in the city is the Bundeswehr Museum of Military History. This Dresden museum features around 10,000 exhibits, many of which are focused on the role of violence in history and culture. It provides a captivating look at the three main periods of German military history: the late Middle Ages to 1914, the two World Wars, and 1945 to the present.
There's something for everyone in Dresden. When you visit this German city, be sure to take in all that it has to offer by adding music performances, sporting events, cultural attractions and food destinations to your itinerary.