Your guide to Düsseldorf / Music & Entertainment in Düsseldorf
Music and entertainment in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is a lively commercial and multicultural city. As a result, many events have been inspired by and organized around the area's culture, cuisine and arts. If you're looking for things to do in Düsseldorf during your stay, here are some attractions and celebrations to check out.
Live Music and Performance
You can find live music playing in various parts of Düsseldorf any time of year, but here are four of the largest music and performing arts events.
Hofgarten Concerts
Musicians perform in the beautiful public park of Hofgarten every Sunday, starting at 11 a.m., during the pleasant months of May through September. The seasonal concert series has taken place here since the 1960s, catering to all ages and musical tastes. One week you might hear a jazz quartet and the next a classical choir. You'll know you've stumbled upon a performance when you see people dancing in the park among the crowds that sometimes number in the hundreds.
Jazz Rally
Düsseldorf's annual Jazz Rally takes place at the end of May at dozens of indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. On average, a quarter of a million people attend what's become the largest jazz festival in the country. While the focus is obviously on jazz, artists of various genres also perform. The festival has grown since its launch in 1993 to include around 80 jazz concerts on 30 stages over the course of four days. You can purchase day passes or get tickets to one of the three main performances.
Düsseldorf Festival
This two-week festival in September celebrates all the performing arts: music, dance, theater, circus and more. It takes place in a variety of venues, from tents to churches to industrial buildings, in Düsseldorf's old town (Altstadt). The internationally acclaimed festival was launched in 1991 and is known for its quirky and experimental shows. Come September, look for the trademark tent in Burgplatz square. This pop-up theater seats 900 and transforms into a fun bar, as well.
Festival of Lights (Lichterfest)
Each summer, upward of 10,000 people attend the Festival of Lights, a fireworks show over the Schloss Benrath castle set to music by the Düsseldorf Symphony orchestra. The performance also features stunning light and water installations. Buy a ticket to picnic on the lawn and enjoy the show. The orchestra, which is the second-oldest in Germany, will perform a number of recognizable classical pieces, from the likes of Tchaikovsky to Debussy.
New Fall Festival
The New Fall Festival celebrates electronic and indie music for four days in October. Since 2011, thousands have gathered at the various stages to enjoy dozens of international acts. While stage locations change annually, Ehrenhof is the festival hub. You can purchase one-day passes or a ticket to the entire event. The New Fall Forum, at which performers speak on important current issues, runs concurrently with the musical event.
Fairs
If you're visiting Dusseldorf in the summer, check out its equivalent of Munich's Oktoberfest: the Funfair.
Funfair
Millions of people influx the city each July to attend what's been dubbed the largest fair on the Rhine. The nine-day fair sets up along the banks of the Rhine in the Oberkassel neighborhood and spans 165,000 square meters. Here, you'll enjoy all the traditional fair attractions: roller coasters, carousels, rides and games. Stop by the food booths to taste examples of German cuisine such as backfisch and bratwurst. Sample local beer in one of the many tents hosted by area breweries.
Funfair has been in existence for hundreds of years, originally established to celebrate the city's patron saint of St. Apollinaris. Its highlights include the Marksmen's Club parade and shooting competition, Pink Monday and a fireworks show on the final Friday.
Sporting Events
If you enjoy rooting for the home team or getting into the competitive spirit, then time your visit with one of these sporting events.
Metro Group Marathon
The city's annual marathon loops throughout the city and along the Rhine. While only the most dedicated runners attempt the 42-kilometer (26-mile) course, thousands of people show up to cheer them on in a partylike atmosphere. It starts in front of the NRW-Forum Düsseldorf and Tonhalle in the city center and ends at the Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine River promenade).
If you're looking for free things to do in Düsseldorf this spring, stake out a spot along the scenic race route, be it on the famed shopping boulevard of Königsallee, at Media Harbour or along the promenade. Toast the runners with a local Altbier at the finish line.
Fortuna Düsseldorf
The Germans love their football, and it's evident when you attend a Fortuna Düsseldorf match at the MERKUR sports arena just north of town. The club has recently joined the first division ranks and is a member of Germany's popular Bundesliga league. The season starts in August and runs until May, so there's a good chance you'll be able to catch a game while you're in town.
Cultural Events
Düsseldorf embraces its international community and influences. Throughout the year you can enjoy unique food, music and arts at a variety of cultural festivals.
Carnival in Düsseldorf
Carnival season in Dusseldorf kicks off in November and runs until Ash Wednesday in March. While its start at the Marktplatz in the fall for Hoppeditz's awakening is a fun event to witness, its the spring celebration that truly takes over the city. At 11:11 a.m. on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, Dusseldorf's women storm the city hall in a tradition that signals the start of a weeklong party.
In the following week, you can witness or partake in the Children's and Youth Procession throughout the city center. This is a must if you're looking for things to do in Düsseldorf with kids. On Sunday the Kö-Treiben street festival occurs on Königsallee. Here's where you'll see iconic Carnival costumes and floats. The grand finale, however, is the massive Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade) on Monday. The procession starts on the river promenade and continues throughout the city center for hours.
More than a million people join what's become one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in Germany. Throughout the week there's no shortage of costumes, partying, street food, music, dancing and festivities.
Japan Day
Burgplatz and River Rhine Promenade
Dusseldorf is home to one of the largest Japanese populations in Europe, and the city celebrates this on Japan Day in May. More than half a million people attend the festive event in old town and along the river. Sample traditional Japanese food and drink at the many booths, or enjoy live performances and demonstrations at the more than 70 stages and tents. Exhibits range from Japanese calligraphy to Manga comics. The day ends with a themed fireworks show over the Rhine.
Christmas Market
From the end of November until New Year's, the holiday spirit takes over Dusseldorf's city center. If you're looking for the best things to do in Düsseldorf during the holiday season, explore the seven Christmas markets around town. These include the traditional German food, wine and craft booths at Marktplatz in front of the town hall, the Engelchenmarkt (Angel Market) on Heinrich-Heine-Platz, the Altstadt Markt on Flinger Straße, the Sternchenmarkt (Little Star Market) in the Wilhelm Marx Haus courtyard, the Scandinavian-inspired Märchen Markt on Schadowplatz, the Kö-Bogen near Hofgarten and the Schadow Markt surrounding Schadowstraße.
Other attractions include the Dome of Lights on the shopping hub of Königsallee, an ice-skating rink at Corneliusplatz and a giant Ferris wheel on Burgplatz. The area glows with Christmas lights, and the markets are ideal for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.
China Festival
Nearly 30,000 people gather around Dusseldorf's town hall for the city's China Festival, which takes place every September. Experience traditional Chinese dance, song, costumes and cuisine from dawn until dusk. You can also watch performances and demonstrations on stage and delight in the dancing dragons. This is a great cultural event for people of all ages.
Food and Drink Festivals
Dusseldorf is known for its award-winning and multicultural dining options. One of the best ways to experience all the culinary delights this city has to offer is to attend one of its food or drink festivals.
ProWein goes City
Destination Düsseldorf Veranstaltungs GmbH
Each March, Dusseldorf hosts what's considered to be the world's top international wine and spirits trade fair. Wine producers hailing from countries around the world gather in town for the ProWein conference. It's not all business, however. ProWein goes City takes place concurrently, with dozens of area cafes, bars, restaurants, stores and nightclubs joining together in the evenings to celebrate exceptional food and drink.
While the event caters to wine lovers, with tastings, special menus and parties, it's fun for anyone who appreciates good food and culture. You can even enjoy themed movie showings and plays.
Gourmet Festival
The Düsseldorf Gourmet Festival celebrates high-end food and drink along the lovely luxury retail corridor of Königsallee. This culinary event attracts tens of thousands of festivalgoers to sample both German and international tastings from more than 100 vendors each August.
Attending a themed festival or special event is one of the top things to do in Düsseldorf. Time your travels with an unforgettable food, music or cultural experience in this special city.