Named the UNESCO City of Music, Hannover is a music hub of the region, and an unforgettable destination for international tourists. Hannover draws international attention for its range of open-air events, live music, festivals and concerts. Music plays a role in most of the events and things to do in Hannover every year, but here are a few of the most stand-out music events.

Alte Ziegelei, Ziegeleistraße 41, 31275 Lehrte, Germany

The Fuchsbau Festival is an arts and music event, which explores politics and connections against the backdrop of the woods and lakes of Lower Saxony. With an eclectic mix that includes everything from electronic music to progressive pop, the music festival also includes open discussions and workshops to explore new ideas. 

Arthur-Menge-Ufer / Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, 30169 Hannover, Germany

Every summer, the Maschsee Lake Festival is a spectacular party with music and entertainment on multiple stages in an open-air, sun-and-seaside atmosphere. It first launched in 1986, but the number of international visitors now regularly reaches upwards of two million visitors, making it one of the largest open air parties in the world. Maschseefest has specialized activities and music venues for fans of every age and musical preference.

Expo Plaza, 30539 Hannover, Germany 

Plaza-Festival is a popular top-ranked live event with more than 240 artists on stage. It takes place in May at the Expo Plaza, in Hannover, Germany. It sells out fast every year because it's one of the biggest and best open-air festivals in Northern Germany. More than 70,000 fans attended the initial launch of the music festival in 2001, and it has grown in popularity ever since.

Fans turn out to see footballers in the HDI Arena, but there's also a range of other sports events featuring rugby, ice hockey and basketball. Amateurs have important opportunities to square off against career professionals to prove their skills and dedication. With the range of outdoor and indoor options, there's something for everyone's personal sporting and entertainment preferences, family-friendly and kid-focused activities, as well as competitions for amateur and professional participants.

21, Kleine Düwelstraße, 30171 Hannover, Germany

With three routes to choose from in July and September, the ProAm Hannover race is unique in that it's a cycling event that allows professional athletes and amateurs to compete for the German Cycling Cup.

Kleine Düwelstraße 21, 30171 Hannover, Germany

This annual road race features the marathon, half-marathon and the 10 km distance race, with fun run-and-walk activities. The HAJ Hannover Marathon takes place in May every year, with more than 15,000 turning out to watch the runners take off. The festivities also make room for sports, games, stage shows, music and fun for participants of all ages and interest levels.

Karl-Thiele-Weg 21, 30169 Hannover, Germany

The Drachenbootfestival is Germany's largest dragon boat regatta on Maschsee Lake at the end of May. It's part of a cultural festival with colorful dragon masks and activities for the entire family.

Messegelände, 30521 Hannover, Germany

The Domotex is a leading trade fair for carpets and floor coverings with international appeal. It's a global marketplace with 1,400 exhibitors.

Messegelände, 30521 Hannover, Germany 

The Hannover Messe is the world's largest industrial technology show, with more than 200,000 attendees. The event features core technological innovations, as well as a focus on research and development in automation and industrial IT. 

Kirchwender Str. 17, 30175 Hannover, Germany

The IdeenExpo is an international exhibition and hands-on fair for education, careers and technology. With more than 200 exhibitors, IdeenExpo is the world's largest classroom with interactive exhibits, 600 exhibits, entertainment and presentations from science and tech celebrities.

No list of festivals in Hannover would be complete without mentioning the food and drink events. Hannover is brimming with an eclectic mix of celebrations that center around delectable and savory flavors and beverages. Centering around food and beverages, these events all tap into a rich history and culture of delectable flavors that culminate in Hannover's unique culinary approach.

Hildesheimer Str. 258, 30519 Hannover, Germany

The Foodmarkt Bückeburg Food Truck Festival is designed to offer the very best food trucks to highlight the Hannover food scene, all lined up against a beautiful and historical marketplace backdrop. It melds the look, feel and flavors of the old-time food vendor festival with the modernity, convenience and incredible tastes of street truck practicality. It's an unforgettable experience.

Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 2, 30169 Hannover, Germany

The Foodmeile Ost offers a variety of international foods from Morocco, Vietnam, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Hungary, France, Germany and many destinations in between. It's a celebration of culinary diversity and variation.

An der Weide 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany

The Fischmarkt is a local food market event that has been taking place every Sunday since the 18th century, on the banks of River Elbe. It features a combination of local food stalls and vendors who hawk their wares. The event culminates with live music and a final dance at dawn.

Hannover is such a hub of culture that it can't help but be at the center of a range of cultural events and festivals.

Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419 Hannover, Germany

The Festival of Fireworks's spectacular aerial display draws thousands of visitors and participants from around the world to watch and compete for prizes and the chance to be recognized as one of the best pyrotechnic artists in the world.

Paul-Theile-Weg, 30539 Hannover, Germany

The Kite Festival on Kronsberg is a fun and entertaining family event, where kites of every shape and size take to the skies in a vibrant display. Come out and fly your kite, and enjoy the refreshments with your high-flying fun.

Frühlingsfest Hannover, Bruchmeisterallee 1, Hannover, Germany

The epic Oktoberfest Hannover activities draw visitors from around the world from late September to October, with music, great food, and rides.

Herrenhäuser Str. 4, 30419 Hannover, Germany

The name says it all. The Glowing Garden offers the very special opportunity to experience the Royal Gardens of Hannover during the summer months (May-October). Some of the features include impressive statues, fountains, springs, and more.

Im Rehwinkel 13, 30827 Garbsen, Germany

The Hannover Leuchtet is the world's largest light-art festival with staging by first-class light artists. This famous event features illumination from many points of light across Hannover via the LaserLightFaden.

Am Markte 30159 Hannover, Germany

Hannover lights up for the Christmas Markets in Old Town with Christmas stalls, Scandinavian hand-crafted products, flaming-fire baskets and 50 Christmas trees around the Oskar Winter fountain at Holzmarkt square. It's a Christmas fairytale wonderland.

Adenauerallee 3 30175 Hannover

The Winter-Zoo Hannover transforms the Hannover Adventure Zoo into a fairytale winter wonderland with market booths, a skating rink, the mulled-wine garden and culinary treats against a landscape of polar bears, lions and elephants.

As a cultural center and one of Germany's largest cities, Hannover stands as a beacon, drawing culture rich in arts and music. October is a popular time to visit because of Germany's famous event, the Oktoberfest, but festivals and activities are happening all year round in the city of kings.