Events & Festivals in Hanovre

A lively parade marking the climax of Carnival season in Hanovre. Floats, marching bands, and thousands of costumed participants wind through the city center, throwing sweets and creating a festive, boisterous atmosphere. It suits families and anyone looking for a colorful, participatory street celebration before the Lenten period.

This specialized market in the historic old town focuses on traditional wooden crafts, cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest items. Artisans demonstrate their skills, and vendors sell wooden toys, crafts, and seasonal decorations. The mood is quaint and focused, appealing to shoppers looking for authentic German handicrafts.

When scheduled, CeBIT is a major global trade fair for digital business and IT. It fills the Hanover Fairgrounds with exhibitors, keynote speakers, and professionals from around the world. The atmosphere is business-focused and international, significantly impacting hotel availability and city traffic.

A traditional spring fair held near the historic Pferdeturm tower. It features amusement rides, game stalls, food stands serving grilled sausages and sweet pastries, and a beer garden. The event has a local, family-oriented feel, marking the beginning of the outdoor fair season in Hanovre.

A major city marathon that courses through Hanovre's landmarks, including the Maschsee, the Royal Gardens, and the city hall. It includes full and half marathon distances, as well as shorter fun runs. The event creates a citywide sporting atmosphere, with many residents cheering along the route.

An annual floral exhibition held in the Stadtpark or other green spaces, marking the start of spring. Elaborate displays of tulips, daffodils, and other spring blooms are arranged in patterns. It's peaceful. Visually pleasing. Good for a relaxed stroll.

A large funfair and folk festival in the Bult area, traditionally associated with the horse show and equestrian events. It features rides, shooting galleries, food stalls, and large beer tents with live music. It has strong local character. Less international than the Schützenfest.

A culinary event where restaurants and wine sellers in the old town offer special menus and tastings focused on Burgundy wines and matching Franco-German cuisine. The mood is food and convivial, appealing to food and wine lovers.

A large amateur football tournament held on the Ascension Day holiday, involving hundreds of local teams across many pitches. The atmosphere is lively and community-focused, with many spectators coming to support friends and family.

Part of the global celebration of music, this event fills the streets and squares of Hanovre with free live performances. Genres range from classical and folk to rock and electronic, played by amateur and professional musicians. The mood is spontaneous and communal, encouraging exploration.

A 'culture mile' event where institutions along a central route open their doors for special performances, open studios, and workshops. It includes theaters, small galleries, artist studios, and cultural centers not usually open to the public. It's designed for curious explorers of Hanovre's local art scene.

Hanovre's largest lakeside festival transforms the banks of the Maschsee for several weeks. Stages host live music from rock to salsa, numerous food stalls offer international dishes, and a large flea market operates. The atmosphere is relaxed and summery, good for evening strolls, boat trips, and open-air dining.

The world's largest marksmen's fair takes over the Hanovre fairgrounds. It has a massive amusement park, large beer tents with live folk music, a grand parade with traditional costumes, and shooting competitions. The scale is immense and the mood is traditionally German, drawing both locals and tourists.

A prestigious theater and performing arts festival held in the Great Garden of Herrenhausen Palace. It focuses on contemporary circus, physical theater, dance, and innovative stage art from international companies. The setting is elegant and artistic, attracting a culturally curious audience.

Part of the Maschseefest, these are several evenings where pyrotechnic teams from different countries present choreographed fireworks displays over the Maschsee. The shows are synchronized to music, drawing large crowds to the lakeside parks. Popular. Romantic. Worth planning for.

A series of free classical and jazz concerts held outdoors in the courtyard of the University of Music, Drama and Media. Students and professors perform a varied repertoire. The setting is academic yet informal, suitable for an evening of accessible high-quality music.

For one evening, nearly all of Hanovre's museums, galleries, and cultural institutions stay open late, connected by a special bus shuttle. Visitors can access exhibitions, guided tours, and special performances with a single ticket. The event suits culture lovers who want to sample many venues in a lively, nocturnal atmosphere.

A weekend celebrating horticulture and garden design within the beautiful Herrenhausen Gardens. Highlights include expert talks, guided tours focusing on specific plants, floral displays, and vendors selling gardening tools and plants. It appeals to gardening enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the formal Baroque setting.

This festival presents a curated selection of international independent cinema, documentaries, and German films, often with directors and actors in attendance for Q&A sessions. Screenings are held in regular cinemas and special venues, creating a focused atmosphere for film buffs.

Hanovre runs its own Munich Oktoberfest spin, staged in large tents on the fairgrounds. Traditional Bavarian music blares. Roast chicken and pretzels fuel the crowd. Beer flows freely. Locals mingle with visitors chasing that raucous beer hall buzz.

A week-long festival showing a wide spectrum of jazz, from traditional to avant-garde, with international and German artists. Concerts are held in various venues from clubs to theaters. The program is curated for dedicated jazz enthusiasts, offering intimate listening experiences.

A traditional autumn market celebrating the harvest, set in the shadow of the New City Hall. Local farmers and producers from the region sell pumpkins, apples, honey, fresh bread, and seasonal flowers. It's smaller. More rustic. Good for families and anyone after regional produce.

Hanovre's main Christmas market spreads across the old town, with over 100 stalls around the Marktkirche and the historic Kröpcke square. It features handcrafted gifts, traditional wood carvings, and food like Bratwurst and Glühwein. The atmosphere is classic and festive, with a large Christmas pyramid and daily stage performances.

A multi-day indoor festival focused on electronic music, from techno and house to ambient. It features established and emerging DJs and live acts from Germany and abroad. The event attracts a dedicated club-going crowd and is held in several mid-sized venues.

A large open-air ice skating rink installed on the frozen shores of the Maschsee lake. Skate rentals are available, and a festive hut serves warm drinks. It's popular with families, couples, and friends during the winter holidays in Hanovre.

A smaller, more contemplative alternative to the large Christmas market, set in the ruins of the Aegidienkirche, a memorial for war victims. It focuses on high-quality crafts, candles, and quieter refreshments. The atmosphere is historical and reflective.