Mayday
April
One of the world’s first electronic music festivals, this 15-hour rave attracts a crowd of more than 25,000. Spread over five separate music halls and featuring both ground-shaking music systems and trippy LED visuals, it has to be the coolest event in Dortmund’s calendar.
Rock in den Ruinen
April
Hohensyburg castle is the setting for this annual rock festival, which features a stellar line-up of famous bands as well as performances from up-and-coming local rock musicians.
ExtraSchicht
June
Every year, museums and historic industrial buildings across Dortmund open their doors for this fascinating Industrial Heritage Night. More than 50 events take place annually in different locations around the city.
Micro!Festival
August-September
This vibrant street festival recently celebrated its 20th birthday, and it gets increasingly popular every year. Expect a wide range of free outdoor events focussing around Dortmund’s Friedensplatz, from street theatre to performances by internationally acclaimed musicians.
Dortmund Christmas Market
November-December One of the biggest festive markets in Germany, this long-running event packs in over 300 stalls around a giant Christmas tree in the town square. Everything from handmade toys to hot mulled wine is on sale, while puppet shows, theatre performances and bands entertain the shoppers.