Seven corona-safe events not to miss in Germany in September 2020
September 2020 may not see typical big events in Germany like Oktoberfest in Munich or the Berlin Marathon. But there's still a lot of fun (safely) in store.
Last Thursday, federal and state governments agreed to relax measurements on mass gatherings and events in Germany from September 1st.
This is good news for tourists and locals alike, as many events across the country will be allowed to take place this year in spite of the pandemic, albeit with adaptations.
In Berlin, September 1st will see the maximum capacity for indoor events increased from 500 to 700, and from 1,000 to 5,000 for events taking place outside.
Saxony and Brandenburg will also permit capacities of 1,000 for both indoor and outdoor events. In Bavaria, the first day of the month will mark the resumption of large conventions, exhibitions and events, subject to strict adherence with safety measures.
READ ALSO: Germany to extend ban on major events and limit numbers at social gatherings
Whilst permitted capacities are significantly smaller in other federal states, the new measures still introduce a long-awaited taste of a crowd atmosphere, and allow many of Germany’s cultural highlights to remain firmly on the calendar.
Here are seven recommendations for the best events still taking place in Germany this month.
Berlin Festival of Lights: September 11th - September 20th
The Brandenburg Gate illuminated at 2019's festival. Photo: DPA
This spectacular 10-day celebration sees Berlin’s world-famous monuments illuminated with colourful displays every year and will take place in 2020 even in times of corona.
Across the city, buildings will be transformed into bright, kaleidoscopic works of art with the use of light projectors. The website makes clear that maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres is required, and face masks recommended.
Open Air Cinema at the Olympic Park, Munich: September 1st - September 13th
The set-up for the outdoor cinema this year. Photo: gomuenchen.com
Enjoy a selection of the latest German and international films against the idyllic backdrop of the lake at Munich’s Olympic Park.
The venue’s bars and beer gardens will also be open, offering a selection of traditional German refreshments. Two-person deckchairs are the seating of choice, and masks are mandatory everywhere at the venue.
Heritage Day: September 12th - September 13th
Biesdorf Palace. Photo: DPA
Berlin’s Heritage Day, also known as Day of the Open Monument, allows for public access into and guided tours of the city’s buildings which otherwise remain closed, aiming to strengthen engagement with cultural heritage.
This year, the theme is “Denk_mal nachhaltig”, featuring a play on the imperative “Denk” (think) and the word “Denkmal”, meaning moment, and focusing on the concept of sustainability.
Medieval Festival, Selb: September 10th - September 12th
A concert at the festival in 2019. Photo: Bernd Sonntag
Though restricted to only 400 attendees this year, the Medieval Festival in Selb in Bavaria will nonetheless offer its extensive program to fans of the Middle Ages.
Complete with concerts from Medieval rock bands, a medieval market and beer garden, literary events and performances from jugglers, this is certainly a unique way to make the most of the month.
Düsseldorf Festival: September 9th - September 27th
The festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and will still be able to take place despite the pandemic. Instead of in the usual theatre tent, artists and performers will showcase their talent under the motto “Face to Face”, performing solo for one visitor at a time.
The Mitsubishi Electric Halle will also be utilised to host circus acts and bands as well as dance and art shows, whilst strictly adhering to North-Rhine Westphalia’s corona-safe policies.
Hamburg Film Festival: September 24th - October 3rd
The festival in 2015. Photo: DPA
Though adapting to the coronavirus by also making video-on-demand tickets available, Hamburg’s “Filmfest” will still go ahead this year, screening up to 70 films across six cinemas. As the third largest international film festival in Germany, showing independent, art-house films to major blockbusters, the festival showcases the work of both internationally-renowned directors and rising stars.
Berlin Art Week: September 9th - September 13th
Die Berlinische Galerie. Photo: DPA
Offering an exciting program, the renowned Berlin art week will take place in a combination of both digital and open-air set-ups this year, aiming to immerse the whole city in the capital’s art scene.
Over 150 exhibitions and events are set to take place among 55 partners, including the Berlinische Galerie, the Akademie der Künste, and the Kindl Center for Contemporary Art.
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Last Thursday, federal and state governments agreed to relax measurements on mass gatherings and events in Germany from September 1st.
This is good news for tourists and locals alike, as many events across the country will be allowed to take place this year in spite of the pandemic, albeit with adaptations.
In Berlin, September 1st will see the maximum capacity for indoor events increased from 500 to 700, and from 1,000 to 5,000 for events taking place outside.
Saxony and Brandenburg will also permit capacities of 1,000 for both indoor and outdoor events. In Bavaria, the first day of the month will mark the resumption of large conventions, exhibitions and events, subject to strict adherence with safety measures.
READ ALSO: Germany to extend ban on major events and limit numbers at social gatherings
Whilst permitted capacities are significantly smaller in other federal states, the new measures still introduce a long-awaited taste of a crowd atmosphere, and allow many of Germany’s cultural highlights to remain firmly on the calendar.
Here are seven recommendations for the best events still taking place in Germany this month.
Berlin Festival of Lights: September 11th - September 20th
The Brandenburg Gate illuminated at 2019's festival. Photo: DPA
This spectacular 10-day celebration sees Berlin’s world-famous monuments illuminated with colourful displays every year and will take place in 2020 even in times of corona.
Across the city, buildings will be transformed into bright, kaleidoscopic works of art with the use of light projectors. The website makes clear that maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres is required, and face masks recommended.
Open Air Cinema at the Olympic Park, Munich: September 1st - September 13th
The set-up for the outdoor cinema this year. Photo: gomuenchen.com
Enjoy a selection of the latest German and international films against the idyllic backdrop of the lake at Munich’s Olympic Park.
The venue’s bars and beer gardens will also be open, offering a selection of traditional German refreshments. Two-person deckchairs are the seating of choice, and masks are mandatory everywhere at the venue.
Heritage Day: September 12th - September 13th
Biesdorf Palace. Photo: DPA
Berlin’s Heritage Day, also known as Day of the Open Monument, allows for public access into and guided tours of the city’s buildings which otherwise remain closed, aiming to strengthen engagement with cultural heritage.
This year, the theme is “Denk_mal nachhaltig”, featuring a play on the imperative “Denk” (think) and the word “Denkmal”, meaning moment, and focusing on the concept of sustainability.
Medieval Festival, Selb: September 10th - September 12th
A concert at the festival in 2019. Photo: Bernd Sonntag
Though restricted to only 400 attendees this year, the Medieval Festival in Selb in Bavaria will nonetheless offer its extensive program to fans of the Middle Ages.
Complete with concerts from Medieval rock bands, a medieval market and beer garden, literary events and performances from jugglers, this is certainly a unique way to make the most of the month.
Düsseldorf Festival: September 9th - September 27th
The festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and will still be able to take place despite the pandemic. Instead of in the usual theatre tent, artists and performers will showcase their talent under the motto “Face to Face”, performing solo for one visitor at a time.
The Mitsubishi Electric Halle will also be utilised to host circus acts and bands as well as dance and art shows, whilst strictly adhering to North-Rhine Westphalia’s corona-safe policies.
Hamburg Film Festival: September 24th - October 3rd
The festival in 2015. Photo: DPA
Though adapting to the coronavirus by also making video-on-demand tickets available, Hamburg’s “Filmfest” will still go ahead this year, screening up to 70 films across six cinemas. As the third largest international film festival in Germany, showing independent, art-house films to major blockbusters, the festival showcases the work of both internationally-renowned directors and rising stars.
Berlin Art Week: September 9th - September 13th
Die Berlinische Galerie. Photo: DPA
Offering an exciting program, the renowned Berlin art week will take place in a combination of both digital and open-air set-ups this year, aiming to immerse the whole city in the capital’s art scene.
Over 150 exhibitions and events are set to take place among 55 partners, including the Berlinische Galerie, the Akademie der Künste, and the Kindl Center for Contemporary Art.
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