Events in Saxony are as diverse as the region’s sights and attractions – and a great way to experience many of the things that make this destination so unique. Choose from stand-out classical music moments, extraordinary exhibitions or one-of-a-kind traditional events in the Saxon regions and, of course, some of the best Christmas markets around. Find your favourites in this preview. Some of the events are under high demand concerning tickets or accommodation in the hosting town. Therefore we advise you to make your plannings well in advance.
Events Preview
2027
© Klut/Estel, © Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
Dresden State Art Collections - Exhibition highlight
2027 will mark the 450th anniversary of the birth of Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640), the great innovator of European painting. To mark the occasion, Dresden will be paying tribute to Ruben's extraordinary cultural heritage with a major special exhibition. The Old Masters Picture Gallery of the Dresden State Art Collections is planning a representative display comprising around 100 works in collaboration with the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts.
The exhibition "Rubens. A global superstar in Dresden!" will be on from 25 June 2026 to 9 January 2028 at the Old Masters Picture Gallery in Dresden, honoring the legacy of Paul Peter Rubens.The focus will be on the artist's masterpieces such as "The Drunken Hercules," "Old Woman with a Basket of Coal," and "A Boar Hunt," complemented by top-class loans.
200th Anniversary of Beethoven's Death
2027 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Ludwig van Beethoven, the most frequently performed classical composer and pioneer of Romantic music.
In his honour, the Saxon State Orchestra, conducted by Daniele Gatti, will be performing all of Beethoven's symphonies in the concert series "Beethoven Cycle I & II" from 14 to 17 April, 28 to 30 April and on 1 May 2027. In Leipzig, the Gewandhaus is organising a music festival from 11 to 23 May 2027 featuring symphony concerts, chamber music concerts and choral concerts.
© LTM / PUNCTUM
© S. Rose
300 Years of Wackerbarth Castle near Dresden
Wackerbarth Castle, once the site of Baroque court festivities, is now Europe's first "Erlebnisweingut" (Heritage Vineyard). 300 years ago, Count von Wackerbarth, a close confidant of August the Strong, had the castle and gardens built in the Saxon Elbe Valley, which has been characterised by viticulture for over 850 years. French cellar masters brought the art of sparkling wine production to Radebeul, where grape juice is still associated with fine living and enjoyment today.
The "Erlebnisweingut", which also celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2027, can be enjoyed during the following events in 2027:
- January/February and Novemeber/December 2027: Wine and Light at Wackerbarth Castle
- March/April 2027: Sparkling Wine Spring at Wackerbarth Castle
- May to October 2027: Wine Summer at Wackerbarth Castle
- 8th May 2027: German Sparkling Wine Day at Wackerbarth Castle
Other event highlights in 2027
From 10 to 11 April, Dresden:
From 24 April to 3 October 2027, Aue-Bad Schlema:
Enjoy the State Flower Show
01 May 2027, Dresden:
Traditional Fleet Parade of the Saxony Steamship Company
From 1 May to 3 October 2027, Bad Elster:
Chursächsischer Sommer - 30th anniversary of the popular cultural festival in Europe's spa region!
From 13 May to 13 June 2027, Dresden:
The 50th Dresden Music Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious classical music festivals in Europe.
From 14 May to 17 May 2027, Leipzig:
Wave Gotik Convention - largest Gothic festival worldwide
From 16 to 23 May, Dresden:
The International Dixieland Festival is Europe's longest-running old-time jazz festival and is staged at a wide variety of venues, including the zoo and Dresden airport.
From 10 June to 20 June 2027, Leipzig:
Bach Festival - theme to be announced in summer 2026
From 6 to 22 August, Moritzburg:
The unique atmosphere of this chamber music festival stems from its innovative spirit, musical dynamism and special venues, led by its artistic director Jan Vogler.
From 20 to 22 August, Dresden:
The CANALETTO: Dresden City Fair will be held all across the city centre.
From 28 to 29 August 2027, Saxon Wine Trail:
Multiple wineries and taverns along the Saxon Wine Trail open their doors offering their wines accompanied by musical and artistic highlights. Shuttle buses between the wineries are available.
From 17 to 19 September 2027, Meissen and Radebeul:
Enjoy Saxon wine at the Meissen Wine Festival and the Autumn Wine Festival in nearby Radebeul.
3 Saturdays in September 2027, Moritzburg:
Marvel at beautiful horses at the Stallions' parades in Moritzburg
Autumn 2027, Dresden:
Completion of the long-awaited restoration of Dresden Castle, reopening its historic halls to the public.
From 1 October to 21 November 2027, Dresden:
The Dresden Jazz Days are one of the largest Jazz Festivals in Germany, offering an excellent program with top performances of renowned national and international artists.
End of November to End of December 2027, Dresden:
593rd Dresden Striezelmarkt
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