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
2024 - 2025
2024 highlights
In 2024, Saxony once more has very special events on the agenda. Choose one (or more) to your liking and combine your visit with a city break or an exploration of the region’s beautiful nature.
For the art lovers among you this will be a special year. 2024 sees the 250th birthday of the painter Caspar David Friedrich, who lived in Dresden for decades. The New Master's Gallery in Dresden already contains 14 of his works and in honor of this anniversary a big special exhibition is planned in Dresden (August 24, 2024 - January 5, 2025).
Event highlight 2024: 250th anniversary of Caspar David Friedrich
Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) spent most of his life in Dresden. He travelled extensively in Saxony, preparing sketches and watercolours in his Dresden studio that became masterpieces. In total, he created 150 paintings. Always out and about on foot, he was a kind of early "slow traveller", with a keen eye for nature that his imagination translated into great works of art. Often misunderstood during his lifetime, Caspar David Friedrich is today regarded as the most important German painter of the Romantic period. His most famous painting is probably "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer), which was inspired by the wildly romantic landscape of Saxon Switzerland. 2024 sees his 250th birthday which will be celebrated in style in Saxony.
Other event highlights in 2024
16 March 2023 to 25 February 2024, Meissen:
Special exhibition "Alles fließt. Wasser und Meissner Porzellan" in the porcelaine manufactory Meissen
13 and 14 April 2024, Dresden:
Enjoy the Steam Train Festival
01 May 2024, Dresden:
Traditional Fleet Parade of the Saxony Steamship Company
01 May to 06 October 2024, Bad Elster:
27. Chursächsischer Sommer (summer concerts in the spa region)
09 May to 09 June 2024, Dresden:
Enjoy the beauty of classical and contemporary music at the Dresden Music Festival.
12 May to 19 May 2024, Dresden:
Be enchanted by the 52nd International Dixieland Festival, Europe's longest-established old-time Jazz festival.
17 May to 20 May 2024, Leipzig:
Wave Gotik Convention - largest Gothic festival worldwide
31 May to 02 June 2024, Leipzig:
Celebrate the city of Leipzig at the popular annual City fair.
31 May to 09 June 2024, Annaberg-Buchholz:
Be a part of "Annaberger KÄT". The public fair is the largest and most richly traditional folk festival in the Ore Mountains.
07 June to 16 June 2024, Leipzig:
Bach Festival under the motto "Bach - we are FAMILY"
14 June to 14 July 2024, Leipzig:
UEFA EURO 2024: four matches in Leipzig
02 August to 18 August 2024, Moritzburg:
Be inspired by international chamber music at the Moritzburg Festival.
16 August to 18 August 2024, Dresden:
Be part of the annual Dresden "Canaletto" City fair and celebrate its 25th edition.
24 August 2024 to 05 January 2025 and 24 August to 17 November 2024, Dresden:
To mark the 250th birthday of the most famous German Romantic artist, the Dresden State Art Collections are staging a major exhibition in the Albertinum and the Kupferstich-Kabinett about Caspar David Friedrich and his remarkable work.
3 Saturdays in September 2024, Moritzburg:
Marvel at beautiful horses at the Stallions' parades in Moritzburg.
27 September to 29 September 2024, Meissen and Radebeul:
Enjoy Saxon wine at the Meissen Wine Festival and the Autumn Wine Festival in nearby Radebeul.
26 November to 23 December 2024, Leipzig:
Have a merry Christmas season at Leipzig Christmas market.
27 November to 24 December 2024, Dresden:
Visit the 590th Dresdner Striezelmarkt, which is Germany's oldest Christmas market.
Spread the word
© Ernesto Uhlmann
All year 2025!
C the unseen – Chemnitz European Capital of Culture 2025
Chemnitz will be the European Capital of Culture 2025. With the motto “C the unseen”, Chemnitz2025 will focus on the unseen: on the unseen of the “silent middle of the society”. On the unseen city, the unseen European neighbours, the unseen places and biographies, the unseen talents in each individual.