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From art, theatre and live music to fireworks, fine food and films, the lineup of events & festivals in Düsseldorf this year is amazing.
We’ve put together a list of highlights so you don’t miss out on them. So grab your calendar and get ready to discover the Top Events & Festivals in Düsseldorf for 2019. Enjoy!
IN THE WINTER
EYES ON JAPAN
Eyes on Japan is a multi-day celebration of Japanese films that takes place at Film Museum Düsseldorf, which is also well worth a visit.
When: 11-31 January
Where: Black Box Theater at Film Museum Düsseldorf
Admission: Free
BOOT DÜSSELDORF
A massive indoor boating & watersports show featuring excellent activities such as a 90 meter “river” for indoor paddling, The Wave (see video above), a sailing area and surfing simulators. Beyond that, you’ll find numerous displays covering everything from ocean conservation to super yachts.
When: 19-27 January
Where: Messe Düsseldorf (Convention Center)
Admission: Info Here
DUESSELDORF PHOTO WEEKEND
Duesseldorf Photo Weekend showcases the work of a wide selection of photographers at museums and galleries throughout the city.
When: 8 – 10 March
Where: Various Locations (see website link in title for details)
Admission: Free
IN THE SPRING
FISCHMARKT DÜSSELDORF
The Fischmarkt (fish market) is situated directly alongside the Rhine river. But beyond the great location, the main attraction here is the extensive collection of about 90 stands which offer a wide range of food, drinks and unique products.
When: 17 Mar. | 07 Apr. | 02 Jun. | 30 Jun. | 11 Aug. | 15 Sep. | 06 Oct. | 03 Nov.
Where: Tonhallenufer
Admission: Free
WINE & TASTE FESTIVAL
Love good wine? You’re in luck – at the Wine & Taste Festival you’ll have a chance to sample about 200 wines in a relaxed atmosphere and wines are available for purchase directly from the wineries. A DJ and food trucks will be on hand too.
When: 29-30 March
Where: Boui Boui Bilk, Düsseldorf
NACHT DER MUSEEN
Foto: HafenKunstKino
Check out numerous live performances, music, food and films at about 40 museums and galleries across the city as they celebrate into the night. Shuttle service will be provided and is included in the ticket price.
When: 6 April
Where: Citywide / Multiple Museums
STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
Go on an outdoor culinary expedition as you sample a wide selection tasty treats. You’ll find fine food trucks, professional chefs and amateur cooks serving up delicious dishes from around the world.
When: 11-12 May
Where: Schwanenhöfe, Düsseldorf
Admission: Free
JAPAN TAG (JAPAN DAY)
This popular annual event always features a diverse program. Last year’s event included everything from martial arts demonstrations and Japanese music to anime contests. The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks show over the Rhine. A full guide to the event is available here.
Tip: In celebration of Japan Tag, Ekō-Haus of Japanese Culture is also offering an open house at their location in Oberkassel.
When: 25 May
Where: Multiple Locations (see above)
Admission: Free
IN THE SUMMER
DÜSSELDORF LITERATURE DAYS & BOOK MARKET
Celebrate great literature at this citywide event. Browse thousands of books at the book market on Königsallee, attend a reading and much more.
When: June 6-10 (Book Market)
Where: Various Locations
DÜSSELDORFER FRANKREICHFEST
For the 19th time, the Düsseldorf Frankreichfest (French Festival) takes place in the Old Town and on the Rhine. Live music, delicious French food and a colorful, French-themed program await. Très bien!
When: 5-7 July
Where: Burgplatz, Rheinuferpromenade and in the Rathaus (city hall) courtyard
Rheinkirmes
The biggest carnival on the Rhine returns to Düsseldorf on Friday, 12 July. We can smell the cotton candy already. 
When: 12-21 July
Where: Rheinwiesen (Oberkassel)
Admission: Free
LICHTERFEST AT SCHLOSS BENRATH (Festival of Lights)
Foto: © istockphoto.com/Dirk Freder
Schloss Benrath (castle) will be illuminated for this annual open-air event which features an impressive fireworks display accompanied by live classical music performed by the Düsseldorf Symphony orchestra.
When: 13 July
Where: Schloss Benrath
Admission: Ticket Info
OPEN SOURCE FESTIVAL
Three stages where you can listen to music that’s anything but mainstream, from young musicians based in NRW to newcomers from all over the world. Plus Pop Up galleries and presentations of the 20 winners of Open Squares.
When: 13 July
Where: Galopprennbahn Düsseldorf
GOLZHEIM FESTIVAL
A great festival that’s always free and outdoors. The lineup usually includes several cool bands and a big flea market.
When: 27 July
Where: Robert-Lehr-
WEINSOMMER – RHEINLAND PFALZ IN DÜSSELDORF
The wine festival for connoisseurs featuring a full selection of wines, sparkling wines and specialties direct from Rheinland-Pfalz, plus live music and special wine-themed events.
When: 1-4 August (approximate date)
Where: Marktplatz (courtyard of Rathaus/city hall)
Admission: Free
ALLTOURS-KINO (OPEN AIR CINEMA)
Watch hit movies under the stars on a massive screen overlooking the Rhine. This is one of those events that you have to do at least once.
Where: Alltours-Kino, Rheinpark Düsseldorf
GOURMET FESTIVAL DÜSSELDORF
Definitely put this one on your list. Experience over 200 food stands, wineries, food trucks, bars and producers from all over the world as they converge on Königsallee for this excellent three day event.
When: 23-25 August
Where: Königsallee
Admission: Free
IN AUTUMN
DÜSSELDORF FESTIVAL
Vom letzten Jahr/From Last Year: Düsseldorf festival! 2018 | Cirkus Cirkör | © Klara G
The “düsseldorf festival!” is a unique series of events that spans several weeks. It features everything from innovative music and dance to theatre. Don’t miss it.
When: 11 – 30 September 2019
Where: Das Theaterzelt & other locations (varies by event)
HOHE STRAßE – DAS FEST
An open-air street festival in the beautiful historic district of Düsseldorf-Carlstadt. Organized under the motto “Art, culture & lifestyle”.
When: Usually in Autumn
Where: Hohe Straße, Düsseldorf Carlstadt
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DÜSSELDORFER OKTOBERFEST
Get a taste of Oktoberfest in Düsseldorf. Put on your Dirndl or Lederhosen (you know you want to!) and celebrate the occasion Bavarian style with big beers, good music, and a perfect view of the Rhine. Prost!
When: 21. September – 06. October 2019
Where: Kasematten
NEW FALL FESTIVAL
New Fall Festival 2017: Die Höchste Eisenbahn | Foto: André Symann
The pop music festival for special artists in special places. This is one of the most popular music festivals in Düsseldorf.
When: 10 – 14 October
Where: Various locations
ART DÜSSELDORF
Discover modern and contemporary art (1945 to present day) in the bright halls of Areal Böhler. Featuring numerous established and new galleries from around the world.
When: 15. – 17. November
Where: Areal Böhler
EAT & STYLE
Discover trendy new foods, take part in a cooking workshop and sample some tasty cuisine at the largest food festival of it’s kind in Germany.
When: 30 Nov. – 01 December
Where: Areal Böhler, Düsseldorf
NEW HERITAGE – FESTIVAL FÜR ZEITLOSES
New Heritage – Festival für Zeitloses (“Festival for Timelessness”) stands for quality, craftsmanship and timeless design. Discover unique products from about 100 exhibitors at the market, take part in a workshop, have a drink and visit the food trucks.
When: 07-08 December
Where: Areal Böhler
FILMFEST DÜSSELDORF
A unique short film festival featuring the work of young, creative and up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world.
When: 20 – 22 November 2019
Where: Heinrich Heine University
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NEXT LEVEL – FESTIVAL FOR GAMES
Gaming fans, this one’s for you. Next Level – Festival for Games is your chance to experience the future of digital gaming firsthand.
When: 28 – 01 December
Where: NRW-Forum Düsseldorf
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