Event Vacation in Heidelberg
Experience something special all year round
Spring
(March–May)
A prestigious classical music festival featuring top-class orchestras and soloists.
A combination of the big Asparagus Saturday event, featuring stages, live music, asparagus competitions, shopping and family activities.
The Weiße Flotte main season traditionally begins around Easter – often as early as Good Friday – and the boats continue to operate until the end of October.
Summer
(June–August)
Readings, discussions and the possibility to meet national and international authors.
Ambitious theater and music productions at permanent venues around the city.
A major theater festival for new drama with an international focus.
Fall
(Sept.–Nov.)
An internationally renowned music festival featuring jazz, soul, avant-garde and crossover genres.
A major Old Town festival featuring several stages, live music, arts and crafts, and food and drink.
One of Germany’s oldest film festivals, focusing on international arthouse cinema and emerging directors.
Winter
(Dec.–Feb.)
Several differently-themed markets in the Old Town, on the Market Square, at the Kornmarkt and by the Old Bridge.
Professional-level theater, opera, dance and concerts at permanent venues.
Classical concerts to mark the start of the year, often featuring renowned orchestras and soloists.
International Science Festival – Geist Heidelberg
October 24 to November 28, 2026
From October 24 to November 28, the DAI Heidelberg invites you to this year’s International Science Festival “Geist Heidelberg” under the motto “Across Borders” (“Über Grenzen”). Borders provide orientation – and invite us to question them. They create order, define responsibility and shape identity. Yet every border is also a threshold: it separates and connects, limits and opens up new possibilities.
From October to the end of November 2026, renowned scientists, seasoned experts, well-known science communicators and talented young researchers will discuss the pressing questions of our time with an interested audience. Experience national and international research up close – science has been brought out of the institutions and into the DAI Heidelberg!
Our offer – code word “GEIST”: Let us know when you’re available, and when you book, we’ll give you a ticket for your personal highlight. Be sure to include “GEIST” in the “Comments and Requests” section when making a reservation.
Schlossbeleuchtung – Heidelberg Castle Illuminations
usually 2 times a year
The Heidelberg Castle Illumination is a time-honored light show in which the castle ruins are first bathed in a fiery red glow, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the Neckar. Since the fireworks are launched from the Old Bridge, the following locations offer the best views:
Philosophenweg: A classic panoramic view from the “Philosopher’s Walk” across the river.
Nepomuk Terrace: Right at the bridgehead of the Old Bridge.
Neckarwiese: Plenty of space along the riverbank; very popular with picnickers.
Ziegelhäuser Landstraße: A road along the riverbank on the north side of the Neckar.
or give us a call
+49 . (0) 62 21 . 6 56 19 43