Events & Festivals in Stuttgart

A prestigious festival showcasing the world-renowned Stuttgart Ballet. Features a concentrated program of classical masterpieces, modern works, and often full-length story ballets, highlighting the company's technical prowess and artistic range.

A unique festival dedicated exclusively to the art of solo dance and physical theatre. Features international artists competing and performing cutting-edge, often highly personal and experimental works over several days.

An annual cultural marathon where dozens of museums, galleries, and institutions stay open late. A single ticket grants access to all venues, special exhibitions, guided tours, shuttle buses, and unique performances throughout the night.

A charming seasonal market on Schlossplatz heralding spring. Stalls sell hand-painted Easter eggs, spring decorations, crafts, and seasonal treats. Features a large decorated Easter egg tree and often has activities for children.

A lively prelude to the autumn Volksfest, known as the 'Little Wasen'. Offers festival tents with beer and music, a large funfair with rides for all ages, and a focus on family-friendly entertainment during the Easter and spring season.

One of the world's leading festivals for animated film, attracting international professionals and enthusiasts. Screens hundreds of films, hosts competitions, workshops, and the open-air 'Summer Festival' at Schlossplatz. A hub for innovation and creativity in animation.

A beloved tradition where the vineyards in the city districts (e.g., Untertürkheim, Rotenberg, Uhlbach) open their paths. Hikers can stroll between stations offering wine tastings from the local grower cooperatives and simple snacks.

A weekly tradition (especially large on Saturdays) at Schillerplatz and Marktplatz. Offers fresh regional produce, flowers, cheese, meat, and Swabian specialties directly from producers. A lively slice of local life and the perfect place for a seasonal picnic.

A popular illuminated evening running event through the city center. Participants with LED lights and glow sticks create a river of light along the route. Distances cater to all levels, from a fun run to a half marathon.

A popular summer event where local breweries and gastronomes set up stalls along a section of the 'Lange Straße'. Offers a wide variety of craft and regional beers, along with street food, in a casual, standing-room-only party atmosphere.

A chic open-air festival in the heart of the city. The palace gardens (Schlossgarten) transform with gourmet food pavilions, cocktail bars, live jazz and classical music stages, and a sophisticated ambiance for evening socializing.

A major international jazz festival featuring world-class artists across genres from classic and contemporary jazz to soul and fusion. Concerts are held in prestigious venues like the Liederhalle and feature open-air events.

The German Grand Prix, when held, takes place at the Hockenheimring, but Stuttgart hosts major related events. The Mercedes-Benz Museum and Stuttgart area become hubs for fan festivals, car displays, and live screenings, celebrating the city's automotive heart.

Transforms the historic Schillerplatz and adjacent squares into a sprawling open-air wine tavern. Sample hundreds of local wines from the Stuttgart wine region, accompanied by traditional Swabian dishes like Maultaschen and Spätzle in a festive, communal atmosphere.

One of the world's largest beer festivals and a key counterpart to Munich's Oktoberfest. Features massive festival tents, thrilling fairground rides, parades, and traditional music. Centered around the iconic fruit column (Fruchtsäule) on the Cannstatter Wasen fairground.

Celebrates the start of the grape harvest in the Stuttgart area. Smaller and more focused than the Wine Village, it features wine tastings from local cooperatives, live music, and regional food on the historic Karlsplatz.

A month-long celebration of Franco-German friendship and culture. The program includes film screenings, art exhibitions, culinary events featuring French cuisine and wine, literature readings, concerts, and theatrical performances.

A high-end culinary event focusing on wine pairing and gourmet cuisine. Top chefs from Stuttgart and the region present creative menus, while wine experts offer tastings and seminars. Held in an elegant setting like the Haus der Wirtschaft.

A decentralized series of smaller wine festivals held in Stuttgart's historic wine villages (Stadtteile) like Uhlbach, Untertürkheim, and Rotenberg. Each offers its own character, with wine from local growers, hearty food, and live music in cozy settings.

A national public holiday commemorating the reunification of Germany. While not a specific Stuttgart event, the city hosts official ceremonies, often with a citizen's festival (Bürgerfest) on Schlossplatz featuring music, information stands, and food representing all German states.

One of Germany's oldest and largest Christmas markets, spreading a festive glow across the city center. Over 300 wooden stalls sell crafts, ornaments, and culinary treats like Glühwein and roasted almonds. Features a fairy-tale castle for children and daily musical performances.

A significant literary event presenting contemporary international authors, poets, and illustrators. Features readings, discussions, workshops, and performances, fostering dialogue between writers and the public in multiple languages.

The city center's main public celebration to ring in the New Year. Thousands gather at Schlossplatz for a festive atmosphere, live music, food stalls, and a spectacular midnight fireworks display launched from the nearby television tower.