Heidelberg is known for its romantic castle and riverside charm, but… it also knows how to party!
Whether you’re into food, theater, literature, music, culture, or science, this city has something happening year-round. And after a day full of celebration, there’s no better place to recharge than at the centrally located MEININGER Hotel Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof, your comfy and budget-friendly base to explore it all.
Keep reading to discover all the festivals in Heidelberg for 2025
& start planning your next trip there 😉
&
Festivals in Heidelberg
zwinger x für alle!
Enjoy coffee, cake, music, and meaningful conversations in a laid-back festival setting.
📅 Jun 21
⏰ 3-6pm
📍 Theater und Orchester Heidelberg
🎟️ Free admission
Sound of Schlierbach Open Air Festival 2025
A cool mix of pop, rock, jazz, and classical tunes, plus fun-filled activities for kids.
📅 June 26-July 11
📍 Wolfsbrunnen, Heidelberg-Schlierbach
🎟️ Tickets: Reservix
feelit 2025 – Heidelberg International Literature Festival
Celebrate the power of words with famous German-speaking and international authors sharing their stories live.
📅 June 29-July 12
📍 halle02
🎟️ Tickets: Eventim
Metropolink Festival
Urban art and cool music come together with murals, sculptures, and creative surprises around every corner.
📅 July 24-August 2
📍 Metropolink Commissary
🎟️ Tickets: Rausgegangen
Love vibrant street art and edgy music? Then you might also enjoy the MS DOCKVILLE Festival in Hamburg, a riverside mix of creativity and beats.
Street Food Music Festival Heidelberg
Tasty street food, great music, and fun activities for kids make this a treat for the whole family.
📅 August 22-24
📍 Messplatz
🎟️ Tickets: €4
Heidelberger Schlossbeleuchtungen / Heidelberg Castle Illuminations
Watch the castle glow and fireworks light up the Neckar River, best seen from Philosopher’s Walk or the Old Bridge.
📅 September 6
⏰ 12-11pm
📍 Altstadt
🎟️ Free admission
Heidelberger Herbst / Heidelberg Autumn
Music, markets, and local treats fill the Old Town with fun on the last weekend of September.
📅 September 27-28
⏰ 11am-11pm
📍 Altstadt
Heidelberger Weindorf / Heidelberg Wine Village
Enjoy tasty local wines in a charming setting with sunny vineyards and cozy stalls.
📅 September 30-October 12
⏰ Sept 30: 3-9pm / All other days: 11am-9pm
📍 Altstadt
International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg – IFFMH
Discover exciting new films and future stars at one of the world’s oldest film festivals.
📅 November 6-16
📍 Baden-Württemberg
🎟️ Tickets: IFFMH official website
Enjoy Jazz
A top music event with big names and fresh sounds in jazz and beyond.
📅 October 2-November 8
📍 Venues
🎟️ Tickets: Enjoy Jazz official website
Geist Heidelberg / International Science Festival
Brilliant minds talk about big ideas and today’s most important questions.
📅 October-December
🎟️ More info on dates & tickets will be shared on the International Science Festival official website
Heidelberg Christmas Market
Cozy lights, festive stalls, and gifts galore in Heidelberg’s magical Old Town during the holiday season.
📅 November 24-December 22
⏰ Sunday-Friday 11am-9pm / Saturday 11am-10pm
📍 Altstadt
🎟️ Free admission
Want more picture-perfect moments in Heidelberg? Don’t miss our guide to the best Instagram spots in Heidelberg to capture the magic.
The Barockfest: Winter in Schwetzingen / Baroque festival
A beautiful Baroque opera and concerts bring history to life in a stunning castle setting.
📅 November 28, 2025-January 25, 2026
📍 Schwetzingen Palace Rokokotheater
More info: Theater Heidelberg
Festivals in Heidelberg 2025: FAQs
What is “zwinger x für alle!” in Heidelberg?
It’s a relaxed cultural event with music, coffee, and conversations. It takes place on June 21, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Theater und Orchester Heidelberg. Admission is free.
When is the Sound of Schlierbach Festival?
The festival runs from June 26 to July 11, 2025, at Wolfsbrunnen in Heidelberg-Schlierbach. It features various music styles and family-friendly activities. Tickets are available online.
What is feelit – Heidelberg’s literature festival?
feelit takes place from June 29 to July 12, 2025, at halle02. The festival welcomes international and local authors for readings and discussions. Tickets are sold online.
What happens at the Metropolink Festival?
Held from July 24 to August 2, 2025, at the Metropolink Commissary, this festival showcases street art, installations, and live music. Tickets can be purchased online.
What is the Street Food Music Festival in Heidelberg?
This event happens from August 22 to 24, 2025, at Messplatz. Visitors can enjoy global street food, live music, and kids’ entertainment. Entry costs €4.
When are the Heidelberg Castle Illuminations?
The event is on September 6, 2025, from 12 PM to 11 PM. The castle and Neckar River are lit up with fireworks. Best views are from the Old Bridge or Philosopher’s Walk. It’s free to attend.
What is Heidelberger Herbst?
Heidelberger Herbst is a lively autumn festival with food, music, and markets in the Old Town. It takes place September 27–28, 2025, from 11 AM to 11 PM.
What is Heidelberger Weindorf?
This wine festival runs from September 30 to October 12, 2025, in the Old Town. It features local wines, regional food, and a cozy atmosphere. Opening times vary daily.
When is the International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg?
The festival runs from November 6 to 16, 2025, across various venues. It highlights new films and emerging filmmakers. Tickets are available online.
When is the Heidelberg Christmas Market?
It takes place from November 24 to December 22, 2025, in the Old Town. The market is open daily, with extended hours on Saturdays. Entry is free.
🏨 Where to stay in Heidelberg
After a full day of music, food, and festival vibes, you’ll want a comfy base to recharge.
That’s where the MEININGER Hotel Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof comes in—super central and just a short trip from all the action.
Address: Carl-Benz-Straße 2/1, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
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