Culture Calendar: August 2026

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

August brings a packed calendar of festivals and events across Germany, Switzerland and Austria. From culture and creativity to food and music, this month’s highlights invite visitors to make the most of the summer season and discover something new along the way.

MS Dockville Festival, Hamburg (14 – 15 August)

Combining live music, art and creative culture, MS Dockville returns to Hamburg’s Wilhelmsburg district this August. Set on a former industrial site along the River Elbe, the festival is known for its unique atmosphere, where large-scale art installations, urban design and an eclectic music programme come together. Visitors can look forward to performances by both established and emerging international artists, as well as exhibitions, workshops and cultural events.

www.msdockville.de

MS DOCKVILLE. Photo: Ashe Lucy Schaub (@aaaaaaaaashe)

Buskers Bern, Bern (6 – 8 August)

For three days every August, Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town transforms into a giant open-air stage during Buskers Bern. Street artists, musicians, acrobats, comedians and performers from around the world take over the city’s squares, alleyways and historic streets, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere unlike any other. With hundreds of performances taking place, visitors can expect everything from intimate concerts to spectacular circus acts.

www.buskersbern.ch

BUSKERS BERN 2025. Photo: ZVG Buskers Bern / Michael Beckmann

Tanz im August, Berlin (13 – 29 August)

One of Europe’s most renowned contemporary dance festivals, Tanz im August offers a diverse programme of performances, premieres and international productions. For more than three decades, the festival has brought together acclaimed choreographers, emerging artists and dance enthusiasts from around the world. Alongside the performances, visitors can enjoy talks, workshops and special events that invite audiences to engage more deeply with the artists and their work.

www.tanzimaugust.de

ONARIS. Photo: ONARIS

ONARIS, Bern (16 – 18 August)

ORNARIS is one of Switzerland’s leading trade fairs for design, lifestyle and retail trends. The event presents brands, designers, manufacturers and retailers from across the industry, showcasing everything from home décor and gifts to fashion accessories, stationery and gourmet products. A hub for inspiration and networking, ORNARIS offers visitors the chance to discover emerging trends, innovative concepts and beautifully crafted products in a creative and dynamic setting.

www.ornaris.ch

Vienna Classic Days. Photo: Vienna Classic Days / AutoSport.at

Ruhrtriennale, Ruhr Region (20 August – 20 September)

Every year, Ruhrtriennale turns the industrial landmarks of Germany’s Ruhr region into extraordinary stages for contemporary art and culture. Set in former factories, power stations and industrial halls, the festival presents an ambitious programme spanning music, theatre, dance, visual arts and interdisciplinary performances. By bringing cutting-edge artistic work into these remarkable spaces, Ruhrtriennale creates a dialogue between history, architecture and contemporary creativity.

www.ruhrtriennale.de

Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf. Photo: Wellfairs / Miriam Rippers

Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf (21 – 23 August)

Food lovers should not miss the Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s largest open-air culinary events. Held along the elegant Königsallee, the festival features renowned restaurateurs, artisan producers and gourmet brands from across Germany and beyond. Visitors can sample a wide variety of international specialities, discover regional delicacies and explore an extensive selection of wines, spirits and other premium products.

www.gourmetfestivals.de/gourmet-festival-duesseldorf

Gourmet Festival Düsseldorf. Photo: Wellfairs / Miriam Rippers

Liquid Market Cocktail Festival, Vienna (27 – 29 August)

Liquid Market returns to Vienna this August, bringing together some of the most exciting names in contemporary bar culture for a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship and flavour. The festival promises a diverse range of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, coffee creations and alcohol-free alternatives, offering visitors the opportunity to discover new trends and innovative drinks from leading bars and brands.

www.liquidmarket.bar

Vienna Classic Days. Photo: Vienna Classic Days / AutoSport.at

Vienna Classic Days, Vienna (22 – 23 August)

Step back in time at Vienna Classic Days, a beloved celebration of historic automobiles in the heart of the Austrian capital. Visitors can look forward to an impressive collection of vintage and classic vehicles from different eras and manufacturers. A particular highlight is the traditional parade through Vienna, where the historic cars take to the streets against the backdrop of the city’s iconic architecture.

www.viennaclassicdays.com