Culture Calendar: November 2026

TEXT BY: MARILENA STRACKE

November has plenty up its sleeve. As the days grow shorter, our cultural calendar is only getting busier, with everything from cutting-edge film and contemporary art to books, food and a cappella performances. Add Cologne’s colourful carnival kick-off and the first signs of Christmas, and there are plenty of reasons to head out this month.

Geneva International Film Festival (30 October – 8 November)

Cinema meets television, digital art and immersive storytelling at the 32nd Geneva International Film Festival. Among this year’s guests is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, who receives the festival’s Film & Beyond Award, while screenwriter Fanny Herrero is celebrated with a special focus.

www.giff.ch

Berliner Märchentage 2025. Photo: Philipp Schumann MÄRCHENLAND

Berliner Märchentage, Berlin (5 – 22 November)

For nearly four decades, the Berliner Märchentage have been proving that fairy tales are far from just children’s stories. The 37th edition once again spreads storytelling across the German capital, inviting audiences to encounter myths, legends and fairy tales through readings, theatre and other live events. With venues across Berlin taking part, the festival offers plenty of reasons to rediscover the pleasure of a story well told.

https://berliner-maerchentage.de

Plaza Culinaria. Photo: FWTM/Mondl

Plaza Culinaria, Freiburg (6 – 8 November)

Arrive hungry. For three days, Messe Freiburg becomes a playground for foodies with producers, chefs and culinary specialists gathered under one roof. This year’s programme includes tastings and workshops alongside the GenussFestival, where regional chefs serve their creations, while a pop-up restaurant takes things up a notch with an exclusive five-course menu.

www.plaza-culinaria.de

Culture Calendar: November 2026

Vienna Art Week, Vienna (6 – 13 November)

Under this year’s theme ‘Navigating Angst’, Vienna Art Week turns its attention to one of the defining emotions of our time. Museums, galleries, project spaces and artists across the city take part in a week of exhibitions, talks, performances, studio visits and special events. Much of the programme is free, making this an unusually accessible opportunity to explore Vienna’s
contemporary art scene.

www.viennaartweek.at

V.O.I.C.E. Balcanto La Robe, Voice Mania. Photo: Mihaela Raykova

International A Cappella Festival Voice Mania, Vienna (6 November – 6 December)

No instruments required: Voice Mania hands the stage entirely to the human voice for a month of pop, rock, jazz, world music, comedy and beatboxing. The festival begins in the city, with singers performing from balconies and church galleries in central Vienna, before continuing at venues across the capital. From former Vienna Boys’ Choir soloists to international vocal ensembles, it is a reminder of just how much can be done with just your voice.

www.voicemania.at/das-festival

Carnival Season Kick-Off, Cologne (11 November)

There are few dates that Cologne takes more seriously than 11 November. At precisely 11.11am, the city officially enters its so-called fifth season, with tens of thousands of costumed revellers marking the start of carnival. The traditional celebration on Heumarkt begins in the morning with a countdown, live carnival music and plenty of Kölsch, while parties continue in pubs and venues throughout the city.

www.koeln.de/karneval/11-11-koeln-karneval

Buch Wien 2025. Photo: Daniela Nickmann

Buch Wien, Vienna (25 – 29 November)

Five days, countless stories and one very good excuse to add to your reading list: Austria’s major book fair and literary festival combines a bustling exhibition hall with conversations, readings and debates covering fiction, non-fiction and current affairs. This year’s programme also features dedicated young and new adult and children’s sections, live podcasts and a special focus on Ukraine.

www.buchwien.at

City of Stars, St. Gallen (26 November – 24 December)

As November draws to a close, St. Gallen switches on one of its loveliest winter traditions. Hundreds of illuminated stars suspended above the streets transform the historic centre into the Sternenstadt, or City of Stars, while the Christmas market brings seasonal food, gifts and festive bustle to the old town below.

www.sternenstadt.ch