The Bonn Region hosts many annual events that you don't want to miss. The city of Bonn has a calendar of events for all events on any given day or even more information about any of the following events and specific dates. Mosquito is a local magazine that specializes in events for children. You can look at their website or pick up their free magazine at child-friendly sites around town.
New Year's Eve
Called Silvester in German, You cannot go anywhere to miss the fireworks at midnight as just about everyone sets them off in front of their house. Some like the tradition of going the the bridge and drinking Sekt to bring in the new year.
Carnival
The nickname for this season is '5 Crazy Days'. Everyone basically goes crazy during the 5 days before lent (actually, Thursday to Monday). You can expect stores to be closed the Thursday afternoon and on the Monday. The biggest celebrations are the parades on RosenMontag in Cologne and Bonn (the Monday before lent). However, you can easily catch more accessible parades on the days leading up as just about every village in the area celebrates. The parades are especially popular with kids, but even adults can appreciate some of the prizes thrown out - perhaps some leeks, vodka or roses?
Bonn Marathon
If you want to run the full marathon, the half or do a relay with a team, you will join the crowds. Otherwise, it is always good to know the date as there are many road closures. It is usually a Sunday in late April.
Flomarkt in the Rheinaue
This flea market is one of the largest in Germany. It happens every 3rd Saturday from April to October in the Rheinaue park. Even if you don't go, you should check their website for the days if you live in the American Compound as you may loose your parking space if you go anywhere on one of these days!
Rhein in Flammen
This is a collaborative fireworks festival for the towns along the Rhine. It happens the first Saturday in May, and a fun fair with a huge ferris wheel and many other rides as well as a concert stage, is set up in the Rheinaue from the Friday to Sunday. The fireworks usually set off around 11 pm on the opposite bank of the pond in the center of the Rheinaue. You can expect HUGE crowds and some road closures close the the entrance of the Rheinaue on late Saturday afternoon. If you want to do the rides with fewer crowds, go any time other than Saturday evening. Sunday is usually called the 'Family Day'. One really special way to celebrate the event is to book a trip on a Rhine dinner cruise timed with firework displays from Linz to Bonn.
Pützchens Markt
This fun festival has been celebrated for over 1000 years. It is usually for about 4-5 days in the first half of September. There are rides for all ages and crowds and fun galore.
Halloween
Celebration of this American holiday is becoming more popular in Germany every year, and you could possibly have some trick-or-treaters. However, if you have kids who want to truly experience the event, visit the American compound. (If you know anyone who lives there, they would also appreciate candy donations!)
Christmas Markets
Most people are familiar with this tradition, and it would be hard to miss. In German is is called Weihnachtsmarkt or Nicholasmarkt. Just about every town sets up a market at the end of November. Traditionally, the markets were only for the 4 weeks of advent, but now many open one week earlier. Smaller towns will only be open on weekends and some of the more unique markets may only be for one weekend, but you don't want to miss this chance to enjoy the winter scenery and some mulled wine. All larger towns will have them, but check out our local favorites.
Other Events
International Balloon Festival
Museum Mile Festival
Beethoven Festival
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