Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
Leipzig Event Highlights 2022
Leipzig Event Highlights 2022
(13 January 2022) Germany’s top travel destination, according to Lonely Planet, presents lots of highlights for the current year. The colourful, young and diverse east German metropolis holds many different festivals, exhibitions, trade fairs and events up its sleeve.
Provided that tourist travel is possible again as usual and organizers can hold their scheduled plans, there will be plenty to experience in Leipzig. The following overview offers a selection of highlights from January to December 2022. Please check the homepage of the respective organizer in good time before travelling to find out whether - and under what conditions - the event will take place.
Dinosaur Adventure – Exhibition Leipzig Zoo (now until 31 October 2022)
At Leipzig Zoo visitors can experience species diversity and enclosures that resemble natural habitats in six exciting theme worlds. Currently, not only animals of our time but also long-extinct reptiles can be marvelled at. The outdoor exhibition "The Gigantic Dinosaur Adventure" runs through the grounds of the entire Leipzig Zoo. In March 2022 the newly restored aquarium will open to visitors with a new highlight in the central building: a large freshwater ray tank with a curved pane so that the feeding of the rays can be observed very closely. Info: www.zoo-leipzig.de
Carola's Garden – Exhibition Panometer Leipzig (now until 27 March 2022)
In his world's largest 360-degree panorama at the Panometer Leipzig, Yadegar Asisi brings the world of the microcosm to life by placing a flower calyx at the centre of the monumental work. Like a grain of pollen on the pistil of a flower, the viewer gazes at the fascinating scenery in Carola's garden. It really feels like a return to paradise. Info: www.panometer.de
Internal Line – Exhibition Museum of Fine Arts (now until 27 March 2022)
With "Internal Line", the Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK) opens a new series in which important positions of international contemporary art are presented in Leipzig. Currently, the Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota presents her installation for the first time in Europe, which understands clothing as a protective shell and material things as carriers of meaning for the human being. Info: www.mdbk.de
Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelungs – Leipzig Opera (2 to 6 March 2022)
The four operas will be performed in Wagner’s hometown Leipzig, inviting the audience to experience the sagas in a wonderful musical setting. The complete “Ring of the Nibelungs” is one of the master's most iconic works. This year’s performance marks the perfect prelude to the Wagner22 Festival, which will take place in Leipzig in the summer. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de
Leipzig Book Fair and Literature Festival (17 to 20 March 2022)
The Leipzig Book Fair and Europe's biggest reading festival "Leipzig is Reading" are the spring event of the book and media industry. In 2022, Portugal is the guest country. Publishers and authors present their latest works and reading fans can experience literature live in readings, talk rounds and participatory events at numerous venues throughout the city. Fans of comics, manga & co. can also visit the Manga Comic Convention at the Leipzig Trade Fair at the same time. Info: www.leipziger-buchmesse.de
FEI World Cup Finals at PARTNER PFERD (6 to 10 April 2022)
Visitors can expect a combination of show, expo and sport at the 24th event fair under the motto "Everything for the Horse". Professionals and leisure riders will find almost everything that horse and rider need, from saddles to stable equipment, from feed to care products. A highlight is that the fair is the venue for all four FEI World Cup Finals in the disciplines show jumping, dressage, driving and vaulting. PARTNER PFERD welcomes around 75,000 visitors every year and is broadcast on screens around the globe. Info: www.partner-pferd.de
NEW YORK 9/11 – Exhibition Panometer Leipzig (from 9 April 2022)
The new 360-degree-panorama in the Panometer Leipzig will present the fascinating silhouette of Manhattan with the Twin Towers immediately before the world-changing happening of that time. In the accompanying exhibition, visitors learn about the global impact of the events and the human suffering in the aftermath of the disaster. It is the third panorama in Yadegar Asisi's series of anti-war projects and continues his examination of the world with a special focus on the wars of modern times. Info: www.panometer.de
a cappella 2022 – International Festival of Vocal Music (22 to 30 April 2022)
This festival features concerts with vocal groups from all corners of the “a cappella world”. Whether genre stars, insider tips or up-and-coming ensembles - everything that is possible with the human voice gets a stage. The Leipzig “a cappella 2022” festival week stands for well-staffed concert venues and top-class singing, before a final concert brings these special days to a close. Info: www.a-cappella-festival.de
Spring Tour – Spinnerei Galleries (30 April to 1 May 2022)
Painters and photographers, sculptors, media and concept artists work undisturbed in their studios on the site of the former cotton mill. On the days of the Spinnerei spring tour, however, visitors can see contemporary art in the exhibition spaces and see the galleries from a completely different perspective. The non-commercial art centre HALLE 14 will be open as well. Info: www.spinnerei.de
The Mystery of Banksy – Kunstkraftwerk Leipzig (Mai to September 2022)
Graffiti, photographs, sculptures, video installations and prints. The world famous Banksy’s brand new show "The Mystery of Banksy - A Genius Mind" in honour of the art icon comes to Germany and Austria. The exhibition shows an unprecedented presentation with more than 150 works of the celebrated street art superstar. Visitors can expect a comprehensive overview and insight into the complete works of the exceptional artist in a unique setting at the Kunstkraftwerk in Leipzig. Info: www.kunstkraftwerk-leipzig.de
Off Europa – Festival for Contemporary Performing Arts (16 to 22 May 2022)
This year's festival is themed "Tricks” (Kunststücke) and offers numerous German premieres. It is framed by a wide-ranging program of film, discussions and music. The festival focuses on experimental theatre works by independent authors, artists and ensembles. Info: www.offeuropa.de
German Choir Festival (26 to 29 May 2022)
Over four days, around 350 choirs from all over Germany present their programs in hundreds of concerts throughout the city of Leipzig - from children's choirs to men's choral societies, from choirs to vocal bands. Among the highlights are the top-class festival and night sound concerts. In addition, numerous one-day concerts, a choir competition, sing-along events, musically arranged church services and singing in social institutions stand for the great variety of the German Choir Festival. Info: www.chorfest.de
WCC Leipzig 2022 – World Canals Conference (30 May to 3 June 2022)
The international platform for the topic of inland waterways will take place in the Congress Hall at the Zoo Leipzig under the motto "Redesigning Landscapes - Waterways in Transition". The WCC brings together experts, scientists, politicians, associations, companies and water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. In order to present the WCC as a lively and citizen-oriented conference, the current structural change in the Leipzig region and Central Germany will be integrated by local partners. Following the principle of “Water meets Culture”, there will be a programmatic link to the changing waterways, the lakes, the rivers and the canals. Info: www.wccleipzig2022.com
29th WGT Festival – Wave-Gotik-Treffen (3 to 6 June 2022)
The Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) has been fascinating thousands of fans of the "Gothic scene" from all over the world since 1992. During the four days of the festival, around 20,000 visitors can enjoy concerts and a wide range of parties, performances, exhibitions and medieval markets. A highlight of the WGT is the Victorian Picnic in Clara Zetkin Park. The festival takes place at about 50 different venues at the same time, spread all over the city of Leipzig. Info: www.wave-gotik-treffen.de
Bachfest Leipzig “We are Family” (9 to 19 June 2022)
The Bach Festival is one of the most important international music festivals and in 2022 the motto will be "We are Family". Making music and celebrating together was in the Bach family's blood - this tradition is to be revived in Leipzig. In the midst of the large, worldwide Bach community, visitors can look forward to a unique family reunion and over 140 events with Bach choirs and ensembles from numerous nations. Info: www.bachfestleipzig.de
WAGNER 22 – Festival Leipzig Opera (20 June to 14 July 2022)
In the birthplace of Richard Wagner, General Music Director and Artistic Director Prof. Ulf Schirmer will present all 13 completed opera dramas from Richard Wagner's work at the Leipzig Opera. WAGNER 22 takes place as the central classical music festival of the music city of Leipzig and performs the Wagner operas in chronological order - only the four parts of the "Ring" cycle follow each other directly. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de
Highfield Festival (19 to 21 August 2022)
The indie rock outdoor festival takes place at Lake Störmthal - about 30 minutes south-east of Leipzig city centre. The approximately 35,000 festival fans can rock out to bands from pop to punk, from rock to rap. This year, bands such as Deichkind from Hamburg, Limp Bizkit from Florida, Bad Religion from Los Angeles, US-German rapper Casper, Kraftklub from Chemnitz and the German Metalcore-Band Callejon have confirmed their participation. Info: www.highfield.de
Con Spirito – Leipzig Chamber Music Festival (10 to 18 September 2022)
International stars of the chamber music scene spread a festival atmosphere in the music city of Leipzig for one week! Visitors can listen to music at authentic venues and take a journey to European cultural heritage sites, the salons and places of activity of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Johann Sebastian Bach, Edvard Grieg, Richard Wagner as well as Clara and Robert Schumann. Info: www.conspiritoleipzig.de
Leipzig Festival of Lights – Day of the Peaceful Revolution 1989 (9 October 2022)
The first big Monday demonstration in Leipzig, which is regarded as the breakthrough for the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 in East Germany, is commemorated annually on 9 October. On this day, the focus is on the Prayer for Peace and the Speech on Democracy at St Nicholas Church, as well as on the Leipzig Festival of Lights. Every year light installations will be developed by international artists and presented at several sites within the Leipzig city centre - especially for the Festival of Lights and in remembrance of the Peaceful Revolution. Info: www.herbst89.de and www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de
209th Anniversary of the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig (14 to 16 October 2022)
Every year in October, military history associations from Europe gather in Leipzig and Markkleeberg to commemorate the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig together. Half a million soldiers from all over Europe fought for the political future of the continent and the decisive battles at Leipzig from 14 to 19 October 1813 sealed the end of the Napoleonic era in Europe. In 2022 around 2,000 historically uniformed participants are expected to take part, including bivouacs, a battle re-enactment and civilian scenes at the authentic sites south of Leipzig. Info: www.leipzig1813.de
65th DOK Leipzig – Two-division Film Festival (17 to 23 October 2022)
DOK Leipzig is one of the leading international festivals for artistic documentary and animation film. In view of its tradition as a "window to the world", it attracts thousands of visitors as well as filmmakers, producers, distributors and festival makers to the Saxon metropolis every year. Info: www.dok-leipzig.de
Lachmesse – International Cabaret Festival (16 to 23 October 2022)
The Lachmesse is Germany's largest international cabaret festival. This year, the European Humor and Satire Festival Leipzig will once again present around 100 events with over 160 artists from up to nine nations on fourteen Leipzig stages for eight days in October. Info: www.lachmesse.de
GRASSIMESSE Leipzig – GRASSI Museum Quarter (21 to 23 October 2022)
During the GRASSIMESSE, contemporary artists, artisans, craftspeople and designers from all over Europe meet and can be discovered at the GRASSI Museum quarter. It is an art exhibition and sales fair in one and one of the most important international sales fairs for applied art and product design. The exhibitors offer unique pieces, small series and exemplary industrial products from the fields of textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, metal, leather, paper and toys. Every year, a jury of experts selects the exhibitors according to high quality standards. Info: www.grassimuseum.de
Leipzig Jazz Days (22 to 29 October 2022)
The Leipzig Jazz Days with a tradition of more than 40 years of jazz festival culture will once again transform the city into an international jazz metropolis. With many musicians from all over the world the Leipzig Jazz Days are a reference for modern and avant-garde jazz - jazz is celebrated and a whole city animated to dance. Info: www.jazzclub-leipzig.de/leipziger-jazztage
Mendelssohn Festival Days (31 October to 6 November 2022)
On the 175th anniversary of the death of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and the 25th anniversary of the Mendelssohn House in 2022. Mendelssohn's masterpieces and the music of the Romantic period will be the focus of the Mendelssohn Festival - organized in cooperation between the Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig and the Mendelssohn House. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de and www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de
euro-scene Leipzig – European Dance and Theatre Festival (8 to 13 November 2022)
Founded in 1991, the festival brings experimental contemporary theatre and innovative dance from all over Europe to Leipzig. The euro-scene Leipzig is the only festival for contemporary theatre and modern dance in the east of Germany and is one of the most important of its kind in Europe. Info: www.euro-scene.de
Leipzig Christmas Market (22 November to 23 December 2022)
Its tradition dates back to 1458. About 300 stalls of the Leipzig Christmas Market invite visitors to linger in five market areas. The range of artisan goods and regional delicacies on offer is framed by concerts of the St Thomas Boys Choir, performances by the tower brass band on the balcony of the Old Town Hall, and a festive program of activities. Families with children are particularly attracted by Father Christmas' consultation hour, numerous rides, a historic tiered carousel and the magical fairytale forest in front of the Leipzig Opera House. Info: www.leipzig.de/weihnachtsmarkt
New Year’s Eve in Leipzig (31 December 2022)
Traditional, cultural, merry or contemplative - the turn of the year in Leipzig is unforgettable! Numerous stages and venues organize a special program. The indispensable highlight is the great New Year's Eve concert of the Gewandhaus Orchestra or a New Year's Eve party in the highest restaurant in Central Germany with a fantastic panoramic view of Leipzig's fireworks. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de and www.panorama-leipzig.de
Are you interested in a media trip to get an authentic impression of the Leipzig Region and its diverse facets? Please feel free to contact us and let us know about your topics. Further information is available at www.leipzig.travel/press
Dana Marschner International PR Manager Phone +49 341 7104-333 • Fax +49 341 7104-344 international-pr@ltm-leipzig.de • www.leipzig.travel/en
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