Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
Event Highlights Leipzig 2025
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As a city known for its rich traditions and dynamic spirit, Leipzig promises its guests an exciting selection of highlights in 2025. The calendar is packed with events for everyone, from renowned trade fairs and cultural festivals to thrilling sporting events and world-class concerts. Get ready to explore, celebrate, and create lasting memories in Leipzig! The following overview provides a selection of important events in 2025. Further highlights, which are updated regularly in German, can be found at: www.leipzig.travel/events, www.urbanite.net and www.leipzig-im.de
Note: This overview is based on written input from the individual event organisers and our own research. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, LTM GmbH assumes no liability for the organisation of the events. We kindly recommend checking the respective websites for up-to-date information.
Annual theme of 2025: ‘More than a story. Book City Leipzig’ (year-round)
Like few other cities, Leipzig is a centre for books, publishing and reading. To mark the theme year, the city has invited citizens, initiatives and institutions to create a diverse programme that highlights the social significance of the book industry and networks the players. Around 40 projects and events are being planned. Info: www.leipzig.de/
Motets and cantatas with the St Thomas Choir of Leipzig (Thomanerchor) (year-round)
The St Thomas Choir of Leipzig (Thomanerchor) performs on Fridays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 3 pm in St Thomas Church. However, there are no concerts during the holidays and concert tour periods. Info: www.thomanerchor.de
The Cathedral of Monet (year-round)
For the first time, Yadegar Asisi is presenting a panoramic project that was painted entirely in oil on a 5.7 x 1.8 metre canvas and then digitised and enlarged. The artist focuses on the achievements of Impressionist painting as the basis for developing free art in modern times. Info: www.panometer.de/en/homepage
Concerts in the Mendelssohn House (year-round)
Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the museum hosts concerts featuring Baroque, Classical and Romantic music. Info: www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de
Dream Worlds of Art Deco (until 07 April)
The GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts is dedicating this exhibition to basic geometric shapes. In the 1920s and 1930s, these were typical motifs in all areas such as architecture, fashion and everyday objects. Circles, triangles and squares also appeared again and again as decorations or formal elements on the boxes of the porcelain manufacturers of the time. Info: www.grassimak.de/en/
A new dawn and the end of a system - The 1990s in Leipzig (until 07 September)
The Museum of City History Leipzig's special exhibition brings the 90s' light and dark sides to life with memorabilia, facts, and television programmes. Info: www.stadtgeschichtliches-museum-leipzig.de/en/
27th PARTNER PFERD show-expo-sport and FEI World Cup (16 to 19 January)
The fair invites you to entertaining shows, a comprehensive exhibition and international competition sport with the FEI World Cup in the disciplines of show jumping, harness driving and vaulting. Professional and leisure riders will find everything they need for horses and riders, from saddles to stable equipment. Info: www.partner-pferd.de
LINC Leipzig International Course (28 to 30 January)
The LINC, the world’s largest interdisciplinary event for angiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists, is held at the Leipzig Trade Fair. Originating in Leipzig, the congress showcases the seamless synergy between medical expertise and optimal conditions for industry networking. Info: www.leipzig-interventional-course.com
Leipzig Ballet – premiere of ‘Humans’ (01 February)
In this moving 2-parted ballet performance, Louis Stiens explores the connection between body and dance while weaving the history of the Leipzig Ballet and the company's work in the GDR as well as Schubert's ‘Unfinished’ Symphony into his choreography. Sofia Nappi unfolds the fusion of baroque and modern with a mixture of ballet, contemporary dance and performance. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de/en
Leipzig Book Fair, ‘Leipzig liest’ festival & Manga-Comic Con (27 to 30 March)
The Leipzig Book Fair and the largest European reading festival ‘Leipzig liest’ are the spring events for the book and media industry. Fans of comics, manga, and more can explore the Manga-Comic-Con, which runs parallel to the Leipzig Antiquarian Book Fair. At the last event, more than 2,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries presented their new products attracting 283,000 visitors to the exhibition centre and throughout the city. Info: www.leipziger-buchmesse.de/en/
Musical premiere: EVITA (29 March)
Eva Perón enchanted a nation and became an icon. The musical, which premieres at the Operetta and Musical Theatre “Musikalische Komödie Leipzig”, takes us through her eventful life. Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Evita’ tells the captivating story of a woman who fought for the rights of the poor and won the hearts of the people. He created an emotional masterpiece and a must-see for musical theatre fans. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de/en
Reopening of ‘Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum’ (April)
This traditional establishment is the oldest café in Germany. It was first mentioned in 1556. There is evidence that coffee has been served here since 1711. The building houses a restaurant and various café rooms, as well as a coffee museum run by the Leipzig City History Museum. After several years of partial renovation, the Coffe Baum will now open again. Info about the coffee museum: www.stadtgeschichtliches-museum-leipzig.de/en/
CAGGTUS Leipzig - Your Gaming Festival (11 to 13 April)
The festival is all about gaming culture and the shared festival experience. People play with and against each other, party together and meet idols and like-minded people. Highlights include the entertainment area, a LAN party and a stream area with exciting formats. Info: www.caggtus.de/en/
500 years of Auerbach’s Celler - anniversary celebrations (15 to 17 April)
Auerbach’s Celler is one of the world's most famous restaurants, immortalised by Goethe's drama Faust. To mark the anniversary, there will be a ceremony followed by a ‘Big Feast’, which will include an anniversary party, a huge birthday cake, a light show, a dance floor and other surprises. Info: www.auerbachs-keller-leipzig.de/en/
Spring Gallery Tour (03 to 04 May)
On the site of what was once the largest cotton mill in continental Europe, local galleries and numerous exhibition spaces present their new exhibitions from 11 am to 8 pm. Info: www.spinnerei.de
Oper Leipzig – premiere of ‘Pique Dame’ (10 May)
The composer Peter Tchaikovsky described his opera “The Queen of Spades” as the crowning achievement of his life's work. At the centre of the opera drama is the ambitious officer Hermann, who falls in love with the fascinating Lisa. To gain wealth and love, he falls for gambling. Tchaikovsky's tempestuous melodies, played by the world-famous Gewandhausorchester, make for an evening of opera that captivates the heart and senses. Info: www.oper-leipzig.de/en
Shostakovich Festival of the Gewandhaus Orchestra (15 May and 01 June)
To mark the 50th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich's death, the Gewandhaus is presenting one of the composer's most extensive shows of his works. The Gewandhausorchester, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the specially founded Festival Orchestra will perform under the direction of Gewandhaus chief conductor Andris Nelsons and conductor Anna Rakitina. In addition to the symphonies and solo concerts, the extensive chamber music series will also be performed by world-class artists. The opera presents Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/shostakovich/
International Transport Forum (21 to 23 May)
The annual summit is the world's largest gathering of transport ministers, scientists, politicians and business representatives and the most important event on global transport policy. Over 1,400 people from more than 80 countries meet at the Congress Centre Leipzig to discuss the future of transport from the perspective of a strategic topic. Info: www.itf-oecd.org/summit-events/2025
Artistic Gymnastics European Championships (26 to 31 May)
The Artistic Gymnastics European Championships will be held in Germany in 2025. The German Gymnastics Federation was awarded the contract for the continental championships at the meeting of the Executive Committee of the European Gymnastics Federation. The European Championships will take place at HALLE:EINS of Leipzig Trade Fair. Info: www.turnfest.de/en/turn-em
International German Gymnastics Festival (28 May to 01 June)
With over 80,000 participants, the festival is the world's largest competitive and popular sports event. First appearing as the host of the third General German Gymnastics Festival in 1863, Leipzig will host a gymnastics festival for the 13th time in 2025. With a compact and contemporary concept, a wide variety of sporting competitions, spectacular shows and hands-on activities will be offered at various locations in the city. Info: www.turnfest.de/en/
a cappella – International Festival for Vocal Music (30 May to 07 June)
Every year since 1997, the a cappella festival has turned the city of Leipzig into the sound centre of the vocal music scene. For more than a week, vocal groups from across the global a cappella scene take the stage in a series of concerts. This year, the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Info: www.a-cappella-festival.de/en/
The 32nd Wave-Gotik-Treffen (WGT) (06 to 09 June)
Since 1992, the WGT has captivated thousands of gothic scene fans from around the globe. Over the four days of the festival, guests are offered concerts as well as a supporting program of parties, performances, exhibitions and medieval markets. One of the highlights is the Victorian picnic in Clara Zetkin Park. Info: www.wave-gotik-treffen.de/english/
Leipzig Bachfest ‘Transformation’ (12 to 22 June)
The 2025 Leipzig Bachfest is one of the most important international music festivals. In 2025, it will take place under the motto “Transformation”. Johann Sebastian Bach's work in particular is characterized by transformations of all kinds. The Leipzig Bachfest explores these transformations with renowned performers from all over the world as well as the Gewandhausorchester and the St Thomas Choir of Leipzig (Thomanerchor) in over 150 events at the original sites of the Thomaskantor's work. Info: www.bachfestleipzig.de/en/bachfest
Klassik Airleben – Open Air Concert (27 and 28 June)
The open-air concerts are the summer highlight and conclusion of the season of the Gewandhausorchester. It attracts thousands of music lovers to the large meadow in the Rosental. Info: www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/
Highfield Festival (15 to 17 August)
The indie rock festival at Lake Störmthal enters the next round. Around 35,000 festival fans can rock out to bands from pop to punk, from rock to rap. Bands and artists confirmed for this year include Deichkind, Kontra K, Nina Chuba, Clueso, K.I.Z., Zebrahead, The Kooks and more. Info: highfield.de/en/
Con spirito - the Leipzig Chamber Music Festival (30 August to 07 September)
The chamber music festival breathes the salon spirit of the music city of Leipzig. In 2025, hidden messages and secret words will be at the heart of the concerts in the salons and places of activity of Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Bach, the Schumanns, Grieg and Wagner. International chamber music stars will be performing, including Michael Wollny, Martin Helmchen, Antje Weithaas and Peter Bruns. Info: www.conspiritoleipzig.de/en/
Autumn of 1989 - 36th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution (09 October)
Every year on 9 October, the first major Monday demonstration in Leipzig, which is regarded as the beginning of the Peaceful Revolution in the GDR, is commemorated with a prayer for peace, a speech on democracy, the Leipzig Festival of Lights and other events. Info: www.herbst89.de and www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/home.html
Leipzig Jazz Days (11 to 18 October)
The festival is one of the oldest and most renowned jazz festivals in Germany. Every year, Jazzclub Leipzig presents well over 100 musicians - big names and pioneers of jazz, as well as innovative newcomers. Performances take place in venues such as the opera house, churches and numerous trendy clubs. Info: www.jazzclub-leipzig.de/en/leipziger-jazztage/
Re-enactment of the Battle of the Nations in 1813 (17 to 19 October)
Every year in October, military history societies from all over Europe gather in Leipzig and Markkleeberg to commemorate the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig. In October 1813, half a million soldiers from across Europe fought in the decisive battles of Leipzig, shaping the continent's political future and marking the end of the Napoleonic era. Around 2,000 participants in period uniforms are expected to bring history to life with battle re-enactments and civilian scenes. Info: http://www.leipzig1813.com/home
Grassimesse Leipzig (24 to 26 October)
During the Grassimesse, artisans and designers from all over Europe come together. Art exhibition and sales fair in one, it is one of the most important international sales fairs for applied art and product design. Info: www.grassimesse.de/en/
68th DOK Leipzig (27 October to 02 November)
DOK Leipzig is one of the leading international festivals for artistic documentaries and animated films. It attracts thousands of visitors as well as filmmakers, producers, distributors and festival organizers to the Saxon metropolis every year. Info: www.dok-leipzig.de/en
Mendelssohn Festival (02 to 09 November)
Few composers are as vividly present in Leipzig's contemporary culture as Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: as Gewandhaus conductor, he shaped the orchestra's repertoire and sound. The festival takes place every year around the anniversary of his death on 4 November and offers symphony concerts, chamber music and discussion formats. Info: https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/and www.mendelssohn-stiftung.de/en/
euro-scene – 35th European Dance and Theatre Festival (04 to 09 November)
The festival presents around 12 dance and theatre pieces from and about Europe and its global interdependencies. The program highlights contemporary theatre, innovative dance, and cutting-edge performative forms, designed to challenge audiences both in content and form. It emphasizes in-house and co-productions, alongside German and world premieres. Info: euro-scene.de/en
Leipzig Christmas Market (25 November to 23 December)
The tradition of the Leipzig Christmas Market dates back to 1458. The Leipzig Christmas Market is divided into five market areas with around 300 stalls. The range of arts and crafts and regional delicacies is framed by brass band performances on the balcony of the Old Town Hall and a festive program of activities. Families with children will enjoy the arrival of Father Christmas at the beautiful Leipzig Main Station, numerous rides, a historic merry-go-round and the magical fairytale forest in front of the Oper Leipzig. Info: www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/einkaufen-und-ausgehen/maerkte/leipziger-weihnachtsmarkt/
New Year's Eve in Leipzig (31 December)
Traditional, cultural, merry or contemplative - the turn of the year in Leipzig remains unforgettable! Numerous stages and venues offer special programmes. A true highlight not to be missed is the grand New Year's Eve concert by the Gewandhausorchester. Info: https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/en/ and https://panorama-leipzig.de/en/
Further Information
- https://www.leipzig.travel/en/discover/Leipzig-highlights
- Download “Explore Leipzig – City Tours” at Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.droidsolutions.ltm.aggregator&pli=1
- Download “Explore Leipzig – City Tours” at App Store: https://apps.apple.com/de/app/explore-leipzig-city-tours/id6452014206
Please find further information at www.leipzig.travel/press
Team International PR international-pr@ltm-leipzig.de • www.leipzig.travel/en
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH • Grimmaischer Steinweg 8 • 04103 Leipzig • Germany CEO: Volker Bremer • Amtsgericht Leipzig [Leipzig District Court] • Registration number: HRB 123 48 • Vat number: DE 1845 16 233
This initiative is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony.
