Events in January

Picture credits: Gert Mothes, Leipziginfo.de: https://www.leipziginfo.de/aktuelles/artikel/hereinspaziert-tag-der-offenen-tuer-im-gewandhaus-zu-leipzig/

 

Leipzig Gewandhaus Open Day

Saturday 25. January 2025 from 10 am

Free entry

Leipzig Gewandhaus, Augustusplatz

https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/veranstaltung/hereinspaziert-8679/

Enjoy a diverse program of activities for young and old: listen to the Gewandhaus Orchestra live in the Große Saal, try out instruments with the children, visit the dwarf concerts, exhibitions and workshops. In the afternoon there will be coffee and cake and lounge music and drinks until the evening. We are looking forward to sharing this day of music and surprises with you and the whole family!

 

Der Besuch der alten Dame

Schauspiel Leipzig

Thursday, 16.01.2025 at 7:30 pm (with English surtitles)

https://www.schauspiel-leipzig.de/en/program/whats-on/der-besuch-der-alten-dame/3344/

„A long time ago, Güllen was a wealthy city. Now it is looking into the abyss of financial ruin. Sell-out and seizure are threatening. In this fatal situation, the residents have nothing to hope for – except for the visit of an old lady, multi-millionaire Claire Zachanassian. Perhaps she can revive the ruined city of Güllen with an endowment? After all, Claire is a daughter of the city and has managed the transform herself from the simple girl “Kläri” into a glamourous billionaire. Claire proposes a lucrative business deal that promises a large sum of money for the city. New riches, but there is a catch: She demands her ex-lover, merchant Alfred Ill, to be killed and his dead body to be delivered to her for a price of one billion.”

““Der Besuch der alten Dame” was premiered in 1956 and laid the foundations for Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s sweeping success as a dramatist. It is considered to be the Swiss playwright’s most popular play world-wide. Out of necessity, the citizens of Güllen get caught up in the dynamics of running up debt and falling deeper and deeper into Claire Zachanassian’s clutches. “Der Besuch der alten Dame” is a vicious comedy that reflects Dürrenmatt’s grotesque sense of comedy.”

Events in December

Picture credits: Stadt Leipzig: https://www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/einkaufen-und-ausgehen/maerkte/leipziger-weihnachtsmarkt/weihnachtsmarkt-in-der-leipziger-innenstadt-im-ueberblick

 

Advent Market in Kulturhof Gohlis

Saturday 30. November and Sunday 1. December 2024 

For the beginning of the Advent season, the Advent Market will offer many products from around 20 sellers from the region of Leipzig including ceramics, porcellan, natural cosmetics, and fine jewellery. The market will take place in the Kulturhof Gohlis, in the ambient of the Werkcafe and the rooms of the music school NEUE MUSIK LEIPZIG. We look forward to welcoming you at our market!

More information is available here: https://www.urbanite.net/leipzig/events/adventsmarkt-kulturhof-gohlis/2024-12-01/

 

Leipzig Christmas Market

Leipzig City Center

Sunday to Thursday: 10 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm

“At the Leipzig Christmas Market you will find delicacies, entertainment and a pre-Christmas atmosphere spread across Leipzig’s city center. Attractions include the Finnish market in Augustusplatz and the historic Christmas market on the Naschmarkt.”

More information is available here: https://www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/einkaufen-und-ausgehen/maerkte/leipziger-weihnachtsmarkt/weihnachtsmarkt-in-der-leipziger-innenstadt-im-ueberblick

 

Peter and the Wolf: Musical Comedy

Leipzig Opera

Friday 6., Thursday 19., Friday 20., Monday 30. December 2024

“The forest. In it a beautiful little house with a pond. Idyllic. But isn’t it too quiet? Detective Ulyana Craine is investigating a mysterious case: Daria the duck is missing! Where are the main suspects, Peter and Viktor the wolf? There is also no trace of grandfather Hans, Anastasia the cat and Sofia the bird. What could have happened? Join us on a search for clues and solve this exciting case with the help of Sergei Prokofiev’s music! For children aged 5 and over.”

More information is available here: https://www.oper-leipzig.de/de/programm/gesucht-peter-und-der-wolf/768

Events in November

Picture credits: Leipzig-Leben.de – https://www.leipzig-leben.de/handgemacht-kreativmarkt-leipzig/

 

Organ Concert for the Buß- und Bettag holiday

Wednesday 20. November 2024, 7:30 pm

Leipzig Gewandhaus

Michael Schönheit will perform an organ concert on the Buß- and Bettag public holiday in memory of the 200th Birthday of Carl Reinecke. The concert includes pieces by Carl Piutti, Sigfrid Karg-Elert and Camillo Schubert.

More information is available at: https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/veranstaltung/orgelkonzert-zum-buss-und-bettag-8558/.

 

Creative Market Leipzig

Saturday 9th November and Sunday 10th November 2024

Agra Messepark, 11 am until 5 pm

Leipzig creative market is the perfect place to look for products beyond the rail. You can find handmade crafts, materials for your own creative projects and there will also be several free DIY activities for young and old. Food and drinks will also be available on both days.

More information is available at: https://www.kreativmaerkte.de/market-location/leipzig/

Events in October

Picture credits: Lichtfest Leipzig ©Punctum/Franke: https://www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/

 

Leipzig Festival of Lights

9 October 2024 7 to 11 pm

Various locations around the city centre

“On October 9, 1989, more than 70,000 people demonstrated for freedom and democracy in Leipzig. The year 2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution. On October 9, the Leipzig Festival of Lights 2024 will stage the authentic protest route of the Monday demonstration: from 7 p.m. to midnight, over 20 light installations by international artists will line the entire inner city ring road.”

More information and the full programme of the festival can be found here: https://www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/

 

DOK Leipzig (International Festival for Documentary and Animated Film)

28 October to 3 November 2024

Various locations around the city

This autumn, the 67th DOK Festival Leipzig will gather international filmmakers, critics, producers and viewers to see current productions, follow competitions with suspense and learn from the masters of their field in workshops.

“With contemporary international films, unique curated programmes and a rich programme for children and adults, we invite our audience to discover the range of contemporary documentary and animated film. Our competition categories give exciting artistic works a place to celebrate their premieres.”

More information is available here: https://www.dok-leipzig.de/en.

Events in September

Picture credits:

City of Leipzig: https://www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/einkaufen-und-ausgehen/maerkte/markttage

 

Leipzig Market Days 2024

Friday 27. September to Sunday 6. October 2024, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Leipzig city center

From September 27, 2024 to October 6, 2024, the Leipzig Market Days 2024 invite you to the heart of our city to enjoy a diverse culinary, commercial and cultural offer. In the Salzgäßchen, there will be a historical craftmen’s market, while a market with Italian specialties will take place in the Nikolaikirchhof. Students from Leipzig Music School will provide entertainment.

More information is available here: https://www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/einkaufen-und-ausgehen/maerkte/markttage

 

Intercultural Weeks 2024

Friday 23. August to Sunday 29. September

Various events at various locations

“Diversity, exchange and intercultural coexistence are the focus of the Intercultural Weeks in Leipzig. They take place from 23. August to 29. September throughout the city. Look forward to a cheerful opening ceremony on 23. August and the subsequent Diversity September with exciting lectures, workshops, artistic performances, culinary discoveries and many creative offers.”

The full program is available here: https://www.leipzig.de/jugend-familie-und-soziales/auslaender-und-migranten/migration-und-integration/interkultureller-und-interreligioeser-dialog/interkulturelle-wochen

 

Events in August

Picture credits: Leipziger Markt Musik: https://www.leipziger-markt-musik.de/de/

 

Leipziger Markt Musik

2 August to 11 August 2024

From 2 to 11 August the Leipziger Markt Musik returns and promises a special event.

Experience unforgettable open-air live concerts, accompanied by offers of summer food and pleasure for all the senses. The program includes performances from the Leipzig student Swing Orchestra, a night of Italian music and family orchestra on the final day.

More information is available here: https://www.leipziger-markt-musik.de/de/.

 

Water Festival Leipzig

Friday 16 August to Sunday 18 August 2024

Events at different locations around the city

The 24th Water Festival of Leipzig offers events and entertainment at different locations around the city between Friday 16 and Sunday 18 August. Events for families will take place in Lindenau Hafen, as well as in the Stadtteilpark Plagwitz. Activities include crafts and games for children, various music events and temporary boat rental.

More information is available here: https://www.wasser-stadt-leipzig.de/aktionen/leipziger-wasserfest/-

Events in July

Picture credits: Leipziger Hörspielsommer website – https://hoerspielsommer.de/#info

 

Leipziger Hörspielsommer (Radio play summer)

10-14 July 2024

Richard Wagner Hain, Leipzig

https://hoerspielsommer.de/

“From July 10 to 14, 2024, the 22nd edition of the Leipzig Radio Play Summer will take place in the Richard Wagner Grove. Visitors can expect a diverse festival program with numerous radio plays, features, live acts, competitions, workshops and more. The largest open-air radio play festival in the German-speaking world begins daily at 3 pm and at 12 noon on weekends with the family program. The evening program takes over from 6 pm on the meadow by the Elsterflutbecken. As usual, admission is free.”

 

Exhibition of diploma students at the Academy of Fine Arts (HGB)

12-14 July 2024, with summer festival on Friday, 12 July

Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig

https://www.hgb-leipzig.de/en

 

From 12 to 14 July 2024 the Academy of Fine Arts invites you to the exhibition by diploma students for the end of the semester. There will be final projects by students in painting / graphics, photography, graphic design and media arts in the exhibition rooms. On the opening day on 12 July we also invite you to the traditional summer festival.

 

Events in June

Photo credits: Tom Thiele, https://www.urbanite.net/leipzig/artikel/klassik-airleben-leipzig/

 

Open air summer in Grassi

Between June and September 2024

Grassi Museum, Leipzig

Once again, the three Grassi museums will work together to offer a diverse programme including open-air workshops, readings, the summer theatre by the HMT and concerts between June and September 2024. More information is available on the museum website: https://www.grassi-leipzig.de/sommer-im-grassi/.

 

Klassik Airleben (open air concert)

Saturday 22. June at 8:30 pm and Sunday 23 June 2024 at 6pm

Rosental Park, Leipzig

Free entry

https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/klassik-airleben/

For the 15th time the Gewandhaus Orchestra warmly invites you to celebrate the end of the concert season in the picturesque Rosental Park. Enjoy the power of music and an animated atmosphere together with the Gewandhaus Orchestra on two summer evenings.

In the afternoon before each concert, the music promotion team will be in the IMPULS family area, where families with younger visitors can try out instruments and other creative activities in the Rosental Park grounds.

 

Leipzig Stadtfest

Programme of events between Saturday 01.06. and Sunday 02.06.

Enjoy a programme of live events including concerts by various musical groups at central locations around the city: Augustusplatz, Market Square and Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Local and international groups will perform and entertain throughout both days. More information on the programme is available here: https://leipzigerstadtfest.de/programm/

Events in May

Foto: Roland Schlegel. Photo credits: https://l-lo.de/konzerte/aktuell

 

Museum Night Halle and Leipzig

Saturday 4th May 2024 from 6pm to midnight

86 museums in Leipzig and Halle

Tickets can be bought on the website or at the information stands in both cities on 4th May.

“86 museums across Leipzig and Halle will open their doors and offer a programme of more than 400 events from guided tours and concerts to films and activities for children and young people. The entrance ticket provides access to all museums and collections specified in the program from 6 pm to midnight. Everyone is welcome to participate.”

More information is available here: https://www.museumsnacht-halle-leipzig.de/

 

4 + 1 – young authors‘ meeting 2024

Thursday 9th May to Saturday 11th May 2024

Events are hybrid or at Schauspiel Leipzig: https://www.schauspiel-leipzig.de/en/program/whats-on/2024-05/vier-plus-eins-2024/3277/

“Every two years, Schauspiel Leipzig opens its gates for emerging dramatists and their work. During the three days of 4+1, the Leipzig stage is all about unheard texts, about their authors and their production methods. Six renowned German-language writing academies have been invited to send four students each to Leipzig with an original text. “

“The audience will be introduced to new voices of new drama in public readings, followed by talks with the participating artists. It is an exciting opportunity to spot different styles and developments! Once again, 4+1 will be accessible in the tried and tested hybrid format: Join us here in our auditorium and ask your questions in direct conversation with the authors and the company after the presentation. Or listen to the readings from the comfort of your own home via your screen and send us your messages via your smart phone.”

 

Spring Concert by Leipzig Teachers’ Orchestra

Saturday 25th May 2024 at 5pm

Leipzig Gewandhaus

Under their director Gerd-Eckehard Meißner and with Konstanze Pietschmann as soloist on cello, Leipzig Teachers’ Orchestra will give a spring concert with a programme including the “Karelia Ouverture op.10” by Jean Sibelius and the “Konzert für Violoncello und Orchester h-Moll op. 104” by Antonín Dvořák.

More information and tickets can be found at: https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/veranstaltung/fruehjahrskonzert-2024-8397/.

 

Events in April

Picture credits: David Lautzsch – Gewandhausorchester Website: https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/veranstaltung/promenadenkonzert-7786/

 

Outdoor concert: Serenade in the Park

Saturday 27.04., 3 pm

Musikpavillon, Clara-Zetkin-Park

Free Entry

https://www.gewandhausorchester.de/veranstaltung/promenadenkonzert-7786/

This event is part of MOA (Mendelssohn Orchesterakademie): Young artists on stage. Members of the Mendelssohn Orchesterakademie will perform pieces including Hoe Down – from the Ballet “Rodeo” by Aaron Copland and “Aus Holbergs Zeit op. 40” by Edvard Grieg.

 

Der Fall Woyzeck (The Woyzeck Case)

Saturday 27.04., 7:30 pm

Schauspiel Leipzig

https://www.schauspiel-leipzig.de/en/program/whats-on/woyzeck/2924/

“In 1821, Johann Christian Woyzeck stabbed the widow Woost, who was his lover, to death in Leipzig’s Vorstadt. He had previously been an apprentice in Leipzig and returned to the city after years as a soldier in various armies during the hither and thither of the Napoleonic liberation wars.
Like many others in Germany, Georg Büchner learned about this case in Leipzig, since its trial took three years and garnered a great deal of attention. As if beneath a burning lens, this case focused on several topics that had only recently become issues of general debate: Questions of criminal responsibility and insanity as well as social concerns about living circumstances and opportunities.”

“Schauspiel Leipzig’s artistic director Enrico Lübbe will take a new look at the material in Leipzig, following the 2011 Chemnitz drama production and the staging of Alban Berg’s opera version in 2017 in Erfurt, conducted by Joanna Mallwitz. Etienne Pluss, who received the Theatre Prize DER FAUST for his design of “Violetter Schnee” at Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden in 2019, will create the set. His work has most recently taken him to the Salzburg Festival (“Il Trittico”, directed by Christoph Loy) and, together with director Claus Guth, to the festival in Aix-en-Provence and to Teatro San Carlo in Naples.”

 

Flea Market in Scheibenholz

Saturday, 06.04.2024 from 10 am to 5 pm

Galopprennbahn Scheibenholz

Free entry

https://scheibenholz.com/flohmaerkte/termine/

On four weekends between April and October you can stroll around the flea market at the Galopprennbahn. The market offers second-hand furniture, clothes and more. There will also be stands with drinks, sweets and savoury snacks at the market.