Picture credits: Leipzig Buchmesse https://www.leipziger-buchmesse.de/en/

 

Leipzig Book Fair 2025

27 to 30 March 2025

https://www.leipziger-buchmesse.de/en/

“Leipzig Book Fair is the most important get-together in the spring for the book and media industry, connecting readers with authors, publishers and media companies from Germany and around the world. They all visit Leipzig to experience a diversity of literature, discover innovations and gain new perspectives.

As Guest of Honour at Leipzig Book Fair 2025, Norwegian literature will be presented through a variety of expressions designed to surprise, spark unexpected connections and stories, offer new insights and ignite meaningful conversations.”

 

Internationale Wochen gegen Rassismus 2025

17 March to 30 March 2025

https://www.leipzig.de/freizeit-kultur-und-tourismus/veranstaltungen-und-termine/eventsingle/event/internationale-wochen-gegen-rassismus-leipzig-2024-1

“Protecting human dignity” is the motto of the International Weeks against Racism from March 17 to March 30, 2025. Since 2004, Leipzig has been sending out a clear signal against racism and taking part in the nationwide International Weeks against Racism. Thanks to the involvement of many initiatives, associations and groups, the city offers a varied program with workshops, film screenings, district campaigns, lectures, readings and much more.”

 

Film of the month: “The Homes We Carry”

Monday 3 March 2025 at 7 pm

Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, Grimmaische Straße 6, 04109 Leipzig

https://www.urbanite.net/leipzig/events/film-des-monats-the-homes-we-carry/2025-03-03/

This documentary by Brenda Akele Jorde tells the story of a Mozambican contract worker in the GDR, Eulidio, and his daughter Sarah, who grows up with her mother in Berlin and meets her father when she is eleven. Straight away she feels a connection to their culture of origin and goes to spend time in Mozambique as an adult, where she is treated as a German while she faces racism in Germany. Akele Jorde’s debut documentary focuses on self-empowerment through art and was premiered at the DOK Festival 2022. It will be shown in German with English subtitles.

Picture credits: https://www.adg-europe.com/event/the-great-gatsby-theater-national-bern-2/

 

Winter Semester Exhibition 2025

Thu. 6pm-12pm, Fr. & Sat. 2pm-9pm, Sun. 12am-6pm

Academy of Fine Arts, Wächterstraße 11, 04107 Leipzig

https://www.hgb-leipzig.de/en/academy/calendar/2316/ 

„The teaching staff, students and employees of the HGB are once again looking forward to welcoming many interested visitors over the four days in February, when the Academy building is transformed into a unique exhibition space.
At the end of the winter semester, students from all disciplines will present their latest work from the past year.
Parallel to the tour, the 2025/26 Study Prize of the Friends of the HGB and Sparkasse Leipzig will be awarded and the exhibition of the prizewinners will open in the HGB gallery. ” 

 

„The Great Gatsby“ by Scott Fitzgerald

Production by American Drama Group Europe

Performance in English

Schauspiel Leipzig

Monday 10. February at 4 pm and 7 pm

https://www.schauspiel-leipzig.de/spielplan/monatsplan/the-great-gatsby/3654/

“Nick Carraway, a young man from Minnesota, moves to New York in the summer of 1922, and gradually becomes friends with a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby, who lives in a gigantic Gothic mansion and throws extravagant parties. Nick is drawn into a world of new money, decadence and deception.
The obvious contemporary relevance is made clear in this exciting new stage adaptation by Leo Benedict. Filled with live and evocative jazz music from the twenties, this production recreates the glitz and decadence of the period.”

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.”

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

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 200^th 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 9^th November and Sunday 10^th 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/

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 67^th 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.

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

 

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/-

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.

 

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/