Discover a range of inspiring events in Saxony
Events in Saxony are as diverse as the region’s sights and attractions – and a great way to experience many of the things that make this destination so unique. Choose from stand-out classical music moments, one-of-a-kind traditional events in the Ore Mountains and, of course, some of the best Christmas markets around. Find your favourite in every season, for families, friends, or couples, in nature or the city!
Exhibitions
Concerts
Sporting events
Festivals
Public fairs
Christmas markets
Find your favourite event here and get tickets.
The Old Masters Picture Gallery stages the first comprehensive retrospective outside Italy of Antonio da Correggio, whose luminous altarpieces influenced generations of Baroque artists. Despite a legacy equal to that of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian, Correggio remains less widely known, yet stands out for his exceptional ability to convey profound emotion and render the divine with strikingly human realism.“Correggio. Movingly Human” will be on from 19 September 2026 to 10 January 2027.
The Great Ballroom and “Propositionssaal” council chamber of the Royal Palace now shine again, forming the backdrop for the new permanent exhibition “Masks and Crowns”, dedicated to the ceremonial culture of the Saxon court. The exhibition has been be on since April 2026, featuring works of art that are among the most precious testimonies to European festival culture and centuries of courtly display.
The restored palace chapel, a landmark of Reformation history and once a musical centre of the Lutheran world, completes this remarkable chapter in Dresden’s architectural renaissance.
In 2026, the Saxon Paddle Steamer Company celebrates 190 years as the world’s oldest and largest paddle steamer fleet. Its flagship “Dresden” turns 100, joined by even older vessels such as the “Pillnitz” (140 years) and “Kurort Rathen” (130 years).
Two grand steamer parades – on 1 May and 3 October – and a festive weekend in July will transform the River Elbe into a stage for celebrating a unique industrial heritage.
In the Ore Mountains, the EURORANDO hiking festival (20 to 27 Sep 2026) brings thousands of guests to the cross-border UNESCO World Heritage Mining Region Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří. A week of guided walks, independent explorations, and encounters celebrates nature, history, and European friendship in a landscape shaped by centuries of mining.
The hiking festival also features the unveiling of the Stoneman Miriquidi Hike for the very first time, giving hikers and trail runners the equivalent experience of the existing Stoneman Miriquidi mountain bike trail in the Ore Mountains.
In 2026, Saxony once more has very special events on the agenda. Choose one (or more) to your liking and combine your visit with a city break or an exploration of the region’s beautiful nature.
From 27 March 2026, Dresden
Exhibition of Yadegar Asisis 360° panorama “Great Barrier Reef”
3 Saturdays in September 2026, Moritzburg
Marvel at beautiful horses at the Stallions' parades in Moritzburg
From 4 September to 13 September 2026, Ore Mountains
The Ore Mountains Music Festival is a biennial music festival in the Erzgebirge region that brings high‑quality classical and contemporary performances to historic and unusual venues.
18 September to 20 September 2026, Meissen and Radebeul
Enjoy Saxon wine at the Meissen Wine Festival and the Autumn Wine Festival in nearby Radebeul.
From 19 September 2026 to 10 January 2027, Dresden
Exhibition „Correggio“ – one of the most influential painters (1489 - 1534)
From 20 September to 27 September 2026
EURORANDO 2026 – the largest hiking event in Europe comes to the Ore Mountains
9 October 2026, Leipzig
The Leipzig Festival of Lights is an annual event held each October 9th that commemorates the 1989 Monday demonstrations with artistic light installations, candle vigils and a path of illuminated works across the city centre to reflect on freedom, democracy and the Peaceful Revolution.
From 16 October to 22 November 2026, Dresden
The Jazz Days Dresden celebrate their 25th anniversary. Being one of the largest Jazz Festivals in Germany we are looking forward to an excellent program with top performances of renowned national and international artists.
From 17 to 18 October 2026, Ore Mountains
Days of Traditional Craftmenship – 130 workshops, museums and craft studios across the Ore Mountains open their doors to showcase traditional skills, offer hands-on activities and celebrate centuries-old artisanal techniques alongside regional culture and specialties.
From 17 to 24 October 2026, Leipzig
The 50th Jazz Days Leipzig are one of Germany’s oldest and most renowned international jazz festivals.
From 23 to 25 October 2026, Leipzig
The Grassimesse is an international applied-arts and design sales fair held each October at the GRASSI Museum.
From 1 November to 08 November 2026, Leipzig
Mendelssohn Festival – Mendelssohn masterpieces and the music of the Romantic period are the focus of this year’s Mendelssohn Festival
From 20 November 2026, Schloss Moritzburg
Exhibition „Three wishes for Cinderella“ – Explore the magical world of the cult fairy-tale film with original costumes, props, recreated scenes and behind-the-scenes stories presented at the castle’s authentic filming location near Dresden.
From 25 November to 24 December 2026, Dresden
The 592nd Dresden Striezelmarkt is Germany’s oldest and most famous Christmas market, where more than 200 stalls, festive lights, traditional crafts and seasonal treats create a magical Advent atmosphere in the baroque heart of the city.
From end of November 2026
Christmas Markets will open all over Saxony. Whereas the big ones are open for visitors daily, check out our Christmas section for more information about the hidden gems, which are sometimes only available on weekends or on specific days.
5 December, Dresden
The Dresden Stollen Festival is a festive highlight of the Striezelmarkt season where bakers, musicians and costumed participants parade a giant Christstollen through the city.
In 2026, Saxony shines a spotlight on its rich Jewish heritage with a year-long celebration titled “Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony.” This landmark cultural initiative features a wide range of events across the region, highlighting the historical contributions, contemporary life and vibrant traditions of Jewish communities in Saxony.
The celebration aims to foster greater understanding and visibility of Jewish culture through concerts, exhibitions, theatre productions, film screenings, public lectures, and interfaith dialogues. From Dresden to Leipzig, Chemnitz to Görlitz, institutions and cultural venues are collaborating to present programs that explore Jewish history, art, and thought—past and present.
A central focus is placed on Jewish life in Saxony through the centuries, from the flourishing of Jewish communities in the Middle Ages to their tragic destruction during the Nazi era, and the resilient rebuilding of Jewish life in post-war and modern times. Visitors and locals alike have the chance to engage with exhibitions on Jewish intellectuals, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who helped shape Saxon society.
