The final fireworks are part of the Extraschicht. One takes place at the Henrichshütte, © Ruhr Tourismus, Kreklau

The Great Stars in NRW

Established Event Classics

The Ruhr piano festival, lit.Cologne, or the CHIO in Aachen are some of the world-renowned events in North Rhine-Westphalia that not only draw an audience, but also bring international stars to town every year to present their outstanding skills on the stage or in athletic competitions. Evening-long fireworks events, large visitor trade fairs, and traditional fairs with special backdrops also ensure some memorable experiences.

Japan Day in Düsseldorf

Is this really Düsseldorf? Once a year, the city on the Rhine becomes hardly recognisable. On Japan Day it transforms itself into a backdrop for Japanese culture and lifestyle

CHIO Aachen

A tournament that’s more like a big party: Every year the riding world celebrates the CHIO World Equestrian Festival in Aachen.

Gamescom in Cologne – and in the Online World

Look, try out, and experience the latest productions presented at the world’s largest trade fair for video games by international developer studios. Guests will be able to enjoy live shows, e-sports championships, retro gaming, and costume performances.

ExtraSchicht – Night of Industrial Culture

Experience a night of cultural superlatives: 500 events at about 50 venues in 20 different cities turn the Ruhr Area into a unique cultural metropolis

The Equitana celebrates equestrian sport

Top equestrian stars are regular guests at the world’s largest equestrian show: Olympic and world champions have shown their skills in the saddle for half a century by now.

International Game Days in Essen

About 200,000 visitors per year, more than 1,200 exhibitors from over 50 nations, and in excess of 1,500 new games to look at, try out, and take home make the International Games Days in Essen a unique mega-event hosted every October.

Dive and let the boot amaze you

The fair offers not only novelties to look at, but also lets you try them out. Classic water sports alternate with new trends such as mermaiding, i.e. diving with a mermaid fin.

World-Class Winter Sports

While top-class sports are offered in traditional locations, such as the bobsleigh track and ski jump in the wintry Hochsauerland region, a football stadium in the Ruhr region transforms into a winter sports venue every year as well. All events guarantee best sporting performances and good entertainment.

Cologne lights

One of the most beautiful musical firework displays immerses Cologne in a sea of light and colour.

Crange Fair in Herne

Formerly a small horse fair, now the largest folk festival in NRW: More than 500 fairground entertainers put on a grand show at this fair in the heart of the Ruhr Area