Weekend in Cologne
This weekend in Cologne is a fantastic blend of culinary delights, major conventions, captivating exhibitions, and live music, offering diverse experiences for every local. Highlights include the inaugural Street Food Festival, the gaming spectacle of Gamescom, the immersive Titanic exhibition, and a live performance by the beloved band Höhner, ensuring a dynamic and unforgettable few days in the city.
Friday Evening - Culinary & Concert Kick-off
Friday, August 22Street Food Festival
The Germany-wide Street Food Festival Tour makes its first stop in Cologne, transforming the new Liebig-Gelände area into a hotspot for culinary explorers.
Expect delicacies from around the world, including many food trucks from northern Germany making their debut in Cologne. The festival offers creative taste explosions and a varied supporting program with DJs and live music.
This is the opening day of the festival, perfect for an early evening stroll. There's a special kids' area, making it suitable for families. Admission is paid at the box office.
Easily accessible by public transport (KVB tram/U-Bahn) serving the Ehrenfeld district. Check KVB website for specific stops near Liebigstraße and Pettenkoferstraße.
Fantastischen Vier Concert
Experience 'Die Fantastischen Vier' live on their 'Long Player on Tour - Open Air 2025'.
This popular German hip-hop group is known for their energetic performances and will deliver a memorable open-air show.
A fantastic opportunity to see one of Germany's most enduring and beloved musical acts in an open-air setting. Early booking is highly recommended due to high demand.
Accessible via KVB tram lines. Check the KVB website for the best route to 'Galopprennbahn'.
Saturday - Gaming, Food & Culture
Saturday, August 23Gamescom Gaming Convention
Gamescom 2025 is Europe's largest gaming convention, showcasing the latest gaming technologies, new releases, and peripherals. As the final public day of the event, it's a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, featuring exclusive game previews, eSports competitions, and cosplay events.
Dive into the world of interactive entertainment. This event attracts thousands, so expect crowds. It's an immersive and interactive experience for gamers of all ages.
Easily accessible via public transport. Take S-Bahn lines (S6, S11, S12, S19) or U-Bahn lines (1, 7, 9) to Köln Messe/Deutz station.
Street Food Festival
Continue your culinary journey at the Street Food Festival on its second day.
With an even wider array of food trucks and stalls, you can explore new flavors from international cuisines and enjoy the vibrant urban flair with live music and DJs.
The festival provides a relaxed atmosphere for a casual lunch or early dinner, offering something for every taste. The kids' area ensures entertainment for younger visitors.
Accessible by public transport (KVB tram/U-Bahn) serving the Neu-Ehrenfeld area. Consult the KVB network map for the nearest stops.
Furniture with Histories Exhibition
Explore the 'Möbel mit Geschichte(n)' (Furniture with (hi)stories) exhibition at the Museum of Applied Arts.
This special exhibition presents a selection of fascinating furniture pieces, each with its own unique background and narrative.
This exhibition offers intriguing insights into design, craftsmanship, and the cultural context of furniture throughout history. It's a perfect afternoon activity for those interested in art and design.
Located in central Cologne, MAKK is easily accessible. Take the U-Bahn/tram to Neumarkt or Dom/Hauptbahnhof, then it's a short walk.
Ben Zucker Concert
Enjoy a powerful live performance by Ben Zucker at the Tanzbrunnen.
Known for his distinctive voice and popular German pop-rock (Schlager) hits, Ben Zucker promises an evening of energetic entertainment.
The Tanzbrunnen is a renowned open-air venue, providing a fantastic atmosphere for concerts. This event is highly anticipated by fans of German music, offering a chance to sing along to familiar tunes.
Accessible via S-Bahn or U-Bahn to Köln Messe/Deutz station, followed by a short and pleasant walk through Rheinpark.
Sunday - Immersive Journeys & Local Legends
Sunday, August 24Street Food Festival Finale
Spend the final day of the Street Food Festival indulging in last-minute treats and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
It's your last chance this weekend to sample a diverse range of international street food specialties before the festival moves on.
Perfect for a leisurely Sunday brunch or lunch, this family-friendly event offers a relaxed closing to a weekend of culinary exploration. The festival closes at 7 PM.
Accessible by public transport (KVB tram/U-Bahn) in the Ehrenfeld district. Check the KVB website for optimal routes.
Titanic Immersive Journey
Step back in time with 'Titanic: An immersive journey', an exhibition that brings the history of the legendary ship to life.
This is the last day of the exhibition in Cologne, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Titanic's story through captivating displays and artifacts.
This immersive experience provides a poignant and detailed look into the ship's construction, its fateful voyage, and the personal stories of those aboard. It's a significant cultural event closing this weekend.
Located in the Ehrenfeld district, the exhibition venue is accessible by KVB tram/U-Bahn. Check the KVB journey planner for the most convenient stops in the area.
Höhner Live Concert
Conclude your weekend with a lively concert by Höhner, one of Cologne's most iconic and beloved bands. Known for their spirited performances and catchy Karneval hits, Höhner delivers a true Cologne experience.
This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Cologne's local music culture with a band that epitomizes the city's spirit. The Kölner Philharmonie offers excellent acoustics and a grand setting for this special evening.
The Kölner Philharmonie is centrally located next to Cologne Cathedral, easily accessible by all U-Bahn and S-Bahn lines stopping at Dom/Hauptbahnhof or Heumarkt station.
This weekend itinerary for Cologne can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.