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.

Ruhrfestspiele theatre festival in Recklinghausen

Stars from film and television and an international programme that ranges from the traditional to the provocative: Europe’s oldest theatre festival is a real magnet for the public in the Ruhr Area.

Beethovenfest in Bonn

Bonn celebrates its most famous son for one month each year. The Beethovenfest has long since become a world-renowned festival.

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.

Ruhr Piano Festival

A steady stream of stars enthrals audiences: the Ruhr Piano Festival has become the largest piano festival in the world.

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.

Ruhrtriennale

Just as unconventional as its industrial heritage venues, this emerging festival, which is held in the Ruhr Area every three years, is not to be missed