Whether clubbing in Berlin, hiking in the Black Forest, or touring medieval castles and palaces to their love of nude beaches and resorts, Germany has something to match everyone’s definition of fun. German festivals and events are plentiful, and an amazing chance to immerse yourself in the warmest and most fun-loving parts of German culture. Here are ten festivals in Germany that you need to attend for a stereotype-defying good time, ranging from traditional to hip and posh to sloshed.

Though Munich’s Oktoberfest is the largest, many cities in Germany hold their own folk festivals at this time. Huge fairs with plentiful beer and traditional German dress can also be found at the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart or the Cranger Kirmes in Herne, both of which also draw crowds in the millions.

But Oktoberfest isn’t only about beer and getting drunk. Half of the fairgrounds include carnival rides and games, and the “Old Oktoberfest” section is less raucous and includes more traditional tents. In some years, there is a wine tent where you can try out German wines.

Join in on the biggest, craziest Carnival celebrations in Germany in Cologne! The “fifth season” (as Carnival is known) officially begins on November 11, but, the real “crazy Carnival days” last from February 24 until March 2, and are marked with countless parties in streets, squares and bars throughout the city as well as the world-famous parade! This year, the celebrations are going to be a bit toned-down due to COVID-19

It commemorates the German reunification in 1990 and is traditionally celebrated with a festival around Platz der Republik, Straße des 17. Juni and the Brandenburg Gate. October 3rd is the Day of German Unity and a nationwide public holiday

In Germany the holiday is celebrated by dressing in costumes, playing pranks on people, and creating loud noises meant to keep evil at bay. Many people also hang blessed sprigs of foliage from houses and barns to ward off evil spirits, or they leave pieces of bread spread with butter and honey, called ankenschnitt, as offerings for phantom hounds.