Freiburg’s festival calendar is anchored in its wine culture, university traditions, and location between France and Switzerland. Most major events run annually on set dates, making them easy to plan around. Check the best time to visit Freiburg guide for hotel price implications during festival weeks.
Freiburg Events and Festivals: Spring (March-May)
Freiburg Marathon (Late March)
The Freiburg Marathon runs the last Sunday in March, drawing 12,000+ participants across full marathon, half marathon, relay, and 5 km categories. The course starts at the Messe Freiburg exhibition center and loops through the Altstadt, along the Dreisam River, and into the surrounding vineyards. Registration starts at 45 euros for the half marathon (book 2 months ahead). Road closures affect the city center from 08:00-14:00 on race day.
Freiburg Events and Festivals: Summer (June-August)
Freiburg Weinfest (Late June/Early July)
The Freiburg Weinfest takes over Münsterplatz for 5 days in late June or early July (dates vary). Over 400 Baden wines are poured by 30+ local wineries, with glasses priced 3-8 euros. Food stalls serve Flammkuchen (Alsatian flatbread, 7-10 euros) and Schwarzwälder Schinken (Black Forest ham). Live bands perform on a central stage each evening. Entry is free, wine is paid per glass. The 2026 dates are expected June 26-30. Hotel prices in the Altstadt rise 30-50% during these 5 days. Book by April for Weinfest dates. For more information, see our Freiburg weather by month.
Zelt-Musik-Festival (ZMF) (Mid-July)
The Zelt-Musik-Festival is Freiburg’s largest music festival, running for 18 days in July on the Mundenhof fairgrounds (4 km west, tram line 3). It features 60+ performances across 5 circus tents spanning rock, pop, jazz, classical, and cabaret. Past headliners include Nena, Jan Delay, and Gregory Porter. Day tickets start at 35 euros, a full festival pass is 180 euros. The 2026 dates are typically July 8-26. Book tickets online at zmf.de , popular acts sell out weeks in advance. For more information, see our things to do in Freiburg.
Oberlindenhock (Second Weekend of September)
A smaller neighborhood wine festival in the Oberlinden district around the Schwabentor, the Oberlindenhock runs Friday through Sunday the second weekend of September. It’s more local than the Münsterplatz Weinfest , you’ll hear more Baden dialect than English. Wine glasses start at 3 euros, grilled sausages at 4 euros. Street closures limit vehicle access to the Oberlinden area. For more information, see our best neighborhoods in Freiburg.
Freiburg Events and Festivals: Winter (November-December)
Freiburg Christmas Market (Late November to December 23)
Set across Rathausplatz, Münsterplatz, and Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse, Freiburg’s Christmas Market opens around November 21 and runs through December 23. The 130+ stalls sell Glühwein (3.50-4.50 euros including 2-euro Pfand/deposit on the ceramic mug), Bratwurst (4 euros), roasted almonds, and Black Forest handicrafts. On Münsterplatz, a children’s area has a vintage carousel and puppet shows. Open daily 10:00-20:30, until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. For more information, see our where to stay in Freiburg.
Fasnet (Swabian-Alemannic Carnival, February)
Freiburg’s Fasnet celebration runs from Schmutziger Dunschdig (Dirty Thursday) through Fasnetzischdig (Shrove Tuesday), usually in February (dates tied to Easter). Unlike the Rhineland Karneval, Fasnet features traditional wooden masks, hand-carved costumes, and the Narrenzunft (fools’ guild) parades. The main parade on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) starts at 14:00 from Siegesdenkmal. Bars and restaurants in the Altstadt are packed; make dinner reservations a week in advance. For more information, see our Freiburg travel tips.
