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Konstanz’s event calendar runs year-round, from a masked carnival in February to lake fireworks in August and one of southern Germany’s prettiest Christmas markets. Most outdoor events cluster between May and September, when the weather in the Konstanz weather by month guide holds above 20°C. Here are the named events and festivals in Konstanz, with dates and locations, and the best time to visit Konstanz guide shows which season pairs with which festival.
Events and Festivals in Konstanz: Spring
Swabian-Alemannic Fasnacht (Carnival)
The Fasnacht season runs from Schmutziger Donnerstag (the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, usually mid-February) through the weekend before Lent. Konstanz’s masked guilds, the Blätzlebuebe among the best known, parade through the old town in hand-carved wooden masks, and the big street parade fills the centre on the Sunday. It’s loud, late and free to watch.
Mainau Orchid Show
From late March into May, Insel Mainau’s palm house fills with thousands of orchids, one of Europe’s largest displays. Entry is covered by the standard island admission (about €25.90 in season), and the show is the spring counterpart to the tulip beds blooming outside.
Events and Festivals in Konstanz: Summer
Internationale Bodenseewoche (Water Sports Week)
Held over several days in late May and early June, this regatta has run since 1909 and fills the harbour with sailing classes, vintage boats and shore-side stands. Racing is free to watch from the harbour promenade and the lakeside lawns.
Rock am See
Usually a single-day open-air festival at the Bodenseestadion in early July, Rock am See has drawn acts like Die Toten Hosen and Seeed. Day tickets run around €60-80 depending on the line-up, and it sells out fast, so buy as soon as the bill is announced in spring.
Konstanzer Seenachtfest (Lake Night Festival)
The biggest single event of the year falls on the second Saturday of August, when a choreographed fireworks display launches over the lake and reflects in the water. Lakeside viewing areas charge a small entry (€10-15), while the fireworks can be watched free from higher ground around the Stadtgarten. Book a room well in advance; the where to stay in Konstanz guide has options within walking distance, and the best neighborhoods in Konstanz guide shows which areas stay closest to the fireworks.
Events and Festivals in Konstanz: Autumn and Winter
Zeltfestival Konstanz
From mid-September into October, a festival tent and open-air stage spring up on the Klein-Venedig meadow by the Seerhein, hosting a mixed bill of cabaret, comedy and live music. Individual tickets usually start around €25-40 per show, and the setting by the water at sunset is the draw.
Konstanzer Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market)
The Christmas market runs from late November (typically the last Thursday of the month) to December 23, spreading from the Marktstätte down to the harbour with wooden stalls selling glühwein, roasted almonds and Lake Constance crafts. It opens daily from about 11:00 to 20:00. Combine it with the things to do in Konstanz indoor sights for a full winter weekend.
For how to reach each venue by train, ferry or bus, and what to budget, see the Konstanz travel tips and FAQ guide, and browse the Konstanz travel guide for the wider city.
