Mannheim events take place year-round. Whether you’re here in time for the obligatory Weihnachtsmarkt or the springtime market, Mannheim will make sure you have plenty of opps to cheer up.
Maimarkt (May Market)
This Mannheim event takes place every year in, you guessed it, the spring month of May. The Maimarkt or May Market tradition began in 1613 when the town was originally granted the right for a market, by the Count Palatine Johann II von Zweibrücken.
The Maimarkt Mannheim is currently one of the largest markets of its kind and shows off some local innovative products and other town achievements.
International Film Festival
Mannheim shares the right to this festival with the city of Heidelberg. Both towns host screenings for about forty films by new, up-an-coming directors.
In addition to the movie viewings, the International Film Festival also holds panel discussions with the filmmakers and other VIPs of the business. And, of course, there are plenty of parties to go along with all this!
Internationale Schillertage (International Days of Schiller)
Come experience the theater culture of the city with this Mannheim event. The Internationale Schillertage is a biennial festival that celebrates the dramatic performances of the world-famous German playwright Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller.
The Mannheim National Theater hosts the festivities.
Mannheim Marathon
The Mannheim marathon is a popular sports event that has taken place each year since 2004, apart from one year when a storm damaged the track. Typically, the course begins and ends at the Mannheim landmark, the Wasserturm (Water Tower).
Over 100,000 guests attend to cheer on the participants, which can number as many as 10,000. There’s music, food and fun on hand here for those who’d prefer not to tackle the marathon themselves.
Christmas Market
Mannheim also hosts its own Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Market. Once again the Wasserturm, introducing to the Planken high-society shopping street, is the focal point.
The Christmas booths congregate around this local landmark, selling their food and craft items. Some local specialty items include toys, candles, leather goods, ceramics and, of course, plenty of Christmas decorations.
The children will enjoy the fun fair that consists of two antique carousels and a kiddie train while their parents shop around and sample the Bratwurst.
