Highlights for 2025 in the Region Hannover

You can look forward to twelve months full of opportunities - from cultural enjoyment and concerts to nature experiences and sporting events, as well as city tours, moorland hikes and digital tours.

The year’s events kick off with the 350th anniversary of the Großer Garten at the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen: “Gardens by Masterful Hands – 350 Years of the Großer Garten at Herrenhausen” is the title of the exhibition that will launch the anniversary program on February 14. On February 25, a special concert experience is on the agenda with “Blütezeiten: Nature and Poetry” as part of the Herrenhausen Baroque series.

The International Fireworks Competition organized by Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH, which takes place on five dates between May and September, is also part of the anniversary celebrations under the theme “Sparkling Anniversary.” The KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen, running from May 22 to June 8, adds another highlight to the anniversary year. The series of events delights visitors with special activities and artistic surprises.

And the crowd favorite “Kleines Fest im Großen Garten” is also on Hanover’s calendar of events from July 8 to 27, promising unforgettable summer evenings filled with art, humor, and music.

Hannover's unique character as a music capital

Hannover is also celebrating its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Music. To mark this milestone, the city has not only put together a vibrant and creative anniversary program featuring performers of all ages. In the heart of the city at Kröpcke, the Music Kiosk is open year-round, designed as a musical living room where visitors can find out about current events. 

With around 450 major concerts held each year, the city has firmly established itself as a music hub. And in 2025, Hannover will once again serve as a stage for music legends such as Robbie Williams, Billie Eilish, and Linkin Park. To celebrate their 60th anniversary, the Scorpions will perform their only German concert in their hometown of Hannover, alongside Alice Cooper and Judas Priest (July 5).

The traditional jazz festival “Enercity Swinging Hannover” will take place as usual on Ascension Day (May 29) at the Platz der Menschenrechte; on June 6, the “NDR Plazafestival” will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Expo 2000; and Hannover’s “Fête de la Musique” will bring music to the city on June 21.

Hannover is becoming a center of faith

The Protestant Church Congress will be held in Hannover in 2025. Approximately 1,500 events are planned over five days—from April 30 to May 4. This major Christian event will kick off with an opening service, followed by workshops, exhibitions, concerts, panel discussions, and much more.

Clear the stage for more art enjoyment

The anniversary of the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen and an impressive array of musical events are setting the cultural tone for the city. But that’s just the beginning—in 2025, Hannover will showcase its full diversity as a city with a new cultural brand.

Both the Schauspielhaus and the Hanover State Opera will present more than ten exciting premieres during the remainder of the 2025 season. Starting October 9, the fiery Spanish show “Sentimientos” will heat things up at the GOP Varieté Theater this fall.

Starting September 6, the renowned Sprengel Museum will celebrate a major exhibition highlight with “Niki. Kusama. Murakami. Love You For Infinity.” The Landesmuseum will focus on both Old Masters such as Caspar David Friedrich and socially relevant themes such as the role of images of women. The Kestner Gesellschaft on Goseriede will delight visitors with a diverse and international program of contemporary art.

Hannover is also making waves in the world of sports

Hannover is kicking off the year with a focus on sports. Whether it’s the ADAC Marathon on April 5 and 6, the Opera Beach Festival from May 16 to 24, or the Orange Day Run on November 25—the city is showing just how versatile physical activity can be.

Basketball fans are in for a treat on May 10 at the Swiss Life Hall: The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are stopping in Hannover as part of their “World Tour 2025,” bringing spectacular basketball action for the whole family to the arena.

Traditional events

But Hanover’s calendar of events has even more to offer. In early July, the world’s largest shooting festival invites you to a unique experience where tradition, enjoyment, and excitement come together perfectly. Right after that, the Maschseefest, running from July 30 to August 17, brings a seaside atmosphere to the heart of the city with culinary delights and live music.

The trade show calendar kicks off in Hanover with the ABF, followed by the world’s largest industrial trade show, the Hannover Messe.

Must-Do’s and Must-Sees in the Region Hannover in 2025

On May 4, the 16th Deister Day invites you to kick off the hiking season with a blend of nature, culture, and fun. The Deister municipalities of Bad Münder, Bad Nenndorf, Barsinghausen, Rodenberg, Springe, and Wennigsen are offering a diverse program in Hanover’s local mountain range.

The Steinhuder Meer Triathlon on June 15 offers sports and action in picturesque surroundings.
Following its successful relaunch in 2024, the Festive Weekend will also return from August 22 to 24, 2025. That means three days filled with music, culinary delights, and lively events at Steinhuder Meer.

Once the Kultursommer is over, it’s time to start thinking about the next one—mark your calendars: In 2025, the traditional festival will take place from June 20 to August 20.

A day for explorers

Explorer Day, one of the region’s most popular family events, invites you to rediscover the entire region on September 14. With more than 100,000 visitors and a program packed with activities, games, and experiments, everyone is encouraged to join in.

Innovative exploration of a historical highlight

Marienburg Castle in Pattensen is closed until further notice. As an alternative to visiting the site in person, you can take a virtual 360-degree tour of the filming location for the hit streaming series “Maxton Hall.”.

Press contact:

Ela Windels | Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

7 Vahrenwalder Straße | 30165 Hannover | Phone: 0511/123490-26

presse@hannover-marketing.de