Highlights for 2025 in the Hannover Region

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 event year kicks off with the 350th anniversary of the Great Garden at the Herrenhausen Gardens: “Gardens by Master Hands—350 Years of the Great Garden at Herrenhausen” is the title of the exhibition that will kick off the anniversary program on February 14. On February 25, a special concert experience—“Blossom Times: Nature and Poetry”—will be on the agenda 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, is another highlight of the anniversary year. The event series delights visitors with special activities and artistic surprises.

And the audience favorite, "Kleines Fest im Großen Garten," is also on Hanover’s calendar of events from July 8 to 27 and, with its mix of art, humor, and music, is sure to make for unforgettable summer evenings.

Hanover's special touch as a music metropolis

Hanover is also celebrating its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO City of Music. To mark this milestone, the city has not only put together a colorful 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, it provides information on current events. 

With around 450 major concerts each year, the city has established itself as a music metropolis. And in 2025, Hanover 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 play their only German concert in their hometown of Hanover, 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.

Hanover Becomes a Center of Faith

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

Clear the stage for more art enjoyment

The anniversary of the Herrenhausen Gardens and an impressive array of musical events are making the city a cultural trendsetter. But that’s just the beginning—in 2025, Hanover 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 this fall at the GOP Varieté Theater.

Starting September 6, the renowned Sprengel Museum will celebrate a major museum highlight with the exhibition “Niki. Kusama. Murakami. Love You For Infinity.” The Landesmuseum focuses 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 delights visitors with a diverse and international program of contemporary art.

Hannover is also making a big impact in the world of sports

Hanover 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 Hanover as part of their “World Tour 2025” and will bring spectacular basketball action for the whole family to the arena.

Traditional events

But Hannover’s calendar of events has even more to offer. In early July, the world’s largest shooting festival invites visitors to a one-of-a-kind experience that perfectly blends tradition, enjoyment, and excitement. 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 Hanover Fair.

Must-Dos and Must-Sees in the Hanover Region in 2025

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

The Steinhuder Meer Triathlon on June 15 offers sports and action in a picturesque setting.
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 now: In 2025, the traditional festival will take place from June 20 through 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 full of 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 explore the film set of the hit streaming series “Maxton Hall” on a virtual 360-degree tour.

Press contact:

Ela Windels | Hannover Marketing & Tourism, LLC

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

presse@hannover-marketing.de