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Dresden - City of Culture

Dresden is known for its rich and varied cultural offerings. This makes our science location even more inviting and worth living in. Here you will find an overview of (major) events in Dresden and special exhibitions by our partners.

Combine science with culture in Dresden.

Events and Special Exhibitions in Dresden

TOMMY HALFTER (DML-BY)

Elbe Venetian Carnival Dresden

In the tradition of the carnival, Dresden’s centuries-old connection with Venice is reflected in the form of dance and culture.

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Long Night of the Dresden Theaters

April 18, 2026

More than 20 theaters show 30-minute samples from their repertoire every hour on the Long Night of Dresden Theaters. The performances start on the hour, so you have 30 minutes to get to the next theater. So you can get to know as many theaters in Dresden as you like in one evening and enjoy an exciting night of theater.

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Colourful Summer Neustadt

June 19 to 21, 2026

Mehr als 40 Museen und Ausstellungen öffnen ihre Türen mit Mitmach-Angeboten, Musik, Shows und einigen kulinarischen Angeboten.

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LHD

Museum Night Dresden

June 20, 2026

More than 40 museums and exhibitions open their doors with hands-on activities, music, shows and some culinary offerings.

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Greg Snell (DML-BY) Photography gregorsnell@gmail.com

Palais Summer Dresden

June 20 to August 30, 2026

Dresden’s admission-free open-air festival with music, art, culture and education.

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Toni Kretschmer

Movie Nights by the Elbe

June 25 to August 30, 2026

Festival with film, music and culture with a view on the old town of Dresden

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Frank Exß (DML-BY)

Long Night of the Science

June 26, 2026

During the Dresden Long Night of Science, Dresden’s universities, non-university research institutions and science-related companies open their doors to the general public with lectures, experiments, guided tours, exhibitions and films.

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Sven Döring (DML-BY) / Agentur Focus

Elbhangfest

June 26 to 28, 2026

Free citizens’ festival with music, cabaret and culinary delights in the cultural landscape between Loschwitz and Pillnitz.

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Sebastian Weingart (DML-BY)

TUD Campus Festival

July 2, 2025

Music event with various acts, food and drinks on the campus of the Technische Universität Dresden

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Yvonne Seidemann (DML-BY)

Dresden Castle Night

July 25, 2025

Open-air cultural event around Albrechtsberg Palace, Lingnerschloss, Eckberg Palace and the Saloppe

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Michael R. Hennig (DML-BY)

Dave Festival

November 4 to 8, 2026

Festival for club culture

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Michael Bader (DML-BY)

592 Dresden Striezelmarkt

November 25 to December 24, 2026

One of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany with a festive atmosphere, traditional stalls and events

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Claudia Jacquemin (DML-BY) - www.schmidt.fm

Dresden Semper Opera Ball

February 5, 2027

One of the largest and most beautiful opera balls in Europe with 2,000 visitors and guests in front of the opera house.

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Night of the Libraries

April 23, 2027

On April 23, 2027, selected Dresden libraries will open their doors until 10 pm. A varied program awaits all participants with bookslams, flashlight readings, escape rooms and other hands-on activities.

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OSTRALE Biennale O27

June 4 to October 3, 2027

The OSTRALE is an international exhibition of contemporary art that deals with current social issues.

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Cultural Institutions within the DRESDEN-concept alliance
with permanent exhibitions

Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden - The Museum of Man

With its multifaceted program, the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden is a public forum for the dialog between science and society, art and culture. The popular permanent exhibition “The Human Adventure” and the temporary, interdisciplinary special exhibitions are rounded off by readings and concerts, lectures and discussions, conferences and external events of all kinds.

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HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts

HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts acts as an interdisciplinary and international center for dance, performance, music, theatre, media art and visual arts. The residency apartments are as unique as opportunities for artistic research, production and encounters. HELLERAU deals in various focal points and festival formats with current social issues of our time.

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Archaeological Heritage Office in Saxony (LfA)

The LfA is the expert authority for the preservation of archaeological monuments in Saxony. Its core tasks include documenting, presenting and protecting archaeological monuments and artefacts. The State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz – smac – is the only museum of regional history in Saxony that presents 300,000 years of human cultural development in the region.

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Saxon State Library – Dresden State and University Library (SLUB)

The SLUB is one of the largest and most comprehensive academic libraries in Germany. Founded in 1556, it preserves important cultural and academic heritage and is now a nationally effective innovation and service center for digital information infrastructures. With a variety of events and exhibitions, the SLUB establishes itself as a third place and stimulates exchange on current socio-political, scientific and collection-related topics.

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Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

The Dresden State Art Collections are among the world’s most renowned museums. Fourteen museums offer a thematic variety that is unique in its kind. To this day, the collections are committed to preserving traditions, developing visions and helping to shape the future.

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Technische Sammlungen Dresden

The Technische Sammlungen Dresden is all in one: museum, science center and photo gallery. With permanent exhibitions on the technological and cultural history of photography and on the history of the information society, the Adventureland Mathematics, as well as temporary exhibitions on current technology research and a large variety of educational and dialog activities, the Technische Sammlungen Dresden promotes active engagement with the technological foundations of the present.

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More Information and Cultural Tips

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