The year in Münster
The big moments of the year in Münster: Carnival season opening, Christmas markets, International Jazz Festival and more, with their dates.
Carnival season opening
The start of the carnival season on the Prinzipalmarkt: music from 11:30, and at 14:05 the city's new Carnival Prince is proclaimed.
Christmas markets
Six Christmas markets in the old town: the biggest and oldest at the city hall, the Lichtermarkt with Münster's tallest tree at St. Lamberti, and Aegidii, Kiepenkerl, Giebelhüüskesmarkt and X-MS. The Lichtermarkt and Giebelhüüskesmarkt close on 22 December.
International Jazz Festival
The International Jazz Festival at the Theater Münster, with contemporary jazz from Europe. It is held in odd-numbered years; tickets go on sale on 16 November 2026 at noon, online only through the theatre.
Rose Monday parade
The high point of carnival: the Rose Monday parade of floats and walking groups winds through the city centre.
Spring Send
The spring Send on the Schlossplatz: up to 200 showmen with a Ferris wheel, rides and food stalls. Thursday is family day, with 30 percent off the rides, and on Friday evening there are fireworks.
Skulptur Projekte 2027
Every ten years since 1977, Münster has invited artists to make works for the city; in 2027 the show turns 50. Around 30 new projects in the centre and in districts such as Berg Fidel and Kinderhaus. The opening party is on 12 June.
Vainstream Rockfest
Two days of rock, punk and metal at the Hawerkamp. The 2027 line-up is out.
Summer Send
The short summer Send on the Schlossplatz, with Friday's fireworks at about 10:30 pm.
Turnier der Sieger
The horse show in front of the palace: dressage and show jumping at the top level, hosted by the Westfälischer Reiterverein, Germany's oldest riding club.
Schauraum
The festival of museums and galleries, with the Night of the Museums, when many art spaces stay open until midnight. It paused in 2026 because of NRW Day; it is due back as usual in 2027.
Münster Marathon
The 25th Volksbank Münster Marathon, starting at 9 am in the city centre and running out through the countryside.
Autumn Send
The autumn Send on the Schlossplatz, nine days of funfair in front of the palace, with fireworks on Friday at about 9 pm.
