PHOTO: © Alia Alfalah
What's happening in Cologne in May 2026? - our event highlights
May makes everything new - one of our favorite months in Cologne is finally here again. The city is coming out of hibernation and there are plenty of activities to do. Whether you're in the mood for open-air vibes, new food spots, markets to stroll around, culture with goosebumps or simply a good time with friends - in May, Cologne delivers just the right mix of "come on, let's go out for a bit" and "oops, it's midnight again".
So you don't have to spend hours searching, we've put together the best tips on what's happening in Cologne in May - from events and concerts to festivals, free activities and insider tips in the city. So pull out your calendar, pack your favorite people and off you go: here's your guide to a really good May in Cologne.
May will also be duly heralded and danced to. No plans yet?
👉 What's happening at Tanz in den Mai 2025?
01.05.26 | Bouncy MayRave | by Kölsche Koks
© Danny Frede
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All infos for the event 01.05.26 | Bouncy MayRave | by Kölsche KoksTitanic
© COMEDIA Theater
Are you a big Titanic fan? Franzi and Emil are too. The two actors transform the stage into their own movie set and experience a fan evening based on the cult film classic. Let yourself be taken on a journey to the Titanic, the story of Jack and Rose and ultimately the friendship of Franzi and Emil. 🎭
All infos for the event TitanicVintage Kilo Sale Cologne
© The Vintage Warehouse
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All infos for the event Vintage Kilo Sale CologneEhrenfeld Kunstroute 26
© Philipp Gabriel
Am ersten Maiwochenende kannst du bei der Ehrenfeld Kunstroute 26 durch neue Ateliers und Galerien schlendern und dabei auch die frisch bezogenen Räume der Kolbhalle Artist Community entdecken. Die interaktive Karte hilft dir, dein eigenes Kunstprogramm zu planen, oder du lässt dich einfach vom Veedel überraschen 🫂
All infos for the event Ehrenfeld Kunstroute 26FC-Frauen: Highlightspiel im RheinEnergieSTADION
© Symbolbild via Unsplash / Alex
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All infos for the event FC-Frauen: Highlightspiel im RheinEnergieSTADIONElectronic Garden of Love -OPEN AIR- #1 at Kessel Sued/Suedbrücke w/ FENRICK, NYCO und SZG
© Vishnu R Nair auf Unsplash
On May 2, you can expect a hand-picked line-up that combines bounce, groove and trance on an impressive sound system. Fenrick, Nyco and SZG bring electronic sounds together in the open air for relaxed hours full of energy 🪩
All infos for the event Electronic Garden of Love -OPEN AIR- #1 at Kessel Sued/Suedbrücke w/ FENRICK, NYCO und SZGHempies Flohmarkt im machwerkhaus köln
© Hempies
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All infos for the event Hempies Flohmarkt im machwerkhaus kölnSALÒ: Hardcore Ist Tot Tour 2026
© Gebäude 9
Vienna's punk poet, who mixes anarcho-pop and social criticism into an explosive cocktail. The synthesizer rebel forges sound weapons out of frustration with capitalism and self-irony, transforming club stages into therapy sessions. His album "Hardcore ist tot" is not a work, but an acoustic manifesto - a journey from "JELLO BIAFRA" to the last rent increase. In 2026, SALÒ will take his riot on tour and promises to transform concert halls into seething cauldrons of revolution.
All infos for the event SALÒ: Hardcore Ist Tot Tour 2026Indie Game Fest 2026
Fr, 08.05.2026 12:00
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All infos for the event Indie Game Fest 2026Frühlingsgefühle & Streetfood: Feierabendmarkt Sülz
Fr, 08.05.2026 16:00
Spring has arrived in Sülz - and Hermeskeiler Platz is in full bloom. At the Feierabendmarkt, the Veedel meets for a relaxed weekend kick-off: with street food from the food trucks, a glass of wine or ice-cold Reissdorf Kölsch and the feeling that summer is not far away. Cheers! 🌸🍷
All infos for the event Frühlingsgefühle & Streetfood: Feierabendmarkt SülzKölner Gebraucht-Fahrradmarkt
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All infos for the event Kölner Gebraucht-FahrradmarktFreigeist x Silberschwein Open Air || Opening 2026
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All infos for the event Freigeist x Silberschwein Open Air || Opening 2026EhrenKlub im Schrotty #12 w/ KAAI, KARAH, LESSSS, TOXIC MACHINERY, TITI uvm.
© Schrotty
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All infos for the event EhrenKlub im Schrotty #12 w/ KAAI, KARAH, LESSSS, TOXIC MACHINERY, TITI uvm.Flohmarkt an der alten Feuerwache
© Alte Feuerwache Köln
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All infos for the event Flohmarkt an der alten FeuerwacheSTOFFWECHSEL II - Kleidertausch
© Daniel Grünfeld
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All infos for the event STOFFWECHSEL II - Kleidertausch
ABSAGE Bazar de Nuit Flohmarkt „Trödel & Trubel für den guten Zweck“ 10. Mai 2026
© Odonien
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All infos for the event ABSAGE Bazar de Nuit Flohmarkt „Trödel & Trubel für den guten Zweck“ 10. Mai 2026Kölner Comedy Open Air
© Odonien
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All infos for the event Kölner Comedy Open AirPABLU - Auf gut Glück Tour
© Helios37
In his songs, Pablu captures the moment that would otherwise slip through your fingers. He tells of closeness that is narrowly missed, with a voice that sounds familiar and approachable at the same time and takes you on a journey through fleeting memories 🫂
All infos for the event PABLU - Auf gut Glück TourTAYLOR SWIFT FAN QUIZ
© Johannes Mechler
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All infos for the event TAYLOR SWIFT FAN QUIZSommerblut
© Sommerblut
With numerous projects, Sommerblut 2026 shows that art not only entertains, but also shakes up, connects and mobilizes - especially in times of crisis. For 25 years, Sommerblut has been creating spaces in which people with diverse perspectives and realities of life can work together artistically, listen to each other and try out new forms of social interaction.
All infos for the pageJBS - TOUR - 2026
© Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
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All infos for the event JBS - TOUR - 2026Frühlingsgefühle & Streetfood: Feierabendmarkt Ehrenfeld
Pure spring fever at Neptunplatz! The Feierabendmarkt in Ehrenfeld is just the thing to shake off the stress of work - with cool drinks, delicious street food and the best after-work vibes! Come along with colleagues, friends or just for fun and let yourself drift through the evening! 🌸🍹
All infos for the event Frühlingsgefühle & Streetfood: Feierabendmarkt EhrenfeldMAGDALENA WAWRA
© Die Wohngemeinschaft
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All infos for the event MAGDALENA WAWRAFlohmarkt am Ebertplatz
© Robert v Duverdo via Unsplash
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All infos for the event Flohmarkt am EbertplatzSapphic Spark - The Grand Closing Party – Kölner Lesbian Visibility Weeks 2026
Sa, 16.05.2026 17:00
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All infos for the event Sapphic Spark - The Grand Closing Party – Kölner Lesbian Visibility Weeks 2026LOVE AT FIRST SLIDE Köln | Power Point Dating by Rausgegangen 💖
© Bumann & SOHN
We bring dating to the stage with LOVE AT FIRST SLIDE: friends present their favorite single in short Power Point presentations - charming, humorous and completely without swipe. After the funny pitches, you can discover new encounters at speed dating and a bar evening. 💘🎤💫
All infos for the event LOVE AT FIRST SLIDE Köln | Power Point Dating by Rausgegangen 💖Circus Dance Festival 2026 Festivalpass
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All infos for the event Circus Dance Festival 2026 FestivalpassMund zu Mund Festival 2026 @Südbrücke
© Südbrücke
Das Mund zu Mund Festival 2026 bringt dich auf drei Floors und mitten ins bunte Labyrinth aus Klang, Kunst und Begegnungen. Hier trifft experimenteller Sound auf kreative Workshops – alles in einem Raum, der völlige Freiheit feiert und zu neuen Wegen einlädt 🤩
All infos for the event Mund zu Mund Festival 2026 @SüdbrückeNachtYard - Der kreative Nachtmarkt in Köln
© NachtYard Köln
Sa, 12.09.2026 18:00
Night owls take note: the NachtYard transforms Hall Tor 2 into THE SPOT for handmade goods, design, art and vintage finds. So grab a drink or some tasty street food, browse through the flea market, enjoy the live acts and let yourself drift through the night. Get over there! ✨
All infos for the event NachtYard - Der kreative Nachtmarkt in KölnLugatti & Traya - "Mit der Concorde über den Atlantik" - Releaseshow
© Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
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All infos for the event Lugatti & Traya - "Mit der Concorde über den Atlantik" - Releaseshowbenno!
© Danny Frede
benno! präsentiert die LUV NEED HATE TOUR im MusikZentrum Hannover, dabei verbindet die Band rohe Emotionen mit eingängigen Melodien. Ihr aktuelles Programm zeichnet sich durch ehrliche Texte und intensive Live-Energie aus. Hier erwartet dich ein Konzert, das Nähe und Kraft zugleich vermittelt.
All infos for the event benno!Ocean Eyes presents: Gottmik
© Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
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All infos for the event Ocean Eyes presents: Gottmik
Sandra Hesch - LIEBLING(s)TOUR 2026
Sandra Hesch combines catchy pop melodies with honest lyrics that make clear statements against gender stereotypes. With millions of streams and her hit "hot for no reason", she brings a breath of fresh air and plenty of charm to the stage. Here you will find real personality and songs that stay in your head 🫶
All infos for the event Sandra Hesch - LIEBLING(s)TOUR 2026KÖLNER KINO NÄCHTE 2026
Do, 28.05.2026 18:00
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All infos for the event KÖLNER KINO NÄCHTE 2026¡Wepa! Bunny • Helios 37 • Köln
© Helios37
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All infos for the event ¡Wepa! Bunny • Helios 37 • KölnSOS - STAGE OF SOLIDARITY
© Garagen
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All infos for the event SOS - STAGE OF SOLIDARITYcaballito
Sa, 30.05.2026 15:00
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All infos for the event caballitoUNDERRATED VOL. III
© Club Bahnhof Ehrenfeld
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All infos for the event UNDERRATED VOL. IIIDon't want to miss any more events in Cologne? Then download the free Rausgegangen app now, create your own profile with your favorite events, follow your favorite locations and win guest list places for the next event. 👉 RAUSGEGANGEN APP
Frequently asked questions about May 2026 in Cologne
1. what will the weather be like in Cologne in May 2026?
In May, the weather in Cologne is usually mild and pleasant. The average temperatures are typically between 10°C and 20°C. However, it can occasionally rain, so we advise you to bring weatherproof clothing and sunglasses!
2. what outdoor activities can I do in Cologne in May 2026?
In May 2026, Cologne offers numerous outdoor activities such as walks along the banks of the Rhine, bike tours through the city and its surroundings, picnics in the parks and visits to the many beer gardens and street cafés.
3. are there any special culinary events in Cologne in May 2026?
There are no specific culinary events taking place in Cologne in May 2026, but you can visit the city's many restaurants, cafés and beer gardens to enjoy the local cuisine and traditional Kölsch beer.