It’s finally time again – the 2025/2026 carnival season is starting! Even though there’s a lot going on in Cologne all year round, the carnival season really gets the Cologne heart beating. You can start celebrating on the eleventh in eleventh. The only bad news is that the carnival kicks off on a Tuesday this year. But no problem, you can still make your way there after your work or study day and get a spot on the dance floor early. We have put together an overview of the best events for you.
Rhythm gymnastics and Querbeat in the boathouse
The Rhytmusgymnastik and Quer beat team will be celebrating the start of the session in the Bootshaus under the motto “Alle küssen alle”. Get ready for the best atmosphere, the best-known carnival songs and the one or other Bützje…
Location: Auenweg 173
Time: from 12.12 pm
Price information: from 22,22 Euro
Session start at Bumann & Sohn
The carnival kick-off at Bumann & Sohn starts at 9:30 am. The real party then starts – naturally – at 11:11 am. If you can’t start the party that early, there is also an evening ticket with priority entry from 8:30 pm. Drinks and plenty of food stands will be provided.
Location: Bartholomäus-Schink-Straße 2
Time: from 9.30 am
Price information: from 7,77 Euro
Dance atmosphere in the Nachtigall
In the Nachtigall in Ehrenfeld on 11.11. you can sway to Cologne music. Arriving early is a must, as the ticket only guarantees admission until 2 pm! However, the price also includes a welcome shot.
Location: Körnerstraße 65
Time: from 11.11 am
Price information: 15 Euro
Carnival kick-off at the Goldener Schuss
From 10 a.m., you can celebrate the opening of the season at the Goldener Schuss in the Belgian Quarter . Of course, everything revolves around carnival, right down to the ticket price: you can get into the pub for 11.11 euros at the box office – how could it be otherwise?
Location: Antwerpener Straße 38
Time: from 10 am
Price information: 11,11 Euro
The 11.11. in the Scheuen Reh
Of course, the Scheuen Reh in the Belgian Quarter also offers pure carnival atmosphere and party. In addition to plenty of Kölsch beer, there are also hot dishes (with and without meat). There is also a covered terrace for an open-air atmosphere.
Location: Hans-Böckler-Platz 2
Time: from 10 am
Price information: 16,32 Euro
Kölsch in the club at the Gloria Theater
Real greats are on stage at the Gloria: Kasalla, Cat Ballou, Miljö, Kempes Finest and King Loui will be playing live from 7 pm until midnight. “Kölsch in the club” is the name of the game here and it couldn’t be more fun! But the party is far from over before and after: the resident DJs will keep you in the mood.
Location: Apostelnstraße 11
Time: 5 p.m.
Price information: 43 euros
Electronic Alaaf at YUCA
If you get tired of listening to Cologne songs, the start of carnival in Cologne has something for you too. The KeineSorgen collective plays the best electronic music at Yuca. Here you can party for 12 hours straight – the box office is open all day.
Venue: Yuca
Time: 12:00 – 0:00
Price information: Advance tickets from 10€
Electronic carnival at Reineke Fuchs
Electronic carnival” is also the order of the day at Reineke Fuchs. The bass will be playing for 16 hours and you can party to it. It’s worth being early, as experience shows that the club is already full. This is Cologne’s longest electronic carnival event!
Location: Aachener Str. 50
Time: from 3 pm
Price information: until 5 p.m. only 5 euros