We’re all looking forward to July, because it promises sunny weather, good vibes, and great activities in the city! Once June’s mixed weather is over and the sweltering heat of August hasn’t set in yet, all of Cologne gathers for wine festivals, concerts, and street festivals!
Of course, you can always check with us to see what’s happening on any given weekend, or where there are family-friendly events and free activities in the city.
First Things First: New admission policy at Cologne Cathedral!
Starting in July, tourist visits to the landmark will be subject to an admission fee. This measure helps finance the ongoing restoration work on the building. Access for prayer or church services will , of course, remain free of charge.
📆 Starting July 1, 2026, Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM–4:00 PM (tourist hours)
📍 Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne
⏳ approx. 30–60 minutes
💵 12 euros (tourist visit)
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Yayoi Kusama on Long Thursday
The Museum Ludwig presents the world-famous artworks and installations by the Japanese artist. The fascinating “Infinity Mirror Rooms” in particular captivate art fans from all over the world. On Long Thursday, you can enjoy the exhibition at a leisurely pace until late in the evening.
📍 Museum Ludwig, Heinrich-Böll-Platz, 50667 Cologne
📆 July 2, 2026, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
⏳ approx. 2 hours
💵 approx. 15 euros
ℹ️ More info and tickets
If you’re looking for something special to do on a weekend in July, check out Bubble Planet: 12 interactive, multisensory rooms filled with bubbles await you at the Coloneum in Cologne. It’s definitely worth a visit, whether with a group of friends or the whole family!
📍 Coloneum
📆 Select your option in the ticket selection
⏳ approx. 60–90 minutes
💵 Starting at approx. €19
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Great open-air event for the family: “Deine Freunde – Kindsköpfe im Park 2026”
The popular band brings cool hip-hop and pop beats to the stage, made especially for kids and families. Under the open sky along the Rhine, a huge party with a great atmosphere takes shape. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate summer together.
📍 Tanzbrunnen Cologne, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne
📆 July 5, 2026, 5:30 PM
⏳ approx. 2 hours
💵 approx. 45 euros
ℹ️ More info and tickets
AnnenMayKantereit Concert
The celebrated local heroes are playing the biggest home game of their career so far in Cologne. With their honest lyrics and Henning May’s distinctive voice, they’re guaranteed to give you goosebumps. A stadium concert by this band is an absolute must-see for all fans.
📍 RheinEnergieStadion, Aachener Str. 999, 50933 Cologne
📆 July 11, 2026, 7:00 PM
⏳ approx. 2.5 hours
💵 Starting at approx. 60 euros
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Candlelight Highlight in July: These venues in Cologne will glow in the light of thousands of candles!
For a cultural experience that’ll give you goosebumps in July, the candlelight concerts are an insider tip: here, classical music comes to life. In special venues, the light of thousands of candles creates unique musical experiences in a magical atmosphere.
📍 Senftöpfchen Theater
📆 Various dates
⏳ approx. 60 minutes
💵 starting at approx. €27
ℹ️ More info and tickets
OKTAGON 91
One of Europe’s biggest MMA events is making a stop in Cologne and promises spectacular fights in the cage. Spectators can look forward to top international athletes and a thrilling atmosphere in Germany’s largest arena. It’s pure adrenaline for martial arts fans.
📍 Lanxess Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 50679 Cologne
📆 July 11, 2026, 6:00 PM
⏳ approx. 4–5 hours
💵 Starting at approx. 49 euros
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Even Flow Festival
This open-air event brings laid-back indie pop and singer-songwriter sounds right to the Rhine. The unique headphone setup for some performances ensures an incredibly intense and undisturbed musical experience. With acts like Beirut and Kevin Morby, musical goosebumps are guaranteed.
📍 Tanzbrunnen Cologne, Rheinparkweg 1, 50679 Cologne
📆 July 11 and 12, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM
⏳ 2 days
💵 Starting at approx. €60 for a single-day ticket, starting at approx. €100 for a weekend ticket
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Family outing from Cologne: Minecraft Experience – Villager Rescue in Oberhausen
If you’re in the mood for a little outing in July, this interactive Minecraft experience is a real highlight: Visitors traverse real biomes, battle mobs, gather resources, and rescue villagers!
📍 OBEX in Oberhausen
📆 Daily
⏳ approx. 60 minutes
💵 Starting at €25
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Wine Market on the Banks of the Rhine in Cologne
This new wine market is celebrating its grand premiere and transforming the riverside promenade into a paradise for connoisseurs. Regional and international winemakers present their finest wines in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. To top it off, there are culinary delights to match, all with a direct view of the water.
📍 Rhine Riverbank, near Kap686, 50996 Cologne (Rodenkirchen)
📆 July 16–26, 2026, starting at 3:00 PM (Sat/Sun starting at 12:00 PM)
⏳ Self-guided
💵 Free admission (food and drink costs)
Summer in Cologne
The big city festival brings a diverse range of culture to the public squares of the cathedral city—completely free of charge. From street theater and acrobatics to musical performances, there’s something for every taste. It invites you to simply stop and let the art surprise you.
📍 Various locations in downtown Cologne
📆 July 17 to September 1, 2026, varying times
⏳ approx. 2–3 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ More info
Dive into immersive courtroom theater with“The Jury Experience”
If you’re looking for something completely different to experience in Cologne this July, The Jury Experience is just the thing for you: This immersive live courtroom drama turns you into jurors. You’ll analyze evidence, hear witness testimony, and vote on the verdict at the end.
📍 Capitol Theater, Erkrather Str. 30, Düsseldorf
📅 July 18, 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
⏳ approx. 75 minutes
💵 Starting at approx. €30
ℹ️More info and tickets
Finally, the Rhine Bank Festival is back!
Between the Hohenzollern Bridge and the Bastei, a long promenade is taking shape with many market stalls and food stands. Visitors can browse, feast, and watch the colorful hustle and bustle here while strolling along the Rhine. It’s a classic Cologne summer weekend for the family, a group of friends, or even on your own.
📍 Rhine River Promenade (Hohenzollern Bridge to Bastei), 50668 Cologne
📆 July 17–19, 2026, Fri from 2:00 PM, Sat/Sun from 11:00 AM
⏳ As long as you like
💵 Free admission
Hörspielwiese Cologne
Surrounded by greenery, visitors settle in on picnic blankets and listen together to exciting audio plays. The festival offers a varied program of crime stories, children’s tales, and literary adaptations.
📍 Stadtgarten, Venloer Str. 40, 50672 Cologne
📆 July 17–19, 2026, starting around 3:00 PM
⏳ Approx. 1.5–2 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ More info
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of scents and experience the Fragrance Museum at the Farina House. Let yourself be enchanted by the secrets of the world-famous Eau de Cologne and discover the exciting history of perfume making.
📍 Obenmarspforten 21, 50667
📅 Open Saturday and Sunday
⏳ Approximately 45 minutes
💵 Starting at €21
ℹ️ More info and tickets
Romeo Santos (from Aventura!) & Prince Royce Concert
Two absolute superstars of Latin music are bringing Caribbean flair to the Lanxess Arena on their joint tour. The driving bachata rhythms create a sizzling atmosphere and get the audience moving. It’s the perfect concert to hit the dance floor.
📍 Lanxess Arena, Willy-Brandt-Platz 3, 50679 Cologne
📆 July 18, 2026, 8:00 PM
⏳ approx. 3 hours
💵Starting at approx. 120 euros
ℹ️ More info and tickets
