What’s happening in Cologne this weekend? (July 10–12)

The iconic Cologne band BAP is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a massive home show in a sold-out stadium. The atmosphere is sure to be emotional and energetic when Wolfgang Niedecken and his band rock the stage with all the big hits from the past decades.

📍 RheinEnergieSTADION, Aachener Str. 999, 50933 Cologne
📆 Friday, July 10, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
⏳ Approx. 3 hours
💵 Starting at €69.50
ℹ️ More info and tickets

Saturday and Sunday are flea market days in the neighborhoods. Among other places, yard sales are taking place in the Belgian Quarter, Kwartier Latäng, and Widdersdorf. Residents open their yards and garages, turning the neighborhoods into one giant bargain hunting zone.

📍 Saturday in Höhenhaus, Sunday in Dünnwald
📆 Belgischen Viertel & Kwartier Latäng on Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Widdersdorf on Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
⏳ 2 hours of strolling
💵 Free admission
ℹ️ More info

For soccer fans, the FINAL4 tournament of the Sparkassen Verbandsliga Rheinland offers thrilling matches on a small field. The final round takes place at Lukas Podolski’s indoor soccer arena , where the season’s best regional teams will face off.

📍 Straßenkicker Base, Schanzenstraße 6-20, 51063 Cologne
📆 Saturday, July 11, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
⏳ Approx. 3 to 4 hours
💵 Tickets via Eventbrite / Event organizer
ℹ️ More info and tickets

An experienced guide will take you on a fantastic tour through Cologne’s Old Town, revealing its hidden treasures and stories. Along the way, you’ll stop at a brewery and discover new aspects of the local Kölsch beer during a tasting !

📍 Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne
📅 11 a.m. each day
⏳ 2 hours
ℹ️ More info and tickets

Make yourselves comfortable in an open-air harbor setting and experience the latest Star Wars film,“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” An action-packed movie with plenty of emotion… and Baby Yoda!

📍 Cologne Open-Air Cinema (Rheinauhafen at Harry-Blum-Platz)
📆 Saturday, July 11, 2026, doors open at 7:00 p.m.
⏳ Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours
💵 Single ticket for €12
ℹ️ More info and tickets

Running out of things to talk about on a first date? Make Cologne’s Old Town your playground and discover a genuine connection. On this interactive scavenger hunt, you’ll solve creative challenges, discover romantic spots, and get to know each other in a playful way. Perfect for a first date or for special moments as a couple.

📍 Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, Cologne
📆 flexible
💵 €20 for a pair
ℹ️ More info and tickets

The Belgian Quarter is already the best spot for Cologne’s nightlife. At the award-winning bar “Little Link,” you can expect unique creations with extravagant ingredients in a stylish setting. It’s a great place to cozy up at the bar and sample a variety of drinks on a rainy evening. (Cocktail classes and tastings are also offered by appointment!)

📍 Maastrichter Str. 20, 50672 Cologne
📆 Open Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m., Sunday from 5 p.m.
⏳ 2–3 hours
💵 Starting at approx. 12 €
ℹ️ More info

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of fragrances and join our guide on a tour through 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
⏳ About 45 minutes
💵 Starting at 21 €
ℹ️ More info and tickets

If you feel like stretching your legs a bit, head to Hennef and the town of Blankenberg. This neighborhood is picturesquely perched high above the Sieg River. You’ll stroll through narrow alleys lined with historic half-timbered houses, pass through authentic old city gates, and explore the large Blankenberg castle ruins. Highly recommended in this great weather: the short “Burgweg” loop trail, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Sieg Valley.

📍 City of Blankenberg, 53773 Hennef (starting point, e.g., Stein Hiking Parking Lot, Am Burghardt)
📆 During the day when the sun is out
⏳ approx. 4–5 hours
💵 Free!
ℹ️ More info and hiking trails

Instead of pushing your way through the crowded city center, take a stroll through Cologne’s Ehrenfeld neighborhood. Körnerstraße is one of the city’s most beautiful and creative streets. Here , small art studios, vintage shops, and specialty coffee shops ( like Van Dyck) line the street. If you keep your eyes open, you can also discover some cool street art in the side streets.

📍 Körnerstraße, 50823 Cologne (Ehrenfeld)
📆 Any time, preferably during the day
⏳ 2 to 3 hours
💵 Free (except for a cup of coffee or a beer)

In May, the Flora is in full bloom. A stroll through the 11.5-hectare grounds, featuring plants from all over the world, is the perfect way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. The historic greenhouses, in particular, are well worth a visit.

📍 Alter Stammheimer Weg, 50735 Cologne
📆 Open daily, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
⏳ 1–3 hours
💵 Free admission

A wild park right on the Rhine on the right bank—one that many Cologne residents don’t even know about. It’s home to beautiful old trees, and the entire park is filled with ever-changing, fascinating sculptures by contemporary artists. An absolutely peaceful place for a stroll amid art and nature.

📍 Stammheimer Hauptstraße, 51061 Cologne
📆 All day
⏳ 1.5 to 2 hours
💵 Free
ℹ️ More info