Advertisement

Hear some free music in Europe this summer

By Karen Bradbury
Published: May 22, 2013

What beats an outdoor music concert? A free one! As summer kicks in, enjoy loads of musical performances at no cost during several weeks.

Free concerts will entertain the crowds flocking to Frankfurt’s Skyscraper Festival May 25-26 The stage by Opernplatz will rock Saturday, May 25, from 12:30 p.m., when musicians from the U.S., Cuba, Netherlands and Germany perform rock, folk, pop and funk. The English boy band Blue takes the stage at 7 p.m., followed by Nena at 9 p.m. Status Quo rocks out on the Hauptwache starting at 9 p.m. Get the full program at www.wolkenkratzer-festival.de.

Catch a Middle Ages festival on Pentacost weekend

By Jolene Carpenter
Published: May 15, 2013

Dust off your cloak and curly-toed slippers because throughout Germany, the weekend of Pentecost Sunday(May 18-19) will be awash in the Middle Ages. Such events typically are held in medieval town centers, castles or picturesquely situated ruins, and feature stalls laden with wares from gems to jellies. Entertainment typically includes birds of prey demonstrations, juggling jesters and knights in battle. Some require entry fees.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, for example, remembers its past through Monday, May 20, as soldiers in uniform, a military parade, costumed performers and a medieval marketplace evoke the year 1631. Each day of the event reflects a different facet of the town’s history, from when it was under siege to its restoration and prosperity.

Through fall, enjoy Germany's auto-free biking days

By Karen Bradbury
Published: May 1, 2013

A great day out can feel like a miniature vacation. Those who enjoy physical activity, camaraderie, and good food and drink can find their perfect escape by assembling a group of friends and heading off to experience one of Germany's dozens of auto-free days.

From late morning through early evening, generally on a Sunday or public holiday, a scenic stretch of highway will be closed off to motorized vehicles. Cyclists, hikers and in-line skaters will find themselves kings of the road --- at least for a day. Free festivities are organized at the start and end points, as well as in towns along the way. Routes often run alongside rivers or through vineyards, and when it comes time to pause for a drink or snack, visitors are spoiled for choice by the countless stands set up by local vintners and restaurants.

 
Live now on the Tablet Edition
Advertisement
Europe Traveler Archives
2013 (16)
2012 (25)
2011 (27)
2010 (33)
2009 (27)
2008 (63)
2007 (57)

 


About the Author

Karen Bradbury has lived and worked in Europe for more than fifteen years. She has called Moscow, Copenhagen, Rome and now a small wine-producing village along the Rhine in Germany home. When she's not working, whatever the season, she's probably traveling.

Email: bradburyk@estripes.osd.mil