The Bavarian Garden and Flower Show 2012 opened April 27 and runs through Oct. 7. The garden occupies space along the Regnitz River where a textile factory once stood, so the theme of fabrics and patterns has served as inspiration for its organization.

A highlight of the park is a creek that’s allowing the local fish population to once again navigate the Regnitz River upstream. The park is serving as the venue for more than 2,000 cultural events throughout the season.

If the garden is too new for your liking, head over to Bamberg’s Cathedral, which is celebrating a birthday this year — a thousand years. The diocese is marking the millennium with a special exhibition of more than 200 objects through Oct. 31.

Learn what else is new in Bamberg this year at www.bamberg.2012.de.