Dresdner Sempernopernball. Foto: Michael Schmidt (DML-BY) -- Dresden Sempernoper Ball. Photo: Michael Schmidt (DML-BY)
With important anniversaries and events, Dresden 2025 will once again show that it is one of the most exciting cultural cities in Europe. Whether dance, modern art, thrilling music or top-class sporting events - here are the highlights of the year that you should make a note of.
The new year has only just begun, but Dresden’s events calendar is already packed with highlights. Under the motto ‘Dresden dances’, the city is celebrating its impressive dance tradition, including the 100th anniversary of the Palucca School of Dance and the 200th anniversary of the Semper Opera Ballet. But Dresden has much more to offer: The Ostrale transforms the city into a centre of contemporary art, the Dresden Music Festival celebrates love with moving sounds, and sports fans can look forward to the Finals of the German Championships in various sports. Don’t miss the highlights of Dresden in 2025!
Dance, music, art and sport: Highlights 2025 in Dresden
100 years of the Palucca University of Dance
In the 1920s, Dresden was the centre of a new, revolutionary art of dance. Right at the forefront: Gret Palucca, icon of expressive dance and founder of today’s Palucca University of Dance. The 100th anniversary of the dance institution will be celebrated throughout 2025 with dance performances, workshops and much more. One of the highlights is the dance gala ‘DRESDANCE 2025’ on 29 March at the Staatsoperette Dresden.
When? From 8 January (Gret Palucca’s birthday) to the end of 2025
SemperOperaball: 100 years of glamour and elegance
In February, the Semperoper becomes the glamorous venue for an extraordinary event: the SemperOperaball follows in the courtly tradition of Augustus the Strong and, with up to 2,500 guests, is one of the largest and most beautiful opera balls in Europe. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, this traditional event promises a special blend of elegance, glamour and historical splendour.
The Dresden Semper Opera Ball has been combining tradition and elegance in the magnificent Semper Opera House for 100 years. Photo: Sven Döring / Agentur Focus (DML-BY)
350 years of Elbvenezian Carnival
With masks, music and Venetian flair, a festival that already delighted Augustus the Strong returns at the end of February. The Elbvenetian Carnival was celebrated in Dresden 350 years ago, inspired by Johann Adolf Hasse, who came to the Saxon court from Venice. 350 years later, the tradition is revived with historical costumes, glamorous masked balls and artistic performances and is one of the highlights of Dresden 2025.
The Elbvenezian Carnival was first celebrated in Dresden 350 years ago. Photo: Tommy Halfter (DML-BY)
200 years of the Semperoper Ballet
Court conductor Carl Maria von Weber, who is considered the founder of romantic opera, established the first permanent ballet ensemble at the Saxon court in 1825. Since then, the Semperoper Ballett has developed into one of the most important companies in Germany. It is celebrating its 200th birthday on 1 April with a big anniversary open-air performance on Theaterplatz. In addition, impressive ballet performances can be experienced in the Semperoper throughout the year.
When: 1 April 2025 Anniversary Open Air and year-round performances in the Semperoper
In 2025, the Semperoper Dresden will be presenting classical and modern ballet, including masterpieces such as ‘The Nutcracker’. Photo: Semperoper Dresden
Dresden Days of Contemporary Music
In April, HELLERAU becomes a meeting place for the avant-garde. Founded in 1987, the international festival combines modern sound art with new technologies, such as AI compositions and 3D sound. In co-operation with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, the renowned Ensemble Modern and leading institutions for experimental music such as Ars Electronica and IRCAM Paris, pioneering projects are created and performed for the first time.
In May, the city swings to the rhythm of jazz. Europe’s oldest jazz festival invites music lovers of all generations to enjoy around 250 hours of music – half of which is free. There is an international line-up with 39 bands and soloists as well as highlights such as the Dresden Jazz Mile, the family festival at the zoo and the legendary Riverboat Shuffle on the Elbe.
When: 11 to 18 May 2025
Where? Various venues in the city centre, in the city area and in the surrounding area
Rousing highlights of the Dixieland Festival inspire the audience with lively jazz music. Photo: Hendrik Meyer
Dresden Music Festival: Under the sign of love
In 2025, the Dresden Music Festival will make love its central theme. Whether pop singer Ronan Keating, Lars Eidinger with love poems or Wagner in a historical performance – music becomes a message of solidarity. With 61 concerts at 24 atmospheric venues, the festival focuses on ‘love as a response to hatred, violence and indifference’, as artistic director Jan Vogler emphasises.
When: 17 May to 14 June 2025
Where? Various venues in Dresden and the surrounding area
The Dresden Festival Orchestra, here at the opening concert of the Dresden Music Festival. Photo: Oliver Killig
15th OSTRALE Biennale O25: ‘Dialogue Colour’
The 15th OSTRALE Biennale 2025 is dedicated to the power of colour as a versatile means of expression in art and society. The international exhibition, which takes place every two years, presents contemporary art that not only deals with socially relevant topics such as climate change, war and hope, but also depicts the most spectacular contemporary historical positions. The result is a dialogue that is deeply moving and thought-provoking.
When? 7 June to 5 October 2025
Where? robotron canteen and other locations in Dresden
For the 15th time, the OSTRALE – Centre for Contemporary Art is organising its international art exhibition in the robotron canteen and other locations in Dresden. Photo: F. Leyser, A. Dittmer
FINALS 2025: Multisport in Dresden
The FINALS 2025 will make Dresden the centre of sporting excellence: Germany’s best athletes will compete at this multi-sport event, where national championships will be held in 19 different sports. Classics such as archery, fencing, climbing, rowing, triathlon and basketball meet exciting new disciplines such as lacrosse, badminton, sports acrobatics and 7-man rugby. Dance sport is also a thrilling part of the programme with breaking (better known as breakdancing). An absolute highlight of 2025 in Dresden – and not just for sports enthusiasts!
When: 31 July to 3 August 2025
Where? In and around the Heinz Steyer Stadium and the Ostra Sports Park, Dresden
The World Transplant Games are a celebration of life and sport at which around 2,000 organ transplant athletes from 60 countries compete in 17 different disciplines. For the first time in the over 40-year history of this event, a German city is taking on the role of host.
When: 17 to 25 August 2025
Where? Heinz Steyer Stadium and other sports venues in Dresden
With important anniversaries and events, Dresden 2025 will once again show that it is one of the most exciting cultural cities in Europe. Whether dance, modern art, thrilling music or top-class sporting events - here are the highlights of the year that you should make a note of.
The new year has only just begun, but Dresden’s events calendar is already packed with highlights. Under the motto ‘Dresden dances’, the city is celebrating its impressive dance tradition, including the 100th anniversary of the Palucca School of Dance and the 200th anniversary of the Semper Opera Ballet. But Dresden has much more to offer: The Ostrale transforms the city into a centre of contemporary art, the Dresden Music Festival celebrates love with moving sounds, and sports fans can look forward to the Finals of the German Championships in various sports. Don’t miss the highlights of Dresden in 2025!
Dance, music, art and sport: Highlights 2025 in Dresden
100 years of the Palucca University of Dance
In the 1920s, Dresden was the centre of a new, revolutionary art of dance. Right at the forefront: Gret Palucca, icon of expressive dance and founder of today’s Palucca University of Dance. The 100th anniversary of the dance institution will be celebrated throughout 2025 with dance performances, workshops and much more. One of the highlights is the dance gala ‘DRESDANCE 2025’ on 29 March at the Staatsoperette Dresden.
When? From 8 January (Gret Palucca’s birthday) to the end of 2025
Where? Various locations in Dresden
Further information
SemperOperaball: 100 years of glamour and elegance
In February, the Semperoper becomes the glamorous venue for an extraordinary event: the SemperOperaball follows in the courtly tradition of Augustus the Strong and, with up to 2,500 guests, is one of the largest and most beautiful opera balls in Europe. On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, this traditional event promises a special blend of elegance, glamour and historical splendour.
When: 7 February 2025
Where? Semperoper, Theaterplatz 2, 01067 Dresden
Further information
350 years of Elbvenezian Carnival
With masks, music and Venetian flair, a festival that already delighted Augustus the Strong returns at the end of February. The Elbvenetian Carnival was celebrated in Dresden 350 years ago, inspired by Johann Adolf Hasse, who came to the Saxon court from Venice. 350 years later, the tradition is revived with historical costumes, glamorous masked balls and artistic performances and is one of the highlights of Dresden 2025.
When: 28 February to 2 March 2025
Where? Historic Old Town, Dresden
More information
200 years of the Semperoper Ballet
Court conductor Carl Maria von Weber, who is considered the founder of romantic opera, established the first permanent ballet ensemble at the Saxon court in 1825. Since then, the Semperoper Ballett has developed into one of the most important companies in Germany. It is celebrating its 200th birthday on 1 April with a big anniversary open-air performance on Theaterplatz. In addition, impressive ballet performances can be experienced in the Semperoper throughout the year.
When: 1 April 2025 Anniversary Open Air and year-round performances in the Semperoper
Where? Theaterplatz, 01067 Dresden
More information
Dresden Days of Contemporary Music
In April, HELLERAU becomes a meeting place for the avant-garde. Founded in 1987, the international festival combines modern sound art with new technologies, such as AI compositions and 3D sound. In co-operation with the Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden, the renowned Ensemble Modern and leading institutions for experimental music such as Ars Electronica and IRCAM Paris, pioneering projects are created and performed for the first time.
When: 4 to 20 April 2025
Where? HELLERAU, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 56, 01109 Dresden
More information
53rd International Dixieland Festival
In May, the city swings to the rhythm of jazz. Europe’s oldest jazz festival invites music lovers of all generations to enjoy around 250 hours of music – half of which is free. There is an international line-up with 39 bands and soloists as well as highlights such as the Dresden Jazz Mile, the family festival at the zoo and the legendary Riverboat Shuffle on the Elbe.
When: 11 to 18 May 2025
Where? Various venues in the city centre, in the city area and in the surrounding area
More information
Dresden Music Festival: Under the sign of love
In 2025, the Dresden Music Festival will make love its central theme. Whether pop singer Ronan Keating, Lars Eidinger with love poems or Wagner in a historical performance – music becomes a message of solidarity. With 61 concerts at 24 atmospheric venues, the festival focuses on ‘love as a response to hatred, violence and indifference’, as artistic director Jan Vogler emphasises.
When: 17 May to 14 June 2025
Where? Various venues in Dresden and the surrounding area
Further information
15th OSTRALE Biennale O25: ‘Dialogue Colour’
The 15th OSTRALE Biennale 2025 is dedicated to the power of colour as a versatile means of expression in art and society. The international exhibition, which takes place every two years, presents contemporary art that not only deals with socially relevant topics such as climate change, war and hope, but also depicts the most spectacular contemporary historical positions. The result is a dialogue that is deeply moving and thought-provoking.
When? 7 June to 5 October 2025
Where? robotron canteen and other locations in Dresden
More information
FINALS 2025: Multisport in Dresden
The FINALS 2025 will make Dresden the centre of sporting excellence: Germany’s best athletes will compete at this multi-sport event, where national championships will be held in 19 different sports. Classics such as archery, fencing, climbing, rowing, triathlon and basketball meet exciting new disciplines such as lacrosse, badminton, sports acrobatics and 7-man rugby. Dance sport is also a thrilling part of the programme with breaking (better known as breakdancing). An absolute highlight of 2025 in Dresden – and not just for sports enthusiasts!
When: 31 July to 3 August 2025
Where? In and around the Heinz Steyer Stadium and the Ostra Sports Park, Dresden
More information
World Transplant Games: Sport and life
The World Transplant Games are a celebration of life and sport at which around 2,000 organ transplant athletes from 60 countries compete in 17 different disciplines. For the first time in the over 40-year history of this event, a German city is taking on the role of host.
When: 17 to 25 August 2025
Where? Heinz Steyer Stadium and other sports venues in Dresden
More information