Outlook for the major event The World Games 2029 in Karlsruhe
At the same time, the tourism team is giving a first glimpse of the upcoming major event in the fan-shaped city: From July 19 to 29, 2029, Karlsruhe will host The World Games for the second time. Following on from 1989, around 4,000 athletes from 100 countries will compete in sports that are not part of the Olympic program. Even in the run-up to The World Games, Karlsruhe's calendar is filling up with events celebrating sporting excellence, cultural encounters, and international cooperation – in keeping with the Games' motto: "Welcome (Back) to the Heart of Europe."
Four times the cultural enjoyment in Karlsruhe
Hallenbaucultural quarter is home to four institutions under one roof: The ZKM | Center for Art and Media is known for its innovative media art and is voted one of the top 10 museums in the world every year. The Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design (HfG) hosts creative design exhibitions, while the Karlsruhe Art Museum invites visitors to experience contemporary art in exciting new formats such as Kunsthäppchen, Kunst nach Feierabend, and ARTtoNight.
The Hallenbau provides space for the highlights of the Kunsthalle collection: while the Kunsthalle Karlsruhe is being renovated, works by Matthias Grünewald, Cézanne, and many other artists will remain on public display.
SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival Karlsruhe and Media art is here
In 2026, the UNESCO City of Media Arts will once again shine from August 13 to September 13. Magical, otherworldly worlds, accompanied by atmospheric sounds, will enchant the walls of Karlsruhe's magnificent baroque palace during the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival. In the Weinbrenner Year 2026, the 200th anniversary of the death of Karlsruhe architect and city planner Friedrich Weinbrenner, the SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe will be held under the motto "Lightyard Stories: Visions of Urban Living Spaces."
At the same time, the exhibition "Media art is here" transforms Karlsruhe city center into a lively stage for contemporary media art. Artists from all over the world address current social and technological issues and invite visitors to marvel and reflect in urban spaces—with projections, sound installations, and interactive and immersive objects.
Moments of pleasure and the Baden way of life in Karlsruhe
"Nume net hudeln" – "No rush" – is the motto of the people of Karlsruhe. Karlsruhe is located in the gourmet region of Baden-Württemberg, and its proximity to France is evident everywhere: here, enjoyment and culinary delights are a top priority. To immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of Karlsruhe, we recommend a culinary city tour, which allows you to experience the city from ever-changing perspectives as you stroll leisurely and stop for refreshments.
In 2026, everything in Karlsruhe will revolve around special moments of enjoyment—whether it's enjoying culture, culinary highlights, or simply a special moment in the city. A must-attend event for beer lovers and connoisseurs is the "Long Night of Breweries" on May 22, 2026: Six renowned Karlsruhe breweries will open their doors for an evening of enjoyment, tradition, and conviviality.
Following the huge success of last year's premiere, selected restaurants are inviting guests to enjoy an exclusive three-course meal for two at a fixed price of €99 from June 5 to September 30 as part of Karlsruhe's Summer of Indulgence. Other culinary highlights such as the "Karlsruhe on the Rocks" cocktail experience, the Karlsruhe Wine Festival, and Diner en Blanc will follow.
The fan-shaped city of Karlsruhe will be presenting itself at the ITB trade fair in Berlin in Hub 27, booth 201 of the DZT German National Tourist Board (Baden-Württemberg booth area).
Further information is available at: www.karlsruhe-erleben.de.
