There’s always something on the calendar in Thuringia, but especially so in summer. Countless concerts, open-air performances, festivals and markets are on offer for everyone who wants to spend summer days and evenings in cities, towns and even villages. From the Cathedral Steps Festival in Erfurt, to the Kulturarena in Jena, the Sonne-Mond-Sterne Festival in Saalburg, the dance and folk festival in Rudolstadt and the cultural festival at the ruins of the Benedictine monastery at Paulin-zella - festivals and outdoor celebrations attract thousands of visitors all summer long. Even as the days gradually grow shorter, there are still many wonderful events in store. The traditional onion market in Weimar merits special mention. The state-wide highlight of the second weekend in October, it began in 1653 and has long been one of Thuringia’s most popular folk festivals. There will be live music at multiple outdoor venues, jugglers and stalls selling traditional favorite onion dishes and the Onion Market Queen will be chosen. (td)
