The Ruhr region is waking up from hibernation - May is here, bringing a breath of fresh air and hopefully lots of sunshine! ☀️🌷

The first festivals, street food markets, flea markets and open-air parties are just around the corner. The days are getting longer and it's the perfect time to get out and experience the city to the full. Between gardening, the first barbecues and drinking coffee in the sun, many event highlights await you in the Ruhr region in May 2025!

Tip: Be sure to check out our Lotteries - we'll put you on the coolest guest lists in town. Have fun browsing!

Walpurgisnacht

Walpurgisnacht
© muto
Di, 30.04.2024 20:00
19,47 to 22,63 €

Experience a real Walpurgis night! The location alone promises pure atmosphere: the Freischütz Schwerte rises majestically in the middle of the forest with its striking tower. On three floors, you can expect a variety of music styles that will make every party heart beat faster.

BÄM! Rettet die Pelmke

BÄM! Rettet die Pelmke
© Theater Hagen
Do, 01.05.2025 18:00
16,00 to 39,50 € Lottery

Wild, touching, loud, quiet and above all: really important to preserve the Pelmke as a cultural institution. 💥🎭

DRAG YOUR SELF

DRAG YOUR SELF
© Katharina Kemme
Sa, 05.04.2025 12:00
Free admission
MiR.LAB

Free your inner drag queen! 💃 Try yourself out, discover how you feel and what statements you want to make. ✨ With a little help, you can transform yourself into your very own drag version! 👑

Dortmunder Frühlingslauf

Dortmunder Frühlingslauf
© GID-Projects
So, 04.05.2025 09:30
9,90 to 27,00 €

The Dortmund Spring Run is the perfect opportunity to actively enjoy the first days of spring. Whether you run the course or simply soak up the atmosphere - it's sure to be lively here! 🌸

Craft & Cream - Das Pairing Tasting mit Eis und Bier

Craft & Cream - Das Pairing Tasting mit Eis und Bier
© OpenAI
Mi, 07.05.2025 19:00
32,09 €

Beer and ice cream - the summer mix you didn't know you needed! 🍺

MELE: Alle schauen Tour 2025

MELE: Alle schauen Tour 2025
© Hannes Klingenhöfer
Sa, 10.05.2025 19:00
29,90 € Lottery

MELE is like your best conversations after a few drinks, in the middle of a flat share party or on a night out on the town. With lyrics that are as real as your diary entries and a voice that just picks you up. We would go on tour! 😌

STUFF I LIKE - Kunst-/Designmarkt Duisburg

STUFF I LIKE - Kunst-/Designmarkt Duisburg
© Marco Bürklin
Sa, 10.05.2025 11:00
3,00 €
Stapeltor Duisburg

This market is bursting with creativity! If you love design and are looking for special pieces to make your home unique, this is the place for you. There's also cool music, delicious food and drinks - for a really well-rounded experience! 🎨

soffie

soffie
© Promo
Sa, 10.05.2025 19:00
26,00 € Lottery

Soffie's music is not only highly TikTok-able, but the soundtrack of an entire generation - with indie vibes, electro beats and lyrics that go straight to the heart. Danceable, tangible, all at once. 💥

Moglii (DE)

Moglii (DE)
© Mogii
Fr, 16.05.2025 20:00
21,86 € Lottery

Moglii makes sound melt - somewhere between analog heartbeat and electronic soaring. ✨ Once you dive in, you don't want to get out.

Sophie Scholl - die letzte Nacht

Sophie Scholl - die letzte Nacht
© KaMEDIA
Fr, 16.05.2025 20:00
11,05 to 23,68 €

A play that reminds us of Sophie Scholl's unwavering courage and shows us why it is so important never to forget what she fought for.

Saisoneröffnungsfest mit Gartencafé, Jungpflanzenmarkt und Programm

Saisoneröffnungsfest mit Gartencafé, Jungpflanzenmarkt und Programm
© Svenja K.
Sa, 17.05.2025 12:00
Free admission

A real paradise for anyone who loves greenery and wants to escape the city for a while. A place that really invites you to linger with its variety of aromas, colors and activities! 🌸🌿

Sundowner- After Work Party freestyling w/ inagee

Sundowner- After Work Party freestyling w/ inagee
© pelmke
Do, 22.05.2025 19:00
Bezahl so viel du magst

Get off the couch and into the glittering light! inagee aka the dancing DJane mixes you love on the dancefloor 💃

WEIN DOCH - wine food music

WEIN DOCH - wine food music
© Julius Gnoth - WEIN DOCH - wine food music
Do, 22.05.2025 17:00
Free admission
Alte Dreherei

WEIN DOCH is exactly what you need sometimes: nice people, nice sound, nice sip. 🍷✨

Street Food & Music Festival

Street Food & Music Festival
© Paula Vermeulen via Unsplash
Fr, 23.05.2025 12:00
- €

Something really great is brewing - music, hands-on fun and treats for all generations. 🌞

1LIVE Hörsaal-Comedy 2025

1LIVE Hörsaal-Comedy 2025
© Brainpool Live Entertainment GmbH
Sa, 24.05.2025 20:00
39,00 € Lottery
Essen

Laugh until you slide out of the shaky lecture hall. At the 1LIVE Lecture Hall Comedy Tour 2025, fresh comedians bring the best jokes directly to your Audimax! 🎤🎉

DISCURSIVE DINNER - KULTURSALAT II

DISCURSIVE DINNER - KULTURSALAT II
© Depot
Di, 27.05.2025 17:00
Free admission

Understanding and helping to shape cultural policy - this is possible here. This is where creative people meet those who make decisions and exchange views on the big and small issues of culture in a relaxed atmosphere.

Bäumchen Wechsel Dich 2025 - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur Festival

Bäumchen Wechsel Dich 2025 - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur Festival
© Involvr GmbH
Mi, 28.05.2025 18:00
22,50 to 26,50 € Lottery
Dortmund

One night, endless possibilities! 🌙 From the market to the exhibition, from the bar to the club - the city is buzzing and the shuttle buses take you everywhere. Dortmund's night culture? One big adventure today! 🚀

Winzerfest Oberhausen 2025 – it´s wine time

Winzerfest Oberhausen 2025 – it´s wine time
© Kelsey Knight via Unsplash
Do, 29.05.2025 12:00
- €
Friedensplatz Oberhausen

Between Riesling and red wine, street food and sounds: the Winzerfest Oberhausen mixes tradition with modern flair - and tastes of summer, the city and being together. 🥂

DiScover – Dortmunds inklusives Newcomer Festival

DiScover – Dortmunds inklusives Newcomer Festival
© gesamtkunstwerk e.V.
Fr, 30.05.2025 18:00
5,00 to 7,50 €

The DiScover Festival brings a breath of fresh air to Dortmund's music scene - with newcomers who bring diversity and talent to the stage! 🎤

RAVE IM STADTGARTEN

RAVE IM STADTGARTEN
© Kiyoshi via Unsplash
Sa, 31.05.2025 15:00
Free admission
Stadtgarten Zeppelinallee

Zero waste, zero admission - just good vibes, good music and a good mood. The perfect rave! 🪩

TREIBHAUS FESTIVAL 2025

TREIBHAUS FESTIVAL 2025
© Timo Reinders-Catoir
Sa, 31.05.2025 16:30
22,00 to 37,00 € Lottery

New, fresh, different. This is the Treibhausfestival - which brings a lot of indie, fierce voices, exciting genre mixes and, above all, rising stars to the stage with acts such as Sharktank, Lawn Chair and Emma Rose. ⭐

Frequently asked questions about May in the Ruhr region 2025:

1. will there be festivals in the Ruhr area in May 2025?

Yes, the first festivals are in the starting blocks! One highlight is the Treibhaus Festival in Essen or the Bochum Original Festival. If you're in the mood for music and a good atmosphere, "Bäumchen Wechsel Dich - Das Dortmunder Nachtkultur Festival" is also a must! There are also many street food markets in the Ruhr area in 2025 as well as a number of wine festivals.

2. are there also free events in the Ruhr area in May 2025?

Of course there are also free events in May 2025 in the Ruhr region! In addition to all the festivals, markets and concerts, some museums are also offering special exhibitions or days when admission is free. And the best thing is that you can filter for free events on Rausgegangen and quickly find all the highlights that can be enjoyed without paying admission. So you can experience the Ruhr region without having to dig deep into your pockets!

3. what can you do in the Ruhr region in May when the weather is bad?

Don't worry - even if the weather is bad, there is plenty to do in the Ruhr region in May! Visit one of the many art and photography exhibitions in the museums or art galleries, such as the Kunsthalle Recklinghausen or the Gallery of Contemporary Art in Bochum. Indoor events, such as comedy evenings or theater performances, are also a great way to escape the rain. Just check out Rausgegangen to see what's happening near you!

Don't want to miss any more events in the Ruhr region? Then download the free Rausgegangen app now, create your own profile with your favorite events, follow your favorite locations and win guest list places for the next event. 💜

This content has been machine translated.