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Cultural Festival in Dortmund - Things to do in Dortmund

Updated: Feb 12


One of the best events to attend in Dortmund is to experience the Traditional German Festival in Dortmund, Germany.


Festivals in Germany
Traditional German Village life in Dortmund festival in November, 2018

Every November, Dortmund has a traditional German fair for five days. In 2018, it started from Oct 31st until Nov 4th. The city was fully decorated with traditional stalls and activities. There were shops like small huts in the villages.



It gave me a feeling that I was in a Majestic German Village. Dortmund is the 8th Largest City in Germany and has a lot to offer for tourists.


Festivals in Dortmund, Germany
German Festival in Dortmund, Germany

In the city center, There was a big cart with horses. It was taking the people for city round. The excitement on the faces of kids, young and old people is beyond words. I literally imagined the time when people used to roam around in Dortmund 70 years ago on horse carts.

They had created a small stable for the Ponies. To give the real look of a horse stable and provide a natural habitat to small ponies, they had put the hay and food for them. The Ponies also offered rides for small kids. There was a man who was holding a kid and a pony during the ride.


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In my childhood, I watched a cartoon series in which a kid has a Pony. It took me back to my childhood memories. Agh!! I am too old for a Pony ride.


Things to do in Dortmund, Germany
Ponies in Dortmund during the Festival

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a musical band parading with drums. And everybody started getting curious to know what was happening. I was a bit far from the band, so I was only able to see two heads. I started approaching them and trying to make out my way from the crowd. OMG – it was a Duck Parade.

There were around 10 ducks, and they were marching and following the music and taking instructions from their masters. I was so surprised to see how trained they were, they were changing their directions and taking turns with the instruction. This is something exceptional.



There were also goats and sheep. They had created a separate compartment for them where they had hay and grass. The kids were excited as it was a new experience for them to touch and feed them.


There was also a traditional musical band performing with their instruments. They were dressed up like typical German villagers and produced amazing music that instantly made you dance to the beats. It was indeed one of the best German Cultural presentations I had ever experienced.


Read more about Christmas Market in Dortmund: Tallest Christmas Tree in Dortmund, Germany


German Festival in Dortmund Germany
Dortmund Festivity in November

There was an artist who was performing near Reinoldikirche. The pianist was playing melodious music and the artist was attracting a huge number of audiences with his acts. There were two ladders that were parallel to each other, and there was a big rope joining both ladders.

The artist had chosen six people from the crowd, and they were holding the ladders with an extended rope – three people holding each ladder. The rhythm of the piano was going so well with the steps of the artists.


The artist was trying to walk on the rope between two ladders, but he was failing again and again. At last, the artist succeeded and received huge applause from the audience.



There were a lot of stalls for games as well, like shooting, archery, and many more. I took the challenge of winning the biggest teddy bear for my wife but ended up winning only a small truck. But that was also fine for her.

There was also a flame thrower who was performing with the fire. I must say it was one of the best performances of the night for me. He was inhaling the fuel and throwing out the fire flames from his mouth.


Things to do in Dortmund
A Wooden Eagle at the Festival in Dortmund

They also presented the early diesel engine. The visitors were fascinated by its design and exterior.


There were also many rides for the kids and adults, like dodging cars, Go merry round, sky wheel, and many more. Everybody was so excited and enjoying the rides.

I took a sky wheel ride, and the view was so amazing from the top. It was not so high, but you could enjoy the surroundings.


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Best festival in Dortmund, Germany
Early Diesel Engine in the Festival.

There were so many traditional German shops that were selling typical handmade stuff like wooden craved animals, woolen mats and rugs, baskets, lights, jewelry, decoration pieces, arrows, and bows.





There were also so many food stalls that made you hungry. They had so much to offer, from typical German Pommes to French Crepes in different flavors, from Ice cream to waffles, and Famous German currywurst (hot dog with special sauce) to a meat skewer.


Things to do in Dortmund, Germany
Wooden Handcrafted toys and craft at the Dortmund Festival.

There was also a stage where musicians, artists, and jugglers were performing. They had made a big sitting arrangement like an Amphi Theater. I got a chance to enjoy the belly dance with wonderful music.


Sunday was the last day of the fair, but everything was open. It was so nice to see that all the stores in Dortmund center were open on Sunday. Everybody was busy shopping- buying things from their favorite brands and enjoying the festival.

Ending Note:


I would highly suggest you visit this festival in Dortmund during November and get the feel of German Tradition and rural culture !!

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