October is here, and in Hamburg it brings not only colorful fall leaves but also a variety of great events. We’ll show you not only the best highlights for every weekend, but also the most exciting events of the entire month and every season—whether you’re with friends, a partner, or the whole family. From film festivals and comic conventions to traditional festivals, creative fairs, and special shows —October has a diverse lineup in store for you. Here are our highlights that you definitely shouldn’t miss this month!
Rocktober
During Rocktober , the KENT Club, in collaboration with ROCK ANTENNE Hamburg , becomes the gathering spot for the local rock community. The evening builds on Hamburg’s long rock tradition, blending the sounds of yesteryear with current tracks. Three experienced DJs from the scene— Alex (Sounds), Holger (Madhouse), and Stefan (Grünspan)—will be behind the decks, ensuring the perfect mix. The event offers the chance to reconnect with old friends, discover new music, and kick off the new rock season together.
Hamburg Oktoberfest at the Fischauktionshalle
depending on ticket category or package
While Munich’s Oktoberfest is winding down, things are just getting started in Hamburg starting October 2! So you don’t have to travel far to experience that authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. On six evenings— every Friday and Saturday through October 17, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. —the Altona Fish Auction Hall transforms into a lively festival venue. Look forward to freshly tapped ERDINGER Brauhaus Hell, delicious treats, and lively music. Stop by, feast your way through the menu, and join in the fun!
Asterix and Obelix are taking over the Port des Lumières! Starting October 3, an awesome 360-degree adventure awaits all comic fans. Instead of just leisurely flipping through the comic book, this time you’ll find yourself right in the middle of a wild chase to rescue the kidnapped Miraculix.
Together with the indomitable Gauls, the journey takes youfrom Lutetia through Egypt to distant India and right into the heart of Rome. Spectacular XXL projections, thrilling sound effects, and the signature humor of Goscinny and Uderzo bring the iconic illustrations to life. And of course, the legendary Roman brawls are a must-see! Get ready for a fast-paced, nostalgic highlight packed with action for young and old alike.
Hamburg Comic Festival
From October 2 to 4, Hamburg will once again become the vibrant capital of comics —and this year, it’s even celebrating its 20th anniversary!
All around St. Pauli and Neustadt, a completely free program of exhibitions, readings, book signings, and hands-on workshops awaits you. Whether it’s up-and-coming local talent or international artists, there’s plenty to discover at the fair in the Kölibri, in galleries, and even in store windows. On guided tours, you’ll learn fascinating background stories, while kids can enjoy their own drawing program. Stop by, browse the booths, and celebrate the diversity of drawing art!
Insider tip for comic fans: The new Asterix and Obelix exhibition at Port des Lumières
Off to the Alte Land!
Just a stone’s throw from Hamburg, the Alte Land enchants visitors with its sprawling apple orchards. During harvest season, you can fill your own baskets and pick crisp apples straight from the tree at idyllic farms—like the Herzapfelhof.
One highlight is the traditional Altländer Apple Day at the museum in Jork: Here you can press your own juice, discover rare apple varieties, and feast on delicious apple cake . There are also cozy courtyard cafés, miniature train rides, and the popular “Apple Diploma” for the whole family. Stroll through colorful fall markets, sample fresh cider, and enjoy golden October in Northern Europe’s largest fruit-growing region.
Prices vary depending on the concert and category
The wonderful candlelight concerts are just the thing for atmospheric fall evenings in Hamburg: here, your favorite songs are reinterpreted by the soft glow of candlelight. Musically, there’s something for every taste—from classical masterpieces to tributes to the most successful artists of our time. Look forward to emotional pop anthems, timeless Turkish pop, legendary rock classics, rousing beats from nu-metal and German rap, and much more this October.
Polaris Convention
From October 9–11, the Hamburg Fairgrounds will become the ultimate hotspot for all fans of anime, gaming, and cosplay with the Polaris Convention. For three days , you can try out the latest games , browse endless booths, and fully immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture . In addition to plenty of space for your own creativity, a stellar lineup of special guests awaits you : Meet scene legends like PietSmiet, NinotakuTV, Kodiak Cosplay, lilly_time, and the minds behind the Decode Podcast up close and in person.
Hamburg International Queer Film Festival
Prices vary depending on the event and ticket category (free events also available)
From October 13 to 18, the International Queer Film Festival will once again bring a wealth of diversity to the big screen with around 10,000 guests . Under the theme “Remember and Resist,” this year’s festival focuses on the culture of remembrance, resistance, and inspiring community stories. Venues like the B-Movie, the Metropolis, and the Passage Kino will screen thought-provoking dramas, hilarious comedies, and international gems from around the world. The festival kicks off on October 13 at Kampnagel. Just browse the daily schedule at your favorite theater and immerse yourself in exciting queer worlds!
Creative and Cake Fair
The creative and baking fair is back in Hamburg! From October 23–25, you can look forward to original ideas, new creative techniques, a variety of workshops, and DIY supplies. The huge selection is sure to make the heart of every DIY enthusiast and hobby baker beat faster!
Look forward to fabrics, wool, yarns, paper, beads, paints, and DIY kits. Baking enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth: At the integrated cake fair , you’ll find professional baking accessories, cake-decorating tools, fondant, baking mixes, and creative decorating trends. Get inspired by impressive display pieces and watch professionals at work in cake design.
Enjoy a magical interplay of dance, light, and color! If you’re looking to mark your calendar with cultural highlights for the next season this October, this modern reinterpretation of Sleeping Beauty is a must-see. In this spectacular ballet show , luminous costumes, expressive choreography, and sparkling effects merge into a visual stage experience that brings the well-known fairy-tale classic to life in a completely new way.
fluctoplasma Festival
depending on the ticket category
Under the motto “humanity in (dis)solution,” the fluctoplasma Festival in Hamburg is celebrating its seventh anniversary! Things will be in full swing for four days at the end of October—with over 50 events packed with art, music, theater, and exciting discussions.
The festival provides a stage for diverse voices from the queer, Jewish, and Bi_PoC communities to foster solidarity and genuine togetherness. The event kicks off on October 22 at 6 p.m. at the University of Music and Theater with a performance by singer Madanii. Open yourself up to new perspectives and join us in celebrating a fluid society!
Moulin Rouge is coming to Hamburg
This fall, the curtain rises on the next Broadway highlight in the musical capital! Following “Harry Potter,” the world-famous musical “Moulin Rouge!” takes over the Theater am Großmarkt starting October 28.
Travel back to the dazzling Paris of 1899 and immerse yourself in the wild nightclub world of the Bohemians. At the heart of it all is the dramatic love story between the young poet Christian and the club star Satine. But a powerful duke not only wants to take over the financially strapped Moulin Rouge, but also to win Satine’s heart. It’s going to be glamorous, spectacular, and emotional— a thrilling spectacle full of passion and global hits.
Free Museum Admission with #seeforfree
On Reformation Day, Hamburg is once again hosting #seeforfree: Numerous public and private museums are opening their doors for free. In addition to the permanent and special exhibitions , a diverse program awaits you, featuring guided tours in many languages, sign language, and colorful activities for children and hands-on experiences.
Whether it’s historical Sütterlin script at the School Museum, rap-led tours at the University Museum, or creative craft workshops—the event day offers exciting insights for young and old alike. The exact program for 2026 will be announced in due time.
SPOM – International Music and Theater Festival
From October 30 to November 15, 2026, the International Music and Theater Festival SPOM will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Hamburg! Organized by KinderKinder e.V., the event brings a diverse program of theater, dance, music, and circus to venues such as the FABRIK and the Lichthof Theater.
International guest performances and Hamburg-based productions playfully explore themes such as children’s rights, diversity, and sustainability. It all kicks off on October 30 with the opening festival “Fabrik der Vielfalt” (Factory of Diversity), complete with a hands-on exhibition. After that, two weeks full of highlights await—from musical underwater journeys to interactive participatory theater.
Make the most of October for one last visit to Heide Park Resort before Northern Germany’s largest amusement park goes on its winter break after October 31! Just a stone’s throw from Hamburg, the perfect family day awaits you here: Embark on an adventure on Colossos — one of Europe’s tallest wooden roller coasters—or explore the lovingly designed themed worlds, the exclusive Kinderland, and much more with the little ones.
