Events in parks and gardens

Start of the season in the Japanese Garden in Bad Langensalza

'KOFUKU NO NIWA', the garden of bliss,  fascinates with Far Eastern atmosphere and symbolic design. The garden contains different areas that reflect the love for the different landscapes of the Japanese islands and seasons. It shows typical Japanese tree and plant species, two classical pavilions and a pond landscape where colorful koi majestically float. The garden attracts visitors in spring with lush cherry blossoms, in summer with an imposing azalea landscape and in autumn with flaming red maple trees. With its bamboo grove and dry landscape, the Japanese Garden is one jewel out of a total of ten gardens in Bad Langensalza.
01 March 2027
www.bad-langensalza.de

Spring magic at Leuchtenburg Castle

When the first green shoots appear, Leuchtenburg Castle awakens from hibernation and is colourfully decorated over an area of 10,000 square metres. Fragrant and blooming delights await visitors to the castle in every room and every corner of the castle.
20 March - 09 May 2027
www.leuchtenburg.de

You and your garden - special market for plant fans at the egapark in Erfurt

Numerous nurseries and retailers offering a wide range of plants and accessories for gardens, homes, balconies and terraces await visitors. In addition to inspiration and new ideas for balcony or garden design, there is plenty of expertise and professional advice from gardening experts. The team from the popular gardening show 'MDR Garten' will also be there.
15 - 18 May 2026
03 - 04 April 2027
www.egapark.de

Lilacs Festival in Bad Frankenhausen

In May, when the lilacs blooms, the northern Thuringian spa town of Bad Frankenhausen awaits guests for the Lilacs Festival. The highlight of the event is the placing of the 'lilacs crown' on market square and the election of the new Lilacs Queen.
07 - 09 May 2027
www.bad-frankenhausen.de

Hanami - Cherry blossom festival in the Japanese Garden of Bad Langensalza

The beauty of cherry trees in bloom is celebrated in Japan with the Hanami, the cherry blossom festival. The Japanese Garden in Bad Langensalza also follows this tradition.
25 April 2026
www.bad-langensalza.de

Start of the season at the Rose Garden of Bad Langensalza

On a former factory site covering 18,000 square metres, almost 450 rose species and varieties are presented to the visitor's eye. The collection of Bad Langensalza roses is particularly worth seeing for its grace and diversity - between 1950 and 1990, 91 rose varieties were bred here. Germany's only female rose breeder, Anni Berger, worked in Bad Langensalza. Among rose connoisseurs, the Bad Langensalza rose garden is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany, as evidenced by the title of ‘Rose City’ awarded in 2002.
1 May 2026
www.bad-langensalza.de
 

Hofwiesenpark Festival in Gera

The Hofwiesenpark was a BUGA exhibition site in 2007 and is still the city park in Gera today. The annual Hofwiesenparkfest is a colourful family and cultural festival that takes place every year in the idyllic Hofwiesenpark. Visitors can expect a varied programme with live music, show acts, children's attractions and regional gastronomy. 
30 April - 3 May 2026
30 April - 2 May 2027
 

Greiz Park and Castle Festival

The Greiz Park and Castle Festival takes place annually in the picturesque setting of the Greiz castle and park grounds. Over three days, visitors can expect a varied programme with live music, historical performances, arts and crafts, culinary specialities and a large firework as a highlight. The combination of traditional charm and modern entertainment is particularly impressive. The festival attracts numerous visitors and offers a unique opportunity to experience the cultural and historical atmosphere of the former royal seat of Greiz.
12 - 14 June 2026
www.greiz.de

 
Rose Festival in Dornburg

When the roses are in full bloom in the rose garden of the Dornburg palaces, the Dornburg Rose Queen and her entourage invite you to the Rose Festival in Dornburg.
26 - 28 June 2026

Tanabata - Stars festival in the Japanese Garden of Bad Langensalza

with summer cinema
10 July 2026
www.bad-langensalza.de

Festival of Lights at Erfurt egapark

Thousands of lights in an infinite number of colours give the popular Erfurt garden park a special glow. Unusual and imaginative light objects in many colours and shapes, illuminated objects, light shows, music and mobile artists make the Festival of Lights an unforgettable experience.
14 - 15 August 2026
13 - 18 August 2027
www.egapark-erfurt.de

Park festival in the landscape garden of Altenstein

Built in neo-Renaissance style, Altenstein Mansion once served as the summer residence of the Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen. The mansion is surrounded by a picturesque landscape garden with a Chinese cottage, ornate carpet beds and vantage points overlooking the Werra Valley. None other than Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau was involved in the design of the park. 
21 -  23 August 2026
www.bad-liebenstein.de

Pumpkin exhibition at egapark Erfurt

The pumpkins will be back at egapark in 2025 and 2026.
10 impressive pumpkin works of art will be created from 50,000 pumpkins - the perfect background for great photos!
05 September - 31 October 2026
04 September - 31 October 2027
www.egapark-erfurt.de

Dahlia Festival in Bad Köstritz

Bad Köstritz is not only known for its fine beer, but also for its dahlia cultivation. The tradition of dahlia cultivation dates back to the 18th century. Even today, dahlias from Bad Köstritz win many gold medals at garden shows. Every year on the first weekend in September, Bad Köstritz celebrates the Dahlia Festival, a flower-filled festival packed with events, arts and crafts, and culinary delights. There is a food and arts promenade, a kids’ arena in the courtyard of the palace, and of course interesting events at the Dahlia Centre and the Panzer Dahlia Nursery.
4–6 September 2026
3–5 September 2027
www.stadtbadkoestritz.de

Florals for Christmas time Erfurt

A special highlight in the run-up to Christmas awaits visitors in the historic rock cellar of Erfurt Cathedral Hill. Here, florists from all over Germany work together with the egapark team to decorate the medieval cellar niches with plenty of inspiration and anticipation for Christmas. A truly magical Advent show!
24 November - 26 December 2026
23 November - 26 December 2027
www.egapark-erfurt.de

Header picture: ©egapark gGmbH, Steve Bauerschmidt