Things to Do in Dresden in September 2026

As the summer heat fades into the crisp, golden days of early autumn, the Saxon capital is buzzing with cultural highlights, art exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations.

To truly appreciate the rich history of the city before diving into its current festivities, we highly recommend booking the Welcome to Dresden! Old Town Guided Walking Tour. This experience perfectly traces the city’s story from its Slavic roots and Saxon electors through its impressive post-WWII reconstruction, taking you past iconic landmarks like the Frauenkirche, the Semperoper, and the Zwinger. It is also an excellent way to scope out the city's architectural treasures so you know exactly what to revisit during Open Monument Day later in the month.

For art lovers, September offers a profound cultural experience with the exhibition Correggio. Touchingly Human. This remarkable showcase delves into the emotive and masterful Renaissance works of Antonio da Correggio, giving visitors a unique, up-close look at his pioneering use of light, shadow, and dynamic human expression.

When you are ready to experience the local harvest spirit, head over to the Dresden Autumn Market at the Altmarkt. The historic square transforms into a cozy, bustling hub where you can browse rustic stalls featuring traditional Saxon crafts, regional honey, and hearty seasonal foods. Finally, to truly complete your autumnal visit, make sure to raise a glass at the lively Federweißerfest. This beloved wine festival celebrates the region's first grape pressings of the year, perfectly pairing the sweet, slightly sparkling new wine with fresh, warm onion tart and vibrant live music along the Saxon Wine Route. For more unforgettable ways to explore the city, be sure to check out Walkative! tours.

Date	Event	Category
September 5, 2026	Kraftwerk Mitte Festival This festival offers a diverse program including music, dance, family and children's activities, shows, guided tours, and a variety of food and drinks. Admission is free for all visitors.	🎪 Festival	kraftwerk-mitte-dresden.de →
September 11 – October 4, 2026	Dresden Autumn Market The Dresden Autumn Market annually transforms the Altmarkt in the heart of the city into a lively meeting point for residents and visitors. With autumnal decorations and classic market flair, families, friends, and colleagues all feel at home.	🛍️ Market	dresden.de →
September 12–13, 2026	Federweißerfest Celebrate with us the start of the grape harvest and the beginning of the Federweißer season in the Elbe Valley! Look forward to a diverse program of culinary delights, live music, and exciting insights into the work of our winemakers in the vineyard and wine cellar.	🎪 Festival	schloss-wackerbarth.de →
September 13, 2026	Open Monument Day Germany's largest cultural event, where over 6,500 monument doors open nationwide, offering tours, lectures, and concerts.	🎪 Festival	tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de →
September 18–19, 2026	Slow Fashion Festival The Slow Fashion Festival in Dresden brings together designers, labels, and visitors to rethink fashion with a focus on sustainable materials and fair production. It serves as a curated marketplace showcasing local collections and artistic works in fashion and textile art.	🎪 Festival	slowfashionfestival-dresden.de →
September 19–20, 2026	Summer Night's Ball: Journey to the Underworld The Staatsoperette's 2026 Summer Night's Ball invites you to immerse yourself in a sparkling shadow world full of secrets and possibilities. Join a 'Journey to the Underworld' on September 19, 2026, where you can experience the magic of music in the footsteps of Orpheus.	🎪 Festival	staatsoperette.de →
September 19, 2026 – January 10, 2027	Correggio. Touchingly Human The works of Antonio Allegri, known as Correggio (c. 1489—1534), are among the most original artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance. His religious and profane-erotic paintings captivate with the skillful use of light and shadow and the lively grace and sensuality of his figures.	🖼️ Exhibition	gemaeldegalerie.skd.museum →
September 29, 2026	Studio Visit with Artist Viola Schöpe Experience art up close as artist Viola Schöpe opens her studio on September 29th, inviting visitors to discover her colorful, poetic visual worlds. Her paintings, inspired by travel and diverse cultures, combine people, animals, and fantastical forms to create open-ended stories.	🖼️ Exhibition	rausgegangen.de →