© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

A feast for the senses

Culture and joie de vivre on the banks of the River Main

On the last weekend of every August, Frankfurt celebrates its unique museum embankment. As one of the largest cultural celebrations in all of Europe, the Museum Embankment Festival attracts and enchants visitors from near and far with its colourful variety of programme events.

Open late into the evening, participating museums entice visitors with extraordinary cultural offerings, while numerous stages set on both banks of the River Main feature concerts of all musical genres, consisting of regional artists*, international live acts, DJs, bands and newcomers, who harmoniously combine to provide music-lovers with a summery festival feeling, a club atmosphere and a rip-roaring party mood. 

Countless festival stalls offer high-quality arts and crafts and international specialities. The River Main itself is at the centre of attention during the dragon boat races, the second-oldest competitions of its kind in all of Germany!

While at the festival, make sure not to miss the antiquarian bookshop mile, the art garden, the organ and choir mile or “Klang im Kloster" (Sound in the Monastery")

The sparkling finale of the Museum Embankment Festival is provided by a spectacular musical fireworks display featuring thousands of glittering lights illuminating the night sky high above the imposing Frankfurt skyline.

Opening hours

  • Friday, 23.08.2024
    • 3:00 pm – 1:00 am
      End of music programme: 12:00 am
  • Saturday, 24.08.2024
    • 11:00 am – 1:00 am
      End of music programme: 12:00 am
  • Sunday, 25.08.2024
    • 11:00 am – 12:00 am
      End of music programme: 10:00 pm
© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann

Museum Embankment Festival Programme

Everything at a glance

History and character of the Museum Embankment Festival

Music, museums and magic on the banks of the majestic River Main

The history of Frankfurt's famous Museum Embankment Festival dates back to the 1980s, when the City of Frankfurt decided to draw more public attention to the unique location of its museums along the banks of the River Main. This ambitious project aimed to increase both the cultural significance of the museums and the attractiveness of Frankfurt as a tourist destination in general. The idea gave rise to the Museum Embankment Festival, a cultural celebration that places the spotlight on art, culture and community.

Since its beginnings, the Museum Embankment Festival has developed and grown in size and stature. It has firmly established itself at the top of the city's cultural calendar and now attracts not only local visitors but guests from all across Europe and the globe.

Over the years, the Museum Embankment Festival has cemented its identity as a place of encounters and exchange. Moreover, it also showcases the city's vibrant cultural scene and contributes to cultural education by promoting easy access to art and culture.

  • Museum programme: The heart and soul of the festival is the extensive cultural programme offered by Frankfurt's museums along the banks of the River Main. Special guided tours, workshops and special exhibitions offer insights into the diverse collections of the museums and make art and culture accessible to all age groups.

  • Live music and stage productions: Concerts and live performances take place on various stages along the riverbank. From jazz, rock and pop to world music and classical performances, the Museum Embankment Festival presents a broad musical spectrum.

  • Arts and crafts markets: Market stalls along the banks of the River Main offer a wide selection of arts and crafts, jewellery, clothing and other handmade products. These markets are an excellent opportunity to discover unique souvenirs while at the same time supporting local artists and designers.

  • Culinary offerings: A colourfully diverse spectrum of food and beverages reflects the festival's range of international cuisine. From traditional German dishes to exotic delicacies and street-food specialities, there is something for every taste.

  • Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display held over the River Main is traditionally the highlight and, at the same time, the finale of the festival. It attracts thousands of spectators and provides a breathtaking conclusion to the weekend.

Museum Embankment Festival Button: € 7.00

Our festival button provides holders with free admission to participating museums for the duration of the festival, that is, from Friday, 23.08.2024 from 3:00 pm to the end of festivities on Sunday, 25.08.2024.

The button is available at participating museums and at the Tourist Information Office Römer.

We would like to thank Fraport AG for their kind support!

Museum Embankment Festival 2024

How to get there

The locations of the Museum Embankment Festival are centrally situated in Frankfurt and are easy to reach by bus, tram and subway.

Museum Embankment Festival 2024

Good to know

This map shows toilets (WC), first-aid stations and the police station on the festival site. The bridges and subway stations (Willy-Brandt-Platz, Schweizer Platz) serve as orientation points. Ideal for planning your visit!

Museum Embankment Festival 2024

Showtime!

A total of 14 stages await you at the Museum Embankment Festival, each with its own unique programme. Let yourself be regally entertained and enjoy unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Stage Programme

Museum Embankment Festival 2024

The Museums

Get yourself an overview of the museums taking part in the Museum Embankment Festival.

Participating Museums

Museum Embankment Festival 2024

Discover our many cultural projects

Cultural diversity along the Main: Riederwald Adventure Playground, Savannah Africa Village, Antiquarian Bookshop Mile, Dragon-Boat Race, K-Kultur Adventure Area, Freigehege Art Association, BBK, Sounds at the Monastery, Organ & Choir Mile, Poet's Corner

Show more
Guests celebrate a party in the evening in front of an illuminated stage on the Main.
© #visitfrankfurt, Holger Ullmann
With more than one million visitors per year, the extraordinary programmes of Frankfurt's museums, numerous stage productions and other live performances, the Museum Embankment Festival is one of Europe's largest and most impressive cultural celebrations.
Frankfurt Tourist+Congress Board

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Museum Embankment Festival

Frequently asked questions about the Museum Embankment Festival Button and the participating museums

Frequently asked questions about travelling to the Museum Embankment Festival

Our partners

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If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help.
Tel. +49 69/24 74 55 400, info@infofrankfurt.de