Gamescom and beyond: Cologne’s rise as a global gaming hub
Gaming in Cologne is more than just a passing trend. So how did Dom-town become a global HQ for devs, creators and fans alike? We explore Cologne’s gaming culture – beyond the buzz of Gamescom.
Schauspiel’s coming home! Cologne’s iconic theatre returns to Offenbachplatz
This September, Schauspiel Köln opens its 2026/27 season at Offenbachplatz, where all four Bühnen Köln venues – Opernhaus, Kinderoper, Schauspielhaus and Kleines Haus – are once again under one roof. So, what can you look forward to? Get a first look inside the new venue and discover insider tips from the Schauspiel Köln team for your next theatre visit.
Summer nights and silver screens: 6 open-air cinemas to discover in Cologne
Whether you’re into arthouse films, blockbuster hits or documentaries, Cologne’s open-air cinemas turn summer evenings into unforgettable movie nights. And if the temperatures soar, we’ve got one extra tip up our sleeve.
Waves of rage: Cologne’s new punk rock scene
Since the pandemic, a new punk movement has been taking shape in Cologne. Bands such as Pogendroblem, The Red Flags and Grenzkontrolle are at the forefront of a sound that is political, fearless, feminist and unapologetically loud.
New sounds from Cologne: 3 newcomers lighting up c/o pop 2026
5 days of c/o pop. 5 days of gigs, workshops, podcasts – and everything in between. But the real highlight is discovering new talent live. Here are 3 newcomers you won’t want to miss.
From industrial heritage to future hub: how raum13 is reimagining Cologne’s Deutz gas engine factory
After more than three years of standing empty, the site of Cologne’s former gas engine factory – once home to the world’s first facility of its kind – is set to come back to life. The aim is to create a permanent cultural space that drives the city’s future.
The Südstadt is buzzing, man: a neighbourhood walk with The Red Flags
Cologne’s rising newcomers The Red Flags are making waves with their feminist punk-grunge sound. On a walk through the Südstadt, bassist Joe and drummer Mika show us their favourite spots.
Beyond lit.COLOGNE – 8 events celebrating literature across the city
Fancy some literature on stage? From 7 to 22 March, lit.COLOGNE 2026 takes over the city. But Cologne’s literary game is strong all year round – here are events that go beyond classic readings. At some, you can even take the stage yourself.
Cologne’s film festivals 2026: popcorn, premieres and big screen buzz
As a major media city, Cologne hosts a wide variety of film festivals every year, with films and series taking centre stage. From international arthouse productions and investigative documentaries with feminist perspectives to bold queer storytelling, the city’s festivals show just how diverse, layered and thought-provoking moving images can be today.
