Machwerkhaus: Cologne’s Creative Workshop
Lamps that transform architecture, leather made from mushrooms and high-tech kit for campervans: At Machwerkhaus in Cologne’s Kalk district, you’ll find ideas you don’t come across every day. More than 400 creative minds work here in workshops, ateliers and studios – and many of them will be opening their doors to visitors at the end of October.
Community, culture and concrete: Ebertplatz reloaded
A place to garden, dance and sing – and so much more. But what holds all these different activities together? We meet the people helping to shape Ebertplatz – and discover a place that refuses to be put in a box.
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.
