Festivals
Magnifest
On every first September weekend, the quaint neighborhood Magniviertel is host to the Magnifest (http://www.magnifest.com/). During this weekend, the whole area is closed is for car traffic and numerous food stands and band stages are erected throughout the Magniviertel. Artisans offer their products during the day, whereas bands play and people celebrate during the evening and nights. Drinking goes on until way past midnight.
Schoduvel
Traditionally on the Sunday before Rosenmontag the Schoduvel takes place. Rosenmontag Rose Monday is the Shrove Monday before Ash Wednesday usually in mid-February. It marks the beginning of Lent and is the highlight of the German Karneval carnival. The Schoduvel is the largest carnival parade in Northern Germany and the fourth largest in Germany, behind those of the traditional carnival strongholds of Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Mainz. The term originates from Low Middle German, meaning "to shoo the devil". It was first documented in 1293, making it the oldest recorded carnival celebration in Germany. However, this tradition has not been a continuous one in Brunswick. Schoduvel celebrations include dressing up in costumes, dancing, heavy drinking, and the parade of Schoduvel floats. Usually candies are thrown into the costumed crowds lining the streets among cries of "Brunswick" to which the spectators respond "Helau". The procession starts at 12:30pm and ends around 5:00pm. Afterwards, the crowd continues drinking and celebration in bars along the procession route and in the bars of Magniviertel.
Kultur im Zelt
The festival Kultur im Zelt (http://www.kulturimzelt.de/) takes place each August and September, featuring acts, readings, bands, and stand-up comedians in a circus tent in Bürgerpark. Tickets should be bought in advanced, as this festival is usually booked out pretty early.
Medieval Market Fair
Traditionally over the Pentecost weekend, Brunswick's castle square turns medieval during the annual Medieval Market Fair (http://www.braunschweig.d...).
Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt
The Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt Brunswick Christmas Market (http://www.braunschweig.d...) opens its gates during the week before the first Sunday of Advent usually late November, and closes the week after Christmas end of December. It is one of the most picturesque in Germany and is voted the most beautiful in Northern Germany on a regular basis. Typical beverages served include Glühwein a mulled wine, Feuerzangenbowle literally translates as fire-tongs punch - a traditional German alcoholic drink for which a rum-soaked sugar loaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine, Met German mead, and Mummebier. Various specialties such as Braunkohl, Meterbratwurst One-meter-long bratwurst, Heideschinken baked ham in a rye bun, shashlik, baked camembert, etc. are also offered by numerous vendors on and around the castle square, along with with sweets such as sugar-coated almonds and apples, Schmalzgreben yeast dough squares seethed in oil and Brunswick specialty Prillecken. Market booths open around 10am and close at 9pm. Do not miss it, should you happen to be in the area in December.
Braunschweiger Masch
The Brunswick Schützenfest German "marksmen's festival", a traditional festival featuring a target shooting competition is celebrated with the Braunschweiger Masch each June. Over 70 rides and several beer tents attract a crowd from Brunswick and the surrounding area. Highlight are the fireworks on the last Friday. Usually, although taking place in June, it rains during the Masch. Legend has it that this festival is hexed, since the festival site used to be the old Jewish cemetery.
Braunschweig International Film Festival
The Braunschweig International Film Festival (http://www.filmfest-braun...) takes place in November. Arthouse and independent films are shown in cinemas all over town. Prizes, such as the Heinrich and the Europa are awarded to independent movies, actors, and directors. Brunswick Christmas Market
Braunschweig Classix Festival
The Braunschweig Classix Festival (http://www.classixfestival.de/) is an annual classical music festival held in and in the area around Brunswick. The main concert season is from May to June and consists of more than 60 concerts and events and since 2004 concerts are presented throughout the year.
Nord LB Open
The Nord LB Open (http://www.nordlb-open.org/) is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor red clay courts. It is currently part of the Association of Tennis Professionals ATP Challenger Tour. It is held annually at the Braunschweiger Tennis und Hockey Club in Brunswick.
Sports
Braunschweig Lions
Brunswick is home to very successful first division American Football Team Braunschweig Lions (http://www.braunschweig-l...)
Eintracht Braunschweig
Watch a game of Eintracht Braunschweig (http://www.eintracht.com/...), Brunswick's traditional football team which plays in Germany's second division. 23.500 people can watch the games in the stadium in the north of Brunswick.
Braunschweig New Yorker Phantoms
First division Basketball team Braunschweig New Yorker Phantoms (http://www.newyorkerphant...) plays at Volkswagenhalle.