Between 26 and 28 May 2012, studios and workshops throughout Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are opening their doors to the public for the Kunst:Offen arts and crafts festival. Five hundred painters, artists, sculptors, photographers and other creative souls will be offering everybody from the enthusiast to the curious visitor a glimpse into their work.

Every year, nearly 30,000 people from the Gothic and 'dark' scene descend upon Leipzig for the Wave Gothic Festival. Between 25 and 28 May 2012, audiences representing a broad alternative spectrum enjoy over a hundred concerts as well as a varied programme of entertainment including film screenings, club nights, readings, exhibitions, medieval markets and workshops.

The Fressgass (quite literally 'glutton lane') is the culinary heart of Frankfurt. The Fressgass Festival is being held in the area between the Alter Oper concert hall and Hauptwache until 1 June 2012, and offers a mouthwatering array of food and drink including Hessen wines, Rhineland beers and international specialities. The atmosphere of classic German gemütlichkeit makes this a great place to while away the summer evenings with views of the Frankfurt skyline.

The wine-themed walk around Marienburg Abbey on 27 May 2012 will delight all enthusiasts of wine and walking. The 10km route traverses the sunny, vine-clad slopes of the Moselle wine region and offers magnificent panoramic views of the river. Wine-growers and local associations will be serving typical food and wine from the Moselle region at unspoilt locations along the way.

A big Whitsun market is taking place at the Remstalkellerei wine cooperative in Weinstadt-Beutelsbach on 26 and 27 May 2012. At this delightful farmers market, you can browse for fresh, local produce and regional specialities, and, of course, sample the finest wines from the Württemberg wine region.

On 27 and 28 May 2012, visitors to Heldburg Fortress in Thuringia will feel as if they have stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. The abundance of market stalls and entertainment performed by minstrels, strolling players and knights will appeal to young and old alike. There is also plenty of food and drink to keep hunger at bay. The highlight of the event is the Celtic rock 'n' beat concert in the castle courtyard.

The Fairytale Festival at Europa-Park in Rust is sure to make children's eyes light up! From 26 May to 3 June 2012, the park's mascot Euro Mouse will be taking fairytale fans of all ages on a fantastic journey of discovery featuring themed activities for kids, story-telling and picture-book painting. Singer Annick Burger will be performing the best loved tales by the Brothers Grimm in German, English and French and you can even have a souvenir photo taken with the Seven Dwarves.

A festival and fair in the woods in Frankfurt might sound somewhat unconventional, but it has a long tradition in the city. The Frankfurt Forest Festival (Frankfurter Wäldchestag) has been celebrated by the locals for centuries as a way of showing their love for the city. And in 2012, people young and old will again be heading to Frankfurt's municipal forest between 26 and 29 May to keep this wonderful tradition alive.

The spectacular Dragon Boat Festival is being held for the seventh time in Frankfurt on 26 May 2012. Over 4,000 enthusiastic paddlers take part in this popular sporting event. Dragon boats and steerers are provided by the organisers and a varied programme of entertainment is laid on for the crowds, with 60 or so stalls appealing to all age groups.

The Night of Tales in the Spree Forest in Brandenburg offers a compelling insight into the history, customs, language and mythology of the Sorbian and Wendish communities. From 26 to 28 May 2012, visitors can enjoy a varied programme of cultural entertainment on Schlossberg hill in Burg in the Spree Forest, a town that is also renowned for its health and wellness facilities.