Experience that summer feeling and see top musicians and VIPs at the Fashion & Music event on 27 and 28 July 2012 at Outletcity Metzingen. This combination of shopping with a festival vibe holds great appeal for young and young-at-heart visitors in a place that unites fashion, lifestyle, architecture and design.

Ending 29 July 2012, the wine festival in the town of Bad Münster, not far from Mainz, features outstanding wines, a fantastic choice of delicious food and great musical entertainment. There's nothing quite like sampling wines made in the local area in the beautiful setting of the spa gardens.

Limburg in Hessen is hosting the annual Rheingau Wine Festival from 26 to 29 July 2012. Vintners from the Rheingau region will be showcasing their wines, which the many visitors can sample together with a mouthwatering array of food. The variety of accompanying entertainment and live music are bringing plenty of festival cheer to the town.

The castle in Neuleiningen near Mannheim is the delightful setting for the Burg-Weinfest (castle & wine festival), which is taking place from 26 to 29 July 2012. Local vineyards will be presenting their exquisite wines and visitors can also enjoy a range of live music from jazz and pop to salsa, delicious food and a convivial atmosphere within the ruined castle walls until late into the evening.

Hundreds of hot air balloons will be taking to the skies for the Balloon Fiesta in Leipzig, which is on from 26 to 29 July 2012. As well as the conventional balloons, you might also catch sight of a clown, heart, elephant or other special shape. The programme on the ground offers music, fun and games, while the glow from the balloons in the evening sky is a real highlight.

Horses and horse riding take centre stage at Eurocheval, the European equestrian trade fair held in Offenburg, Baden-Württemberg. On until 29 July 2012 it puts the focus on equestrian sport, horse rearing and horse husbandry. The trade fair is a popular attraction for young and old alike and offers an attractive supporting programme to complement the exhibitor stands.

Visitors can enjoy the winning combination of music and wine in the Rheingau town of Oestrich-Winkel, where a jazz concert is being held at a selected wine estate every evening until 29 July 2012. Jazz bands representing a variety of genres will be providing the entertainment, while their audiences enjoy a glass of wine, regional food and a convivial atmosphere until late into the night.

Wine is taking centre stage in Celle as the town hosts its wine festival from 25 to 29 July 2012. It offers German wines from the different vineyard regions and a wide selection of delicious food. Visitors can relax and while away the hours in the delightful setting of the market square while listening to live music being performed on stage.

The Queen Mary 2 is coming to Hamburg on 25 July 2012 and visitors will have the chance to watch this gargantuan cruise liner as she enters and leaves the port. The Queen Mary 2 is dropping anchor at the HafenCity West Cruise Center, right by the famous Speicherstadt warehouse district and the port theatre.

The traditional Bremerhaven Festival Week, on from 25 to 29 July 2012, brings the Harbour Worlds summer season to a close. Its fun-packed programme features music, shows and ships galore, with something for all the family. The region is also ideal for excursions such as a walk on the coastal mudflats or a day at the beach.