Event Dates
From: Thursday, February 12, 2026
To: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Dusseldorf Carnival 2026
Düsseldorf puts on one of the largest Carnival celebrations in Germany, involving colourful costumes & parades.
Dusseldorf Carnival 2026
Along with Cologne, Düsseldorf puts on one of the largest Carnival celebrations in Germany, involving colourful costumes, parades and a series of Carnival parties and costume balls.
- Are you visiting for Carnival? Stay in the Old town. Treat yourself to The Wellem, a 5-star property with spacious rooms and a perfect location. The Living Hotel De Medici is another excellent option. The 4-star hotel has beautifully appointed rooms in a unique heritage-listed building.
Dusseldorf Carnival Traditional Events
- Thursday February 12th – Wednesday February 18th, 2026 – Dusseldorf carnival kicks off on with the Altweiberfastnacht on the Thursday of the Carnival Celebrations. Known as the Women’s Carnival, the occasion sees revelers traditionally ‘storm’ the city hall. A street carnival then follows in the Old Town.
- Other events include the Children’s and Youth Procession, Kö-Treiben (Carnival Sunday).
- The most popular event is held on Monday.
The Rose Monday Parade
- Monday, February 16th, 2026 – More than 30 music ensembles and 5,000 participants join the procession through the city.
- Elaborately built and decorated floats address cultural and political issues and can be satirical, hilarious and even controversial.
- The Carnival kicks off in Düsseldorf’s Old Town then makes its way through the entire city.
- Dressed in costumes, revelers throw sweets (Kamelle) and trinkets at the one million spectators lining the streets.
- There is dancing, singing, and food everywhere.
- Every few minutes, the war cry – Helau! – is shouted in chorus.
Gay Dusseldorf
Carnival is a significant event in Dusseldorf, with the city’s gay bars and clubs hosting memorable parties and themed events throughout the celebrations. The gay bars in Dusseldorf are mainly in the city centre with a couple in the old Town Altstadt. Admittedly, the gay scene in Düsseldorf isn’t that large – but, on the other hand, the community is colourful and lively, especially during the Carnival celebrations, which attracts over 1 million visitors.
The city centre is relatively small and can be explored easily on foot. Many major roads will be closed during the Carnival celebrations, so it is recommended to walk or take public transport to and from the festivities. The following bars host popular Carnival events:
- Bar Studio 1 – Intimate cocktail bar with a classy, vintage atmosphere featuring a vaulted ceiling.
- K1-Club – Leading nightclub for gays, lesbians and friends. Hosts popular 80s, 90s and Europop parties.
- Ludwigs Bier und Brot – Long-running gay bar and cafe with breakfast and lunch options.
- Nähkörbchen – Cosy gay bar with an outside terrace. Regular theme nights and events.
- Queenz – Weekend bar with pop music and cocktails.
Recommended Hotels in Dusseldorf
The following hotels are close to the gay bars and the Carnival festivities:
Breidenbacher Hof, Max Brown Hotel, Hotel Lindenhof, Motel One
Save on Hotels
Dusseldorf is small & easy to navigate.
Stay near the shopping district!
Where we stay!
The Radisson Blau hotel is our editors
choice, in Dusseldorf’s shopping streets.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Dusseldorf Carnival visit The Website
Gay Map of Dusseldorf
The gay bars in Dusseldorf are mainly in the city center with a couple in the old Town, we have chosen Hotels close to the bars in the city center that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
Königsallee 1140212 Düsseldorf, Germany
Centrally located on the Königsallee boulevard, this 5-star hotel in Düsseldorf offers soundproofed rooms with classical-style décor, and an elegant brasserie with panoramic views.
Spacious non-smoking rooms and suites with flat-screen TV, iPod station, and luxurious décor are provided at the Capella Breidenbacher Hof Düsseldorf. A personal assistant is on hand. WiFi is free.
13, Steinstraße, Stadtmitte, Stadtbezirk 1, Dusseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, 40212, Germany
Ruby Coco Hotel Dusseldorf is attractively situated in the middle of Düsseldorf. This property is located a short distance from attractions such as Königsallee, Theater an der Kö, and Kom(m)ödchen. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage for guests. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Oststraße 128, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Just a 7-minute walk from the famous Königsallee shopping street and Düsseldorf Central Station, this hotel offers a spa with a sauna. Its soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and a flat-screen TV.
Behind a historic façade, the Leonardo Boutique Hotel Düsseldorf features elegant rooms with a modern and en suite bathrooms providing a hairdryer.
Immermannstraße 54, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Situated in the heart of the city of Düsseldorf, this design hotel offers bright rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi in all areas and a 24-hour reception. The popular Königsalle shopping street is 1 km away.
Each of the modern rooms at Motel One Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof is simply furnished with a flat-screen TV and contemporary-style bathroom. Some offer guests extra comfort with larger beds.
Graf-Adolf-Straße 70A, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Victoria Apartments provides accommodation with living room a flat-screen TV with Blu-ray player, a kitchen with microwave, private bathroom with shower. Free WiFi is available and private parking
Wagnerstraße 9, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany
Sleep Inn Düsseldorf Suites each unit has a balcony, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV, while the private bathroom includes a shower. garden views and free WiFi
Hohe Str. 41, 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Centrally located in Düssseldorf, these 4-star serviced studios and apartments offer a garden view Set in a peaceful historical building with a green inner courtyard. Each furnished apartment offers all modern amenities such as free WiFi
Central, quiet location at the town hall conveniently with no through traffic 46sqm 1st floor Apartment with 21sqm morning terrace Close to all the Restaurants, bars, nightlife, opera, theaters, museums, shopping and parks
Mertensgasse 1140213 Düsseldorf, Germany
Ludwigs gay bar is popular with everyone and is well worth popping in for a beer
This is where friends meet and those who want to become friends. Everyone is welcome here and always receives a friendly welcome
Charlottenstraße 62, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Busy gay bar with a dance floor and DJ
Bismarckstraße 9340210 Düsseldorf, Germany
Popular gay bar really nice staff and great music
Hafenstraße 11 40213 Düsseldorf, Germany
very nice and open atmosphere with nice staff and landlady. One of the few remaining pubs that are dedicated to the gay life
Recommended Hotels in Dusseldorf By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Dusseldorf that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Breidenbacher Hof
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, Königsallee boulevard, elegant brasserie.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- iPod station, luxurious décor.
- Prime location with personal assistant service, ideal for upscale, comfortable stay.
Carathotel Düsseldorf
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, free high speed WiFi, spacious lobby.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, private bathroom.
- Opened in 2018, modern comfort near Königsallee, perfect for both leisure and business.
Ruby Coco Hotel
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, central location, 24-hour front desk.
- Close to the gay district.
- Equipped with flat-screen TV.
- Attractive and affordable, ideally situated for exploring Düsseldorf’s attractions.
Motel One
3 Star, Location
- 3-star, design hotel, air conditioning.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Contemporary bathroom.
- Budget-friendly, stylish design, perfect for city center exploration and convenience.
Video – Dusseldorf Carnival
Highlights of the Carnival Parade.
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