Carnival meetings in Cologne - what to expect in the 2026 session
Costumes, camels and confetti - the 2025/2026 carnival season has already begun! As the carnival capital, Cologne will once again delight visitors this year with a jam-packed, colorful program that is sure to get everyone's attention. The best events of the 5th season kicked off on 11/11, but how do you pass the time until Weiberfastnacht? Well, luckily we have a selection of the most entertaining carnival events in Cologne for you. Whether in the laughing Kölnarena, at the Röschensitzung in Gloria or at the Prunk-, Kostüm- and Traditionssitzung, there's something for everyone. All you have to do is choose a session and decide between your costumes as a snow leopard, lampshade or clown. Alaaf and enjoy! 🎉🤠💥
And if you still need inspiration on which carnival parties to go to afterwards 👉 we've put together a list of our favorites here! 🎈👯♂️
Karneval! KKG Fidele Fordler Mädchensitzung „klein & fein“, 28.1.2026 um 17 Uhr, Maritim Köln
Every year, the "klein & fein" session transforms the Maritim into a party epicenter for Cologne girls - handmade, up close and with a really good atmosphere. A colorful mix of music, dancing and Cologne lightness.
Lachende Kölnarena 2026
The mega session in the Lanxess Arena, where the big Cologne bands such as Bläck Fööss, Höhner and Brings take to the stage every evening. There is less "sitting" and more cheerful singing and dancing!
Kölns Kleinste Karnevalssitzung
A mini session with maximum proximity: Here you feel like you're sitting in the living room with the artists. No big fuss, just pure Cologne Fastelovends vibes.
Lachende PÄNZarena 2026
Cologne's biggest children's party makes the Lanxess Arena shake! Party like the grown-ups, only more colorful, louder and with almost 1,000 kids on stage. Here the cow really flies for the youngest. 🐄
13. Pfannekuchensitzung | 4+
The legendary pancake session serves up a wild mix of comedy, music and wonderfully weird carnival cabaret: typically Comedia, wonderfully imperfect. An evening after which you're sure to have laughed more than you ate. 🥞
RUTFRONT SITZUNG 2026 //
Rough, red and really jolly: the Rutfront session brings alternative carnival energy to the Kulturbunker. Honest, loud and absolutely authentic! The Rutfront session is an insider tip for all those who like things a little off the beaten track.
Röschen Sitzung - Land unter!
The queer cult session at Gloria goes completely underwater and transforms into a shrill underwater spectacle full of mermaids, sea creatures and lots of glitter. Political, colorful and really jolly, it's definitely a dive that's guaranteed not to leave you dry. 🐠
Brauhaussitzung der KKG Löstige Paulaner von 1949 e.V.
A rustic brewery party in a genuine Kölsch atmosphere, close, loud and wonderfully informal. Here, the Paulaner:innen celebrate their Veedel, their brewery and, of course, themselves, with a lot of heart and plenty of Kölsch.
Paulinchensitzung® – Das Original
The legendary women's session of the Löstigen Paulaner, a cult event since 1980 and sold out in no time every year. In the Pullman, the Paulinchens celebrate a jolly power program that elegantly and energetically brings the magic of Cologne carnival. 🪄
FKK - Freche kleine Kneipensitzung
The FKK-Sitzung is Fastelovend in pub format: raderdoll, intimate and completely handmade. Sören Leyers and Heinz Gröning conjure up a mini-prunk session on stage at Heimathirsch: so close that you almost become part of the program.
Frequently asked questions about carnival meetings in Cologne
1 What is a carnival session in Cologne?
A carnival session in Cologne is a mixture of stage show, music and humor - a real highlight of the 5th season. Speakers, musicians and dance groups perform here. There are countless different formats such as the Lachende Kölnarena, the Röschensitzung in Gloria or many sessions of traditional carnival clubs in Cologne. Each session has its own style, but they all have one thing in common: pure fun and entertainment!
2. how much does a carnival session in Cologne cost?
Prices vary depending on the event and location. A ticket for the Lachende Kölnarena usually costs between 30 and 60 euros, while smaller sessions, such as the Röschensitzung or alternative formats like the Stunksitzung, also vary in price. It's worth getting tickets early!
3. do I have to wear a costume to a carnival meeting in Cologne?
The carnival sessions in Cologne are usually celebrated in disguise, so it's worth checking the respective session in advance. Whether in classic rut wiess, in traditional costume or with your friends as a whole zoo. The main thing is to be colorful and jolly - let your creativity run wild!
4. what types of carnival sessions are there in Cologne?
There is a wide variety of carnival events in Cologne, including
- Mädchensitzungen
- Herrensitzungen / Häreovend
- Prunksitzungen
- Kostümsitzungen
- Kindersitzungen / Familijesitzungen
- Galasitzungen
- Fernseh- & Hörfunksitzungen
- Alternative Formate wie die Stunksitzung: Die Stunksitzung ist eine alternative, satirische Karnevalssitzung, die sich durch politischen Witz und modernes Bühnenprogramm vom traditionellen Karneval unterscheidet
Cologne thus offers the right session for every Jeck:in - from traditional to modern. ❤️🤍❤️🤍
5 When do carnival meetings take place in Cologne?
Carnival sessions mainly take place from New Year's Day until shortly before Carnival Tuesday, with the highest density of events on Carnival Friday and Tulip Sunday. Especially in the last week before Rose Monday, there are several sessions almost every day in Cologne's large halls.
Don't want to miss any more events in Cologne? Then download the free Rausgegangen app now, create your own profile with your favorite events, follow your favorite locations and win guest list places for the next event. 👉🏼 RAUSGEGANGEN APP
