Concerts and events in front of and within the grounds of festively lit castles, stunt shows and cinema action in Filmpark Babelsberg or festivals and medieval castle spectacles – Potsdam boasts a host of cultural events that are celebrated year for year. What is unique and fascinating is above all the atmosphere of the event locations. lt is not just the famous scenery of Potsdam's palaces and gardens – even churches, convents and monasteries, villas and manor houses, lakes and parks throughout the region provide the perfect setting for music and dance, theatre events and festivals. Foto: © Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci/Mathias Marx

Until 1st August
On the occasion of the World Championship of Marching Show Bands, the preliminary battles initially take place in the show and parade competition. On 31st July, all the participating bands will march through the town centre in a large parade, before the grand final follows on 1st August. The list of confirmed participants so far reads like a little journey around the world. In addition to the local hero, Fanfarenzug Potsdam, teams are expected from Denmark, Brazil, Italy, Taiwan, Poland, Thailand, Malaysia and Ireland.

Until 21th August
Light, water and magnificently illuminated castles have always fascinated people. On five weekends during the year, castles, buildings and churches on the banks of the river Havel are aglow with a blaze of lights. In the evening, the boats of the Potsdam White Fleet and the river Havel steamships put to sea for their three-hour parade trip. The crowning conclusion of the trip is a baroque rain of fire from the Glienicker Brücke (a bridge), illuminated by Bengal lights.

Until 30th August
Life-size models of primeval animals, such as sabre-toothed tigers, mammoths or dinosaurs, populate the tropical world of the Potsdam Biosphere. The exhibition takes visitors on a voyage back in time through the history of life. The history starts where everything began: with the big bang. The first part of the exhibition, before you enter the tropical hall, initially leads through the primeval time of Earth.

Until 2nd October
The three-hour evening trip by the comfortable saloon boat “Fridericus Rex” entices you to the green south of Berlin. The kitchen aboard the ship serves an evening buffet with culinary delights. In the light of the setting sun, the trip goes across the “Kleine und Große Wannsee” (a small lake and its adjoining larger one of the same name), past the nocturnal Potsdam backdrop and back to the harbour near Lange Brücke (long bridge).

Until 31st October 2010
In countless families, the Sandman is still one of the most important figures in a toddler’s life. Every evening, the television figure brings back from its journeys a story and sand (for the toddlers’ eyes) for the sake of sweet dreams and a good sleep. In the extensive Sandman exhibition on the occasion of its 50th birthday, all generations will find their own “very personal” Sandman again in the Film Museum Potsdam and start a conversation with each other.