Over the next few months, open air markets, fairs and festivals abound in Germany's small towns and big cities.

From the Documenta in Kassel to the world's largest heavy metal festival, Wacken Open Air, events range from big name art exhibitions and music festivals to hundreds of celebrations and concerts in small towns all over the country.

Not on your radar?

There is something for every taste: Christian open air festivals, fantasy festivals, events with medieval and Gothic themes - and of course music festivals ranging from Celtic rock electronic pop, hip hop, country, metal, jazz, African, reggae, Brazilian, to name just a few.

Some of them have delightful names: how about the Owls and Bats Festival, I Love Vinyl Open Air, Lose Your Shoes - and what on earth is Wild Carrot?

Our picture galleries above and below feature different events in Germany - some of them are rather off the radar, while others are world-renowned.