Festivals
Leipziger Kleinmesse
Funfair, twice a year in spring April/May and fall September/October
Saxonia International Balloon Fiesta
Meeting of hot air balloon pilots. Lots of flying balloons if the weather permits flying.
Leipziger Buchmesse (Leipzig Book Fair)
Besides the main event on the fairground, readings take place in various locations around the city.
Concerts
Gewandhaus
Mendelssohn's orchestra still exists, but the concert hall is new. Inside is a huge painting by Sighard Gille, visible through the windows from Augustusplatz.
Oper
The opera house of Leipzig. Though the building is only 50 years old, the company looks back at more than 300 years of history.
Motet in St. Thomas Church
Listen to the St. Thomas Boys Choir performing Bach's music in its original environment. Be aware that a guest choir may sing instead at any time as the St. Thomas Choir travels a lot. Since the motet is primarily a musical form of devotion and not a musical performance for tourists, applause is uncommon and frowned upon.
Sightseeing tours
Sightseeing tour
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, comprising a 1 hour guided walk through the city center and a bus tour of 1.5 hours to sights elsewhere. You can also book each part of the tour individually. Buy your ticket at tourist information, where the tour starts.
Sightseeing by tram
Every weekend, LVB offers sightseeing tours in a modified tram called "Gläserner Leipziger". Buy your ticket in advance from any of the LVB service offices listed above; it includes a day ticket for zone 110 Leipzig of the MDV network. The tour takes about 2 hours.
If you understand some German, get a copy of the monthly city magazine Kreuzer (http://www.kreuzer-leipzig.de/) or use the event calendar on their website to get information on upcoming events. You can buy the Kreuzer for â¬2.50 in press shops and bookstores throughout the city.