The state's event calendar draws millions of visitors annually, from maritime celebrations to heavy metal fans.
* **Kieler Woche (Kiel Week):** Held every June, it is the largest sailing event in the world and one of the largest summer festivals in Northern Europe, featuring regattas, tall ships, and concerts. * **Wacken Open Air:** A small farming village becomes the global capital of heavy metal every August, hosting over 80,000 fans for one of the largest metal festivals on Earth. * **Travemünder Woche:** Another major international sailing regatta and festival held in the seaside resort of Travemünde (Lübeck). * **Christmas Markets:** The Lübeck Christmas Market is renowned for its historic setting in the UNESCO old town, drawing visitors from across Europe.
