Cologne festivals are known to be both extravagant and exciting. If you're looking to have your trip to Cologne coincide with one of its many festivals, here's a rundown of the annual events ordered by month.

January

Kunstsalon - This annual music festival is known as Musik in den Hausen. Jazz, classical and occasional improv music are performed not only in public clubs, bars and other venues, but also in private houses.

February

Carnival - In the first week of February Cologne abandons itself to Carnival. Parades, floats, costumes, dancing and ultimate revelry take over the town in a riot of sights, sounds and colors. The other big day to celebrate Carnival falls in November.

April

Easter - While Easter has become largely commercialized in Cologne, a major draw is the Easter services held at Cologne Cathedral during Holy Week.

May

Labor Day - While not a festival, it is worth noting that all of the restaurants, cafes and pubs will be celebrating with people on this yearly day off of work for Cologne natives.

Weinwoche - From June 16 to 22 is a time for the wine lovers, as along Neumarkt you can sample a variety of German wines and pick up a few souvenirs.

Verzaubert - Cologne is known for its film festivals, one of which is the annual Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Venues throughout the city screen relevant films for both homosexuals and heterosexuals alike.

June

Romanische Sommer - On July 22 you can visit St Maria im Kapitol Church for a musical event that is always astounding, thanks to the light filtering into the architecturally incredible building.

Jamboree - Head to the Fhlinger See for this yearly rhythm and blues festivals that's sure to rock your socks off.

July

Cologne Pride - If you're more into the club scene, you might want to schedule your visit during Cologne Pride, a weekend of intense parties as Cologne celebrates its gay and lesbian communities.

August

Ringfest - This month at the Ring you can see any of the more than 1000 bands that come to help Cologne celebrate pop music at its finest. The streets are also filled with food stalls, and the atmosphere is always jovial.

September

Kolner Bucherherbst - This 4-day book festival held at Neumarkt is a time for lovers of the written word to hear their favorite authors give presentations and readings of their famous works.

October

Unity Day--October 3--is the day that Germany celebrates its unification, and Cologne does so with various events going on throughout the city's local venues.

Comedy Festival - The annual comedy festival sees stand-up comedians vying for the top spot at various venues throughout the city. One will be awarded the Comedy Cup.

Feminale - Another film festival is the 5-day women's film festival, with awards going out to the top movies produced and directed by women.

November

Carnival - On 11/11 at 11:11 a.m. you can join the crowds in the Carnival kick-off.

December

Christmas Market - The month leading up to Christmas is best spent at the Altermarkt in search of gifts for loved ones and delicious traditional foods for yourself.

Christmas - The streets of Cologne are beautifully decorated, and you can attend mass at the famous Cologne Cathedral.

New Year's Eve - Join the locals in a night of revelry as the city gears up to celebrate the New Year.