Karneval starts traditionally on November 11th at 11:11 and lasts until Ash Wednesday. It also called the “Fifth Season” (Fünfte Jahreszeit). While there are celebrations and events throughout the seasons, the real party starts with Weiberfastnacht (Thursday before Rose Monday) when women cut off mens’ ties. Parades with decorated floats, often political in nature, happen mostly on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). Celebrations and events continue on Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday) and it all ends on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). In many areas with large Carnival celebrations, children are off from school and people are off from work.

Many cities have multiple Karnevalsvereine (Carnival clubs) with their own uniforms and traditions. Büttenredner*innen (carnival orator) gives comical speeches, there is singing and dancing, and (some) alcohol.

German immigrants, people interested in the German culture, and other Germanophiles come together in the US to uphold certain traditions. The following list of events is for 2023 and it not comprehensive. Some Carnival celebrations also already taken place. If you know what is missing, please let me know, so I can update it.