WORLD CUP COMPANION EVENTS

Oktoberfest Westphalian-style

"A Time to Make Friends": The special regional football exhibition at the Zollern II/IV coal mine (June 3 to July 9) aims to prove that Dortmund and its environs have always lived and breathed this motto. Meanwhile, the "WM-ShowFenster" (World Cup Showcase), which focuses on tournaments and participating countries playing here from 1930, appears at the World Cup boulevard Hohe Strasse (June 6 to July 20). The bridge-building potential of the world's most popular sporting discipline - particularly among children and teenagers - is the theme of the photography exhibition "Fußball verbindet" (Football Unites) at the Sonnenenergieforum in the Westfalenpark (May 18 to July 13). The Westfalenhallen event center serves as a central hub for Dortmund's World Cup euphoria. The matches are shown here on big screens, a Westphalian version of the Oktoberfest is scheduled, and the African World Cup countries give performances (June 9 to July 9 respectively). Also staged here is the play Ronaldo und Julia (Ronaldo and Juliet), the story of a love affair between two fans of the opposing Schalke and Dortmund teams (June 8 to 18). The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform (June 11/12) and the soccer robots crown their own world champion at the Fira RoboWorld Cup (June 29 to July 3). In addition, Dortmund is the venue for another tournament: the Subbuteo FISTF World Cup. Foosball players from 15 countries flick for the title in the "Deutsche Arbeitsschutzausstellung" (DASA) exhibition hall (June 17 to 18). "WM-Total" (World Cup Total Immersion) is the uncompromising motto at the Dietrich-Keuning-Haus concert hall and exhibition center, as it presents a cultural program that varies daily (June 8 to July 9). The same applies to the "Fan Fest" on Friedensplatz square: Alongside live transmissions of the World Cup matches, spectacular top acts such as the pop group Juli (June 8) are sure to get the city rocking at a month-long summer party. In addition, an ecumenical church service and Christian culture festival (July 2) includes an international dance and music program, followed by a colorful musical parade (July 6). The Westfalenpark World Cup Lounge offers visitors a place to chill out between events (June 9 to July 4).

SIGHTS

DORTMUNDER ACTIEN-BRAUEREI

Steigerstrasse 20, Phone 0231/84 00 0

In the 1960s Dortmund was the world's second largest beer producer, right behind Milwaukee. A tour of the brewery is an eye-opening, mouth-watering experience.

DASA

Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25

Phone 0231 / 90 71 24 79

The German Occupational Safety and Health Exhibition is a hands-on educational experience presenting the world of work and labor's role in society.

RESTAURANTS

SWABEDOO

Kleine Beurhausstrasse 26, Phone 0231/14 13 00

The uncomplicated cuisine of this trendy favorite is just as cheery as the green, red and yellow paint on the walls.

PUBS

LA CUCARACHA

Humboldtstrasse 4, Phone 0231/14 83 75

Mexican-style pub that's always packed. The best bar in the Ruhr region offers more than 100 cocktails and long drinks; in the summer there's a beer garden.

SISSIKINGKONG

Landwehrstrasse 17, Phone 0231/728 25 78

Yesterday a harbor dive, today a trendy bar and club lounge with a chill-out atmosphere. The small kitchen serves Mediterranean delights.

SHOPPING

DOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN ZONE

Westenhellweg/Ostenhellweg

The Ruhr region's most attractive place to stroll and shop traces a historic European military and trade route.

KRÜGER PASSAGE

Between Westenhellweg and Kampstrasse

Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau shape the look of this exclusive shopping arcade. Built in 1912, it was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly rebuilt.

FAN CORNER

SOCCER WORLD