I know that there is a parade on Rose Monday. Is that the 4th?
Are there other events that Sunday and Monday?
I tried to translate the website: www.karneval.de
but couldn't really understand what was going on those days.
Could I get some help from our German reading friends?
Also, any input on Karneval those days would be appreciated.

The whole weekend before Rose Monday is a nonstop party in Rhineland bars and other venues. The so called "Sitzung" are themed evenings together with live program, singing and wine and kolsch and have an admission fee. More exclusive costume balls are also held.

The various districts of Cologne have their own parades all through the weekend and on Tuesday. These are more amateur style compared to Rose Monday and the local schools and carneval associations are the performers.

On Saturday there is also the more alternative and "darker" "Geisterzug" that has some left leaning political connotations.

Make sure you have a hotel in the city centre, public transprt might be difficult in this crazy days. Marriott or Intercontinental are in the middle of the fun.

Book accommodation immediately, you've left it late and will have to take whatever you get. The whole city will be packed.