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.