HanseKulturFestival 

The HanseKulturFestival is a lively, enjoyable street festival organised by and with many residents of Lübeck, street communities, the retail trade, restaurants, associations, cultural institutions and artists. It was created after the 2014 International Hanseatic Days had inspired so many people in Lübeck that the desire was expressed to organise an Old Town festival of this kind on a regular basis – even if on a smaller scale. Since then, Lübeck has celebrated this joyously relaxed and unmistakably Lübeckian festival every two years on three days in June. Numerous small creative theatres and individual, regional culinary offerings form the centrepiece of the event.

Every two years, the HanseKulturFestival brings the people in a different district of town together in order to embrace joie de vivre and creativity in the historic Old Town. Until 2016, it was held in the seafarers’ district around St. Jacob’s Church, and in 2018 in the relaxed quarter around St. Giles Church. In 2021, the traditional cathedral district will become the host to people’s hearts. There they had already meticulously planned the three day festival for the summer of 2020 with great love of detail, but now they are eagerly looking forward to next year after the cancellation due to the pandemic.

The HanseKulturFestival is like a brightly coloured bouquet of flowers in small, exquisite moments of culture. Here, street art and cabaret share the Old Town backdrop with dancing, music, literary events and painting. On every street corner, you find a different, fascinating theatre scene to enchant you. Up and coming bands and live performances bring the scenery to life. There are also tons of games for children to join in. The street festival is a perfect opportunity to relax and let yourself go, drifting from one corner to the next residential alleyway, always accompanied by music and laughter – and the scent of regional, frequently home-made dishes.

The HanseKulturFestival captivates everyone very simply. As a festival of joy, it is not only a place of multifaceted creativity and magical, cultural experiences but also one of relaxed encounters between residents of Lübeck and guests, young and old, actors and spectators. Whether with friends or the whole family with children – the focus here is on experiences marked by typical North German serenity and social conviviality.

The HanseKulturFestival has made sustainability the basic tenet of its approach. This aspiration is to be met in all areas if possible. So the caterers involved are all from the region. They offer fairly purchased, eco-friendly, regional dishes and drinks. The crockery and cutlery is reusable or biologically degradable and the aim is to avoid waste. Decorative elements and parts of the facilities are used on a recurring basis. The printing of the programmes is climate-neutral, and the public spaces in the event area are supplied with green electricity.

The festival experience in the alleyways of the Old Town is largely free of charge. A few offers such as guided tours or workshops may be an exception to that rule. Just look at the up-to-date programme and you will find all the information you need on numerous events.