Every two years, one of Lübeck’s Old Town districts is transformed into a colourful festive mile. It becomes an authentic place of experience and a lively stage for the HanseKulturFestival. Become a family member! Dance to the music on the streets! Marvel at the acrobatics and cabaret! Enjoy regional delicacies! Get to know Lübeck as it really is – through the people who live here!
We would like to thank our sponsor, the Possehl Stiftung Lübeck, for their generous support!
Our sponsors
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 all started in 2014 after the amazing International Hanseatic Days had inspired so many people in Lübeck. There was a strong desire to organise an Old Town festival of this kind on a regular basis – though on a smaller scale. Since then, Lübeck has celebrated this relaxed local festival every two years in June. Numerous small creative theatres and individual, regional culinary offerings characterize this typical event.
Every two years, the HanseKulturFestival brings people together in a different district of town, in order to embrace joie de vivre and creativity in the historic Old Town. In 2016, it was held in the seafarers’ district around St. Jacob’s Church, in 2018 in the relaxed quarter around St. Giles Church, in 2022, the historic Cathedral district and in 2024 around the founding district. At the next HanseKulturFestival in June 2026, it will be interesting to see which district will be the host of hearts.
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 activities 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.
Old Town district dolls itself up and opens its heart
events bring the Old Town streets alive
enthusiastic organisers embody the essence of the festival
#hansekulturfestival
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