750 Years Warstein — City Anniversary

750 Years Warstein — History, Tradition, Music, Community

In 2026, the city of Warstein in the Soest district looks back on 750 years of documented city history. The first documented mention dates back to 1276 — reason enough for a three-day city anniversary from June 12th to 14th, 2026, under the motto "History, Tradition, Music, and Community Experience". The city administration, the festival committee, and numerous associations have been planning a program for years that makes Warstein's city history tangible and at the same time brings together the citizens of the Sauerland town.

Friday, June 12th — Historical Station Parcours

The first day of the festival is dedicated to Warstein's city history: At more than 10 stations in the city center, the history and stories of the city are made visible — from the Old Church and the historic city wall to the Haus Kupferhammer Museum. In the morning, the program is aimed at school classes and kindergarten groups (mandatory guided tours of stations); in the afternoon, the stations open to all citizens. The day concludes with an exhibition opening featuring comparison photographs "Memories" — historical and current images of Warstein's cityscape in direct comparison.

Saturday, June 13th — 100 Years Schnadezug + City Festival

A special double anniversary marks Saturday: an old Warstein tradition — the Schnadezug, a ceremonial procession along the city borders — celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. In the morning, the anniversary Schnadezug will follow a special route through the Warstein highlands and return ceremonially to the center. In the afternoon, the Day of Associations follows, with presentations by all Warstein associations in the city center. Highlight: the City Festival with barrel tapping by the mayor, children's races by sports clubs, live music by the band Ontrack, and a midnight laser show.

Sunday, June 14th — Official Ceremony and Concert

The anniversary weekend concludes on Sunday with the ceremonial service (11:00 AM), the official ceremony with speeches, honors, and an address, as well as performances by local ensembles and choirs. The evening ends with a concert in the Old Church with a carillon finale — a resounding conclusion to three days of Warstein's city history.

WarsteinLive on Four June Thursdays

In addition to the main festival weekend, the city is organizing the accompanying format WarsteinLive: On four Thursday evenings in June (June 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 2026), there will be free live concerts on the Warstein church forecourt. Local and regional acts will shape the summer evenings — a format that rhythms the city anniversary throughout June and consciously positions Warstein as a summer cultural city.

Warstein in the Soest District

Warstein is located in the Soest district in South Westphalia, at the transition between the Hellweg region and the Sauerland. With around 25,000 inhabitants, Warstein is primarily known as the location of the Warsteiner Brewery — one of Germany's largest private breweries. However, the city's history extends far beyond the brewery's founding in 1753: Warstein was a market town, mining center, and craft city for centuries. The 750-year anniversary makes this deep city history comprehensively visible for the first time — and highlights Warstein as a cultural center of the Sauerland in 2026.