Abteigartenfest Lemgo

The Hanseatic City's Summer Evening Format

The Abteigartenfest is Lemgo's favorite summer event in the heart of the historic old town. Unlike the large Lemgo Schützenfest (marksmen's festival) or the late-summer medieval markets, the Abteigartenfest focuses on two summer evenings with a clear concept: wine village and beer garden atmosphere in the green Abteigarten – one of the most beautiful city parks in Ostwestfalen. Organized by Lemgo Marketing e.V. together with local restaurateurs, the festival has been a firm fixture in the August calendar for years.

2026 Dates: August 14–15

The 2026 edition runs on Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2026. The Marienfeiertag (Assumption Day) on Saturday makes the festival evening particularly popular – many Lemgo residents have the following day off. Both evenings:

• Grounds open: from 5:00 PM
• Entrance: via Breite Straße, next to Hotel Annenhof
• End: around midnight

Gastronomic Offerings

Several established Lemgo restaurateurs operate stalls – each with its own specialty:

• Grilled specialties: baked ham and spit-roasted pork in a bun
• Bowls, salads, antipasti (also vegetarian)
• Crêpes sweet and savory
• Regional cheese and sausage variations
• Sweet finale: ice cream, pastries, candied almonds

Drinks

The focus is on Detmolder Pilsener on tap – Lemgo residents traditionally drink from the local private brewery in neighboring Detmold. In addition, there is a selected wine stand with German white wines, Italian red wines, and selected rosé wines. Cocktails, Aperol Spritz, Hugo, and non-alcoholic alternatives complete the offering.

Music Program: DJ Peter S.

DJ Peter S. has been the musical face of the Abteigartenfest for years. On both evenings, he plays relaxed lounge and summer sets from 5 PM onwards – Pop, Soul, House cuts, mainstream hits. Not a dance event with booming bass, but a constant musical carpet that carries the mood.

Atmosphere: Wine Village Meets Beer Garden

The setup is based on a classic wine village: bistro standing tables, beer garden benches, fairy lights strung between the trees of the Abteigarten. The park itself – with its old trees and the backdrop of the former abbey – lends the festival its special touch. At sunset over the brick roofs, the atmosphere becomes magical.

Lemgo – Hanseatic City in Lipperland

Lemgo is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities in Ostwestfalen. With around 41,000 inhabitants and a complete Weser Renaissance old town, the city has been a trading center of Lipperland since the Middle Ages. The famous Hexenbürgermeisterhaus (Witch Mayor's House), the Junkerhaus, and the numerous half-timbered buildings characterize the cityscape. The Abteigarten is part of this historic ensemble – formerly a monastery garden, now a public park.