Bänke raus — Langendreer

Bänke raus — when Langendreer becomes a festival mile

The neighborhood festival “Bänke raus” is one of the most original dates in Bochum-East each year. Instead of being a traditional Schützenfest (shooting festival) or a commercial Kirmes (fair), it’s based on a single, beautiful idea: Residents and associations set up their own tables and benches on Alte Bahnhofstraße, transforming it into a shared living room spanning 1.5 kilometers. The motto “The Festival to Participate In” is the program. 2026: Sunday, June 14, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The organizer is the Werbegemeinschaft Alte Bahnhofstraße (WAB) Langendreer (Business Association Alte Bahnhofstraße).

Langendreer-West and Alte Bahnhofstraße

Langendreer, with around 30,000 inhabitants, is one of the easternmost districts of Bochum, bordering Witten and Dortmund. The central boulevard is Alte Bahnhofstraße — a historic shopping street with cafés, long-established shops, the St. Marien Church, and several clubhouses. For years, this street has carried the image of a “colorful quarter” with a left-leaning, alternative vibe, a vibrant club structure, and migrant communities. “Bänke raus” reinforces precisely this identity: a festival without major sponsors, but with a high degree of participation.

100+ Beer Tent Sets — Across the Entire Street

Over 100 Bierzeltgarnituren (beer tent sets – table + two benches) will be distributed along the length of the street. Every resident, every association, every initiative can register a plot: for a birthday party, a coffee and cake gathering, a board game tournament, or simply to get to know the neighbors better. This plot architecture makes “Bänke raus” unique: there is no central program to consume — you walk down the street, strike up conversations with unfamiliar table groups, and get drawn in.

2026 — Incentives for Private Participants

For the 2026 edition, the WAB has introduced incentives to encourage more private registrations (instead of just associations and businesses): free table space and three prize gift baskets worth €100 each, to be raffled among private registrants. Registration via form at Elektro Klaes, Alte Bahnhofstraße 189.

Family Flea Market in Front of St. Marien Church

A family flea market will be set up simultaneously in front of the Catholic St. Marien Church. Children sell their old toys, families clear out their basements — a small, child-dominated flea market zone spatially connected to the main festival on Alte Bahnhofstraße.

Stage Program and Sunday Shopping

Several small stages along the street will offer live music, acoustic sets, dance groups, and volunteer performances. As the Sunday is also open for shopping, the shops on Alte Bahnhofstraße will open — bringing additional vibrancy. Cafés and restaurants will set up outdoor seating, and the streetscape will be completely pedestrianized.

Bochum-East Citizens' Week

“Bänke raus” is embedded in the Bochum-East Citizens' Week (June 10–16, 2026) — a program week with events from several districts east of Bochum city center. This framework underscores its self-perception as a neighborly, non-touristic event. Visitors to “Bänke raus” should immerse themselves in a day in the neighborhood — don’t rush, but truly get to know people.