Bezirksfest Süd Gelsenkirchen

Bezirksfest Süd — Where Gelsenkirchen's South Celebrates

The district festivals of the city of Gelsenkirchen are a series of five free, decentralized neighborhood festivals — each festival in its own district. The Bezirksfest Süd will take place from June 13 to 14, 2026, at the Kleingartenverein (KGV) Wiehagen — a traditional allotment garden site in the south of the city. The address: Wembkenstraße 33, 45883 Gelsenkirchen.

Format — Allotment Garden Instead of City Center

Unlike most neighborhood festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Bezirksfest Süd is hosted in an allotment garden association — a special atmosphere between blooming gardens, small garden sheds, and cozy paths. The city of Gelsenkirchen and the Generationennetz Gelsenkirchen e.V. (Gelsenkirchen Generations Network) jointly organize the district festivals with local clubs — the goal: to make club life visible, connect generations, and promote neighborhood pride. All 5 district festivals are free.

2026 Program — Theme IGA 2027

The main theme for 2026 is the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2027, which will take place next year in the Ruhr area — Gelsenkirchen is one of the host locations. The 2026 district festivals will therefore also serve as a 'preview' of the big IGA year.

What You'll Experience

• Local clubs present themselves (dance, Karneval, sports, cultural clubs)
• Stage program with performances and demonstrations
• Gastronomy with food and drinks
• Children's program with games and craft activities
• Open House at the allotment garden association — insight into the Schrebergärten (allotment gardens)
• IGA 2027 Info Booths with a preview of the garden exhibition

Opening Hours

• Saturday, June 13, 2026: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Sunday, June 14, 2026: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

KGV Wiehagen — Tradition in Gelsenkirchen's South

The Kleingartenverein Wiehagen e.V. is a member of the Gelsenkirchen Allotment Garden Association. With over 40 plots, it is part of the green lung of the southern district. The site has been a meeting point for summer festivals for decades — the district festival gives the general public access.

The Five District Festivals 2026 in Gelsenkirchen

• Bezirksfest West: May 16–17, 2026, KGV Glückauf Buer-Schaffrath
• Bezirksfest Süd: June 13–14, 2026, KGV Wiehagen
• Bezirksfest Nord: June 20–21, 2026
• Bezirksfest Mitte: Date in summer
• Bezirksfest Ost: Date in summer

Getting There

By car: via the A40 or A42 to Gelsenkirchen, then follow signs for Gelsenkirchen-Süd. By public transport: Bogestra bus lines to the stop near Wembkenstraße — from there, a few minutes' walk.