Brückenfest Möhnesee

The folk festival by the water

The Brückenfest Möhnesee is one of the most musically ambitious folk festivals in the Sauerland region — and one of the few events in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia that incorporates an entire lake as its stage. From Thursday, August 6th to Sunday, August 9th, 2026, the organizer Venue Vibe GmbH from Soest will host the Seepark Körbecke and the lake stairs with a 1 km long festival mile.

2026 Lineup — Full Stadl power and Schlager top acts

The program is clearly focused on Schlager/party music, with two nationally known headliners:

• Thursday, August 6th: Barrel tapping by the mayor at 5 p.m., then Patchwork Noise live from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday, August 7th: Uno Momento from 3 p.m.; at 6 p.m. Ramon Roselly (DSDS winner 2020) + DJ Elias
• Saturday, August 8th: Palmlands from 12 p.m.; at 6 p.m. headliner Peter Wackel (Ballermann legend, “Joana”) + Emsperlen
• Sunday, August 9th: Flea market in the morning, Local Heroes lineup with regional bands all day

Largest visitor numbers in the Sauerland region

With an expected 25,000 visitors over the entire weekend, the Brückenfest is one of South Westphalia's largest open-air events. The mix of a top lineup, free admission, lakeside setting, and Sauerland folk festival atmosphere attracts audiences from the entire Soest district, the eastern Ruhr area, the Sauerland region, and North Hesse.

What is the Möhnesee?

The Möhnesee, with its 10.1 km² water surface, is one of Westphalia's largest reservoirs — known primarily for the historic Möhne Dam and its role in World War II (bombing in 1943). Today, the lake is a central recreational area in the Sauerland region, offering swimming, sailing, diving, stand-up paddling, and cycling paths around its shores. The Seepark Körbecke is the tourist center.

Setup and atmosphere

The festival grounds are set up like a classic summer festival: main stage with grandstand, several bars, food mile with Westphalian culinary delights and international food trucks, carousels and rides for families, festival tent. The location directly on the lake gives the event a unique character — on sunny days, the beach is also used; in case of changeable Sauerland weather, covered areas are available.

Sunday — Flea market and relaxed conclusion

Sunday breaks from the Schlager format: flea market with private and commercial vendors in the morning, plus Local Heroes — bands from the Sauerland and western Münsterland regions. Family entertainment complements the day. Those who want to end the weekend more peacefully should come on Sunday.

State of NRW — District of Soest

In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, District of Soest, the Brückenfest is one of the benchmark summer festivals in South Westphalia. It is a sensible alternative or addition to the Schützenfest Neheim, Sauerland-Herbst, and other major regional events.