Ehrentag-Festival Potsdam 2026

First Time: Nationwide Ehrentag

On May 23, 2026 — the 77th anniversary of the German Basic Law — Germany will celebrate the "Ehrentag" (Day of Honour) for the first time, a nationwide day of action for voluntary engagement. Initiated by the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteerism, the day aims to highlight what millions of volunteers do for society every day — from the fire department to sports clubs to the food bank, from lay judges to neighborhood help. Each federal state will have its own events. The Potsdam Ehrentag-Festival at Waschhaus is the central event in Brandenburg.

Your Commitment Counts — Motto and Mission

The motto "Your Commitment Counts!" is both an appreciation and an invitation: an appreciation for all who are already volunteering. An invitation to all who haven't yet found a role — and might discover where they want to get involved on the day of action. Around 30 initiatives, clubs, and aid organizations from Potsdam and Brandenburg will present themselves at the festival — from the Potsdam-Mittelmark Volunteer Fire Department, the DRK Water Rescue Havel, to the Hospice Service and the Potsdam Food Bank.

Program — Stands, Participation, Encounters

The festival is intentionally designed to be accessible: no long speeches, no exclusive VIP area, but open stands where visitors can talk to the volunteers. Hands-on activities provide practical insights: try out first aid in 5 minutes, a workshop for lay judges, a test drive with the DLRG boat on the Havel (weather permitting), or packing a food donation for the food bank. Discussion rounds on topics like "How do I find my volunteer role?" or "What creates a strong civil society?" will run concurrently in the Small Hall of Waschhaus.

Musical Entertainment and Atmosphere

Musical entertainment will accompany the events throughout the day — pop choirs from the Potsdam Adult Education Center, youth big bands, singer-songwriters from the Brandenburg Music Council. The atmosphere is both familial and engaged. Coffee, cake, and small snacks will be offered by clubs, with proceeds directly supporting their work.

Waschhaus Potsdam and Schiffbauergasse

The venue is Waschhaus Potsdam, a socio-cultural center on the Schiffbauergasse site by the Tiefen See lake. Waschhaus — named after the former laundry of the Prussian Military Academy — has been one of Brandenburg's most important alternative cultural venues for decades. For a festival like Ehrentag, it offers an ideal mix: indoor spaces for lectures and workshops, outdoor areas for stands and performances, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites visitors to linger. Accessible by Tram 99 from Potsdam Central Station.