Festival of Cultures Osnabrück 2026
Two weeks of diversity, encounters, and world music in the City of Peace
About Festival of Cultures
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The City of Peace as a Stage for the World
Osnabrück bears the title City of Peace for good reason: part of the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated here in 1648, and the legacy of cultural exchange is embedded in the city's fabric. The Festival of Cultures has translated this tradition into a vibrant format for over two decades. In 2026, the program will be expanded further: two full weeks from September 13th to 30th.
Opening Weekend: September 13th and 14th
The opening weekend focuses on international stage concerts. On Saturday, from 7 PM to 11 PM, two top acts from the Eastern European world music scene will perform:
- Dikanda (Poland) — Slavic, Balkan, and Klezmer influences, carried by the charismatic voice of Anna Witczak
- Divanhana (Bosnia-Herzegovina) — a contemporary interpretation of the Sevdah tradition
Sunday, September 14th — Traditional Festival of Cultures
On Sunday, from 1 PM to 7 PM, the market square becomes a meeting place. Over 60 associations from around 25 nations will present themselves: dance groups, music ensembles, traditional costumes, language schools, and diaspora associations. The international cuisine ranges from West African specialties and Syrian finger food to South American empanadas and Vietnamese spring rolls. Families, long-time residents of Osnabrück, and refugees meet on equal footing.
Two Weeks of Accompanying Program
Between the opening weekend and September 30th, the festival will utilize other venues in the city for readings, films, workshops, discussion forums, and concerts. Schools, migrant organizations, cultural centers, and religious communities will open their spaces. The exact accompanying program will be published a few weeks before the festival begins.
Organized by: Office for the Culture of Peace
For years, the festival has been managed by the Office for the Culture of Peace of the City of Osnabrück, a unique municipal body in Germany. It not only coordinates the festival but also the Osnabrück Peace Days and long-term educational work against racism and discrimination.
Free Admission, Everyone Welcome
The main stage programs at the market square are free of charge. Registration or suggested donations may apply for selected accompanying events. The city views the festival as a conscious statement against growing nationalism and in favor of an open, diverse Europe.
Festival of Cultures — edition 2026
Opening with European World Music
With Dikanda and Divanhana, the opening weekend brings together two top acts from the Eastern European world music scene. On Sunday, the traditional market square festival follows, featuring associations from 25 nations.
Programme Festival of Cultures 2026
2026 Program — Confirmed Highlights
Source: friedensstadt.osnabrueck.de.
Opening Weekend
- Saturday, Sep 13th, 7 PM–11 PM: International stage program with Dikanda (Poland) and Divanhana (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
- Sunday, Sep 14th, 1 PM–7 PM: Traditional Festival of Cultures at the market square with over 60 associations from around 25 nations
Accompanying Weeks: Sep 15th–30th
- Concerts and dance performances in cultural centers
- Readings, films, and discussions
- Workshops in schools and independent organizations
- Encounter opportunities from migrant organizations
Participants at the Market Square Festival (Selection)
- Dance groups from West Africa, Latin America, Turkey, Vietnam, Poland
- International cuisine, street food, culinary stages
- Language schools and diaspora associations with meeting tables
The detailed accompanying program will be published by the Office for the Culture of Peace in early September 2026.
Highlights Festival of Cultures 2026
- Two weeks of festival in the City of Peace, Osnabrück
- Opening weekend with Dikanda (PL) and Divanhana (BIH)
- Market square festival with over 60 associations from 25 nations
- Free admission to the main stages
- Organized by the Office for the Culture of Peace — 25 years of tradition
Prices Festival of Cultures 2026
Admission to the main stages at the market square is free. Individual accompanying events may require registration.
Practical information — Festival of Cultures
Date
September 13th to 30th, 2026. Opening weekend September 13th/14th, accompanying program until September 30th.
Locations
Osnabrück Market Square (main stage), other venues in the city center and in the city's cultural centers.
Admission
Stage program at the market square is free. Individual accompanying events may require registration or a suggested donation.
Program
Detailed program available from late summer at friedensstadt.osnabrueck.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Festival of Cultures al mejor precio.
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