GEBEN&GEBEN Festival Esslingen

GEBEN&GEBEN — Where Art and Solidarity Meet

The GEBEN&GEBEN festival is a special concept: artists, craftspeople, and designers from Esslingen am Neckar and the surrounding region showcase their handmade products — not in a traditional sales market, but within a framework of solidarity where 10% of all sales revenue goes to a social organization. In 2026, the beneficiary is the Kinderzentrum Agapedia Esslingen — an institution that helps disadvantaged children and families.

Around 20 Exhibitors, Wide Range

The core of the event is the exhibition and sales area in the courtyard and rooms of the Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse. Around 20 independent exhibitors will present a broad spectrum: jewelry (silver, gold, natural stone works), ceramics (pottery, porcelain sculptures), fashion (own collections, streetwear), painting, upcycling products (furniture and textiles from recycled materials), lifestyle (candles, natural cosmetics, home accessories). Each exhibitor sells directly — fostering direct contact between maker and buyer, which is part of the concept.

Music and Culinary Delights in the Dieselstrasse Courtyard

In addition to the sales market, the festival is complemented by music and culinary offerings: Bands and DJs will perform in the Dieselstrasse courtyard, alongside street food, drinks, and seating areas. The atmosphere is familiar and alternative, typical for the Esslingen cultural center.

The Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse

Since 1981, the Kulturzentrum Dieselstrasse e.V. at Dieselstraße 26, 73734 Esslingen am Neckar, has been one of the most important alternative cultural venues in the Stuttgart region. It houses a bar, youth club, cinema, live music venue, lounge, multipurpose hall, restaurant, and theater under one roof — operated as a non-profit with a dense annual program. The GEBEN&GEBEN festival is one of the highlights of the summer program.

Esslingen am Neckar in Baden-Württemberg

Esslingen am Neckar is the district capital of the Esslingen district in Baden-Württemberg, with nearly 95,000 inhabitants and one of the most beautiful preserved medieval old towns in Southern Germany. The Dieselstrasse is located in the western part of the city, Pliensauvorstadt, and is easily accessible by public transport and from the train station.