Gütersloh International — 49th Edition

Gütersloh — Cultural Pluralism in OWL

Gütersloh, with around 102,000 inhabitants, is the district town of Gütersloh in East Westphalia-Lippe (Detmold administrative district) and one of the most diverse cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Home to Bertelsmann, Miele, and Pfleiderer, but also to migrants from over 130 nations — Poland, Turkey, Russia, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, Syria, Eritrea, and many others. The city festival "Gütersloh International" is the annual stage for this diversity.

49th Edition — Almost Half a Century of Tradition

With the 49th edition in 2026, Gütersloh International is approaching its anniversary. What began in the 1970s as a small meeting festival is now one of the oldest and largest intercultural city festivals in North Rhine-Westphalia. Thousands of visitors come annually to Theodor-Heuss-Platz in front of the Stadthalle to experience the culinary and cultural diversity of the city.

International Stands and Program

At the over 30 stands, associations and communities from Gütersloh present specialties from their countries of origin: Turkish Mezze and Lahmacun, Polish Pierogi, Italian Pizza al Taglio, Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Syrian Falafel, Eritrean Injera, Spanish Tapas, Russian Blini — the list is long. On stage, there are dance and music performances — from Turkish folk dances and Andalusian flamenco to African drum music.

New in 2026 — Stand Competition and Children's Corner

The 49th edition introduces two innovations. Firstly, the most beautiful stand will be awarded in a competition — judged on the presentation of the country of origin, the food and drink offerings, team performance, and creative design. Secondly, a children's corner with games from around the world will be created: traditional games and activities from the represented nations — from African Mancala and Chinese Tangram to Turkish scavenger hunts. Families can spend an entire afternoon playfully traveling through cultures.

Registration Deadline and Participation

Associations could apply for a stand space until March 13, 2026. The selection is made by a jury from the City of Gütersloh and Gütersloh Marketing GmbH. Frank Mertens, the city's integration officer, describes the festival as a "celebration of our city's cultural diversity through food, drinks, and performances from various nations.".

Stadthalle Gütersloh and Theodor-Heuss-Platz

For years, the venue has been Theodor-Heuss-Platz in front of the modern Stadthalle — the city's central event location. The stage is set up in front of the Stadthalle, and the stands line the square. Gütersloh's city center with its pedestrian zones is reachable within a 5-minute walk.