Hanse Song Festival

Concept – Stages in the Old Town

Since its founding in 2012, the Hanse Song Festival has followed the concept of a walkable music festival. The historic Old Town of Stade, with its restored burgher houses, churches, halls, and studios, becomes a sprawling venue for one day. With a day pass, visitors have access to all concert locations and can wander from stage to stage between sets. The setting – medieval alleys, brick Gothic architecture, and the harbor – gives the festival a unique profile in the German festival calendar.

Lineup 2026

For the 14th edition, the organizers have announced over 20 acts. Confirmed acts include Die Höchste Eisenbahn (Indie Pop from Berlin with poetic German lyrics), OSKA (Austrian Indie Folk singer-songwriter with international success), Steiner & Madlaina (Swiss Indie Pop duo), Naima Bock (British Folk and Songwriter artist), and Yola (British Roots and Soul artist). Further artists will be continuously added by the organizer.

Start at 5:15 PM

The festival day begins at 5:15 PM with the first concerts and runs into the late evening hours. The concerts are staggered to allow visitors to experience multiple acts in one evening. Stage schedules will be published by the organizer shortly before the festival and can be viewed via the festival app or the official website.

Stade as a Festival City

The Hanseatic city of Stade on the Schwinge, a tributary of the Elbe, is one of the most beautiful historic cities in Northern Germany with its brick Gothic architecture, the Old Hanseatic Harbor, and its largely preserved Old Town. Its location between Hamburg and Cuxhaven makes it easily accessible for a supra-regional festival audience. The Hanse Song Festival uses the historic cityscape as its stage – a concept that clearly distinguishes it from comparable festivals.