Hohenwestedt-Woche

A Town Festival Week with an Association Character

Hohenwestedt in the Rendsburg-Eckernförde district of Schleswig-Holstein has a long tradition of its festival week. Unlike classic town festivals, the Hohenwestedt-Woche doesn't focus on a weekend marathon but is spread over an entire week—with events organized by one or more of the numerous local associations. The concept thrives on the collective commitment of the association structures: sports clubs, music clubs, heritage societies, shooting clubs, the fire department, and cultural initiatives all contribute.

The Kick-off: Park Festival and Fireworks

The festive start of the festival week is marked by the Parkfest in Wilhelmshöhe Park. Here, on the opening evening, families, associations, and guests of the town gather for a communal get-together with food and drinks in the park. Fireworks over the park form the visual highlight of the opening evening. Date 2026: August 29 at 5 PM.

What Happens During the Week

During the festival week, the following classic program items are offered, among others (exact dates in the festival week program booklet):

• Sports competitions by local associations — football, volleyball, equestrian tournament
• Music evenings with brass bands and local bands
• Heritage evenings with traditional costumes and Low German readings
• Children's program with games and craft activities
• Church service in the Hohenwestedt church
• Schützenfest (shooting festival) components with king crowning and parade

The Hallo-Partner-Tag

The festival week concludes with the Hallo-Partner-Tag, where neighboring communities are invited to Hohenwestedt for sports and games. Tug-of-war, sack races, beer barrel rolling, and similar games form the framework—not a serious competition, but a cheerful ritual of community between the towns. The winner receives a traveling trophy that remains in the winning town until the next Hohenwestedt-Woche.