International Festival of Encounter Paderborn

Encounter as the Program

Paderborn is a city with a significant international population — from late repatriates and educational migrants to refugees from recent years. This very diversity is to be made visible on one Sunday a year: the International Festival of Encounter, a classic community event that brings together cultures, languages, and communities. In 2026, the festival will take place on Sunday, July 5, traditionally in the Schloß- und Auenpark around Schloß Neuhaus.

The Venue — Schloß Neuhaus and Park

Schloß Neuhaus is a moated castle from the 16th century, once the residence of the Prince-Bishops of Paderborn. Today it houses several cultural institutions and is the center of the Schlosssommer (Palace Summer) program, which Paderborn hosts every summer. The adjacent Schloß- und Auenpark (29 hectares) offers an open, park-like event space with several stages and shaded areas — ideal for a family festival with a long stay.

Program Highlights 2026

• 12:00 PM — Official opening with the Mayor of Paderborn, the Integration Council, and city representatives
• 12:30 PM–5:00 PM — Cultural program by various international associations: dance, music, singing, cuisine
• 3:30 PM — Concert “Around the World in 80 Bars” with the Municipal Music Association (Audiensaal Schloß)
• 5:00 PM — Closing concert with Emersound (world music with Brazilian influences)

What You'll Experience

Over 30 international associations, cultural organizations, and communities present their traditions:

• Dance formations from various countries (Eastern European, Latin American, African, Asian)
• Music ensembles with typical instruments and styles
• Culinary stands with typical dishes and drinks
• Handicraft demonstrations from their home countries
• Information and interaction with the respective associations and communities

It is a day of low barriers: Anyone who has never tried Congolese cassava stew or Ukrainian borscht can do so here without hesitation — the associations are grateful for every conversation.

Hellas e.V. — the Greek Evening as a Prelude

In previous editions, a “Greek Evening” in the Mirror Hall of the palace preceded the main program — a paid accompanying event by Hellas e.V. with a classic Greek buffet and dance. Whether this will also take place in 2026 will be announced by the Cultural Office in good time on paderborn.de.

Concert “Around the World in 80 Bars”

A special feature: The Municipal Music Association Paderborn presents a concert in the afternoon in the Audiensaal of the palace titled “Around the World in 80 Bars” — a musical journey across the musical traditions of all continents. One hour of concert experience, accessible free of charge, and at the same time a complement to the open-air program in the park.

Emersound to Close

Highlight: The closing concert at 5 PM with Emersound — a band from Paderborn with Brazilian influences and roots in the international music scene. A perfect bridge between the festival atmosphere of the day and a relaxing evening in the park.

Why a Visit is Worthwhile

Anyone who wants to shed the image of “Paderborn = gray and conservative” should come to the Schlosspark on July 5. Here the city shows its open, curious, diverse side — and all this in one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Ostwestfalen. Parents with children, seniors, students, families from various countries of origin — everyone meets on a day that shows that “encounter” is more than just a buzzword.