Ketziner Fischerfest

Three Days of Folk Festival on the Havel

From Friday, August 14th to Sunday, August 16th, 2026, Ketzin/Havel will show its most festive side: The Havel promenade, usually a quiet walking path along the river between the boathouses and the historic old town, will transform into the stage for the Ketziner Fischerfest. Three days of stages, food stalls, fishing traditions, and family entertainment right on the water — one of the most traditional summer festivals in Havelland.

Fishing Identity as the Festival's Core

What sets the Ketziner Fischerfest apart from other town festivals in the region is its direct connection to the town's fishing history. Ketzin is located on the Havel river between Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam — a location that thrived on fishing for centuries. This identity is reinterpreted annually at the Fischerfest: the traditional Fischzug (a historical net fishing event), Kutterrudern (cutter rowing) on the river, and the Schlauchboot-Slalom (inflatable boat slalom) in the harbor basin are among the regular program points and attract hundreds of spectators to the promenade each year.

Stage Program and Music

Stage performances are spread across the three days: live bands from the region, DJ sets in the evening, performances by local dance schools and clubs. Experience shows that the program focuses on a mix of cover and dance bands, regional singers, and danceable DJ sets for the late evening hours. The exact festival stage schedule and band names will be published by the City of Ketzin in summer 2026.

Festive Parade on Sunday

The highlight of the three days is classically the Festumzug am Sonntag (festive parade on Sunday): decorated floats, clubs, dance groups, and historical fishing costumes parade through the old town of Ketzin to the Havel promenade. Accompanied by the traditional motto "Ketzin simply magical — enchanted," which has already characterized the parade in recent editions, this is a photogenic event for families extending their weekend until Sunday afternoon.

Ketzin in Havelland

Ketzin/Havel is a small town in the Havelland district, about 30 kilometers west of Berlin and 25 km north of Potsdam. Its location directly on the Havel has made it a popular excursion destination for centuries — and the Fischerfest a must-attend event for day-trippers from the Berlin metropolitan area. Those arriving by car can use the L 92 or the B 273 from Berlin/Potsdam. Arriving by boat via the Havel is a particularly charming option — Marina Ketzin is located directly at the festival grounds.

Gastronomy and Brewery Partnership

With Cottbus Brauhaus GmbH Fürst Pückler-Muskau as the brewery partner, the festival's beer supply is secured — Pückler-Pils and seasonal specialty beers flow abundantly. In addition, there is a wide culinary offering with a focus on fresh fish: smoked eel, fried trout, fish soup, and fish rolls made from regional catches. Classic sausages and sweet treats complete the offering.