Kiel Week

From Sailing Competition to Mega-Event

The history of Kiel Week began in 1882 as a sailing competition organized by the Norddeutsche Regatta-Vereinigung in the Kiel Fjord. What started as a sporting contest for small yachts grew in the 20th century into one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world. Today, Olympic sailors, high-performance dinghies, and impressive tall ships — the Windjammers — compete against each other in the fjord. In parallel, the event has developed into a folk festival (Volksfest) that plunges the entire city into a state of excitement for nine days.

Eight Stages, Over 2,000 Events

Around eight main stages and countless smaller venues host over 2,000 free concerts and events during Kiel Week. The most important locations are: the Kiellinie (open-air promenade along the fjord), the Rathausplatz (central main stage), the Hörn stage (at the harbor head), the Schilksee sailing center (sporting hub), stages at Holstenbrücke and Ostseekai. Classical music lovers are drawn to the Classic Open Air, rock fans to the Radio-Bob-Rock-Camp, and families to the Spiellinie for children.

Stars and Headliners 2026

The ticketed major concerts (all starting at 8:30 PM) kick off on Saturday, June 20th, with Midge Ure (Ultravox frontman), followed by Gitte Haenning (Sunday, June 21st) and Patrice (Monday, June 22nd). Later in the festival, Gregory Porter, Macy Gray, Ugly Kid Joe, and Tina Dico will perform. Tickets for the major concerts cost €25–€35 (advance sale / box office). The approximately 2,000 other events are free.

Windjammer Parade — The Maritime Spectacle

The absolute highlight is the Windjammer Parade on Saturday, June 27th, 2026. Over 100 historic tall ships — including training ships like the "Gorch Fock", Russian and French four-masted barques, Dutch tjalks, and large yachts — sail out of Kiel Fjord in a parade. Hundreds of thousands follow the spectacle from the promenade, from boats, and from vantage points. A maritime choreography that is unique in its scale worldwide.

International Market of the World

The International Market also opens on the Kiellinie: stalls from France, Italy, Scandinavia, Asia, Latin America, and Africa sell specialties and crafts. It is one of the largest culinary events in Northern Germany.

Opening and Closing

Kiel Week 2026 opens on Saturday, June 20th, at 6:00 PM with the traditional ringing of the bells by the Lord Mayor at the City Hall. The festival motto for 2026 is "Kieler Woche verbindet" (Kiel Week Connects) — fitting for the initiatives for inclusion, sustainability, and the charity program "Sport für Kids" (Sport for Kids). The festival concludes on Sunday, June 28th, 2026 — when the grand finale fireworks illuminate the inner fjord.

Kiel and the State of Schleswig-Holstein

Kiel, the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, has around 250,000 inhabitants. The university, the shipyards, and the German Navy shape the city — but no other event makes Kiel as internationally visible as Kiel Week. It is jointly supported by the state of Schleswig-Holstein and the state capital.