Kulturzeit an der Nuthe — Neighborhood Festival Schlaatz 2026

Neighborhood in Schlaatz

Schlaatz is a prefabricated housing estate in the south of Potsdam, located between the main train station and Babelsberg on the Nuthe river. Built in the 1980s as a socialist housing complex for around 10,000 people, the district underwent a difficult transformation after reunification. For several years now, it has been part of the federal program "Soziale Stadt" (Social City), which supports neighborhood work, the community center, and cultural initiatives. The annual neighborhood festival "Kulturzeit an der Nuthe" is a central part of this work — a day on which the district celebrates itself and simultaneously opens up to other Potsdam residents.

The Sundial as a Meeting Point

The venue is the sundial in front of the Bürgerhaus Schlaatz in Schilfhof. The sundial — a walkable work of art from the 1980s — is a trademark of the district and a popular meeting place for residents. During "Kulturzeit an der Nuthe," it becomes the focal point of the festival: a stage, play area, and exhibition space. A decentralized festival area with several stations is created on the surrounding square and in the adjacent Schilfhof.

Three Garden Projects Present Themselves

A focus of Kulturzeit is the Schlaatz's three garden projects — community-run green spaces that the district has developed in recent years. Central to this is the Nachbarschafts-Lustgarten Schilfhof 20, a jointly managed garden where residents tend their own raised beds, grow herbs and vegetables, and meet regularly for gardening groups. At the festival, the garden projects present themselves with plant exchange fairs, seed packet distributions, garden tours, and kindergarten building workshops — an offering that puts the connection between the district and nature at the center.

Homemade — Cake, Soup, Grill

The catering on the festival day is a central element of community building. Residents bake cakes for the large coffee table, cook soups in large pots, and run a grill stand with sausages and vegetarian alternatives. The proceeds go directly to the associations and the community center. Anyone who wants to participate: bringing your own cake donation is also welcome — a piece of homemade plum cake or a bowl of lentil soup is the best ticket.

Singing, Games, Community

The musical program is supported by local acts: the district choir, the youth band from the music school, and singer-songwriters from the neighborhood management. For children, there are classic competitive games (sack race, egg race), craft activities, and a bouncy castle. For adults, there are discussion rounds on district topics — such as rent increases, educational opportunities, and the renovation of the prefabricated buildings. The mix of festival atmosphere and politics is typical for Schlaatz.

Schlaatz and the Soziale Stadt

Since 1999, Schlaatz has been part of the federal program "Soziale Stadt," which strengthens disadvantaged districts with funding for neighborhood work, education, and culture. The neighborhood management, supported by Soziale Stadt ProPotsdam gGmbH, organizes Kulturzeit together with the Bürgerhaus Schlaatz and a variety of local initiatives. For those who don't know the district yet: Kulturzeit is the best occasion — no other day of the year shows Schlaatz so openly, warmly, and communally.