Westfalenpark Dortmund Festival of Lights 2026

67 Years of Summer Tradition in Westfalenpark

The Festival of Lights in Dortmund's Westfalenpark is one of Westphalia's oldest and largest summer traditions. Since 1959, the park has transformed into a magical world of lights and colours on the last Saturday in August, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. In 2026, the Festival of Lights falls on Saturday, August 29.

Staggered Programme Schedule

The Festival of Lights follows a proven choreography that has been established over more than six decades:

• 4:00 PM — Park Opens and the fairy tale area at the Regenbogenhaus begins
• 4:00 PM–6:00 PM — Family programme and games in various park areas
• 6:00 PM — Main Programme Starts with live music, DJ sets, and artistic performances
• Until 8:00 PM — Path lighting begins at dusk
• ~8:45 PM — Children's Fireworks — a relaxed display for families with toddlers, less loud, perfect for first firework experiences
• ~10:30 PM — Grand Fireworks Display — the main event of the evening
• 12:00 AM — Festival Ends

The Largest and Most Beautiful Fireworks in the Region

The fireworks display is considered the largest and most beautiful in the region — according to the official description by the City of Dortmund. The choreography is set to music, lasts several minutes, and utilizes the park's topography (with the famous Florianturm as a landmark). Up to 30,000 visitors experience the fireworks each year — plan your travel early.

Illuminated Paths and Ambiance

The park has earned a reputation for the atmosphere of the Festival of Lights that extends far beyond Westphalia: thousands of lights along the main paths, light installations in the themed gardens, illuminated trees, and fountains. Wandering through the park late in the evening offers an atmosphere that oscillates between a fairy tale and a light art festival — incomparable to the Westfalenpark's daytime ambiance.

Live Music, DJs, and Culinary Delights

Live bands perform on several stages, complemented by DJ sets for younger visitors and artistic performances (acrobats, fire artists). The culinary offerings are diverse: Bratwurst, fries, crêpes, pizza, street food, ice cream, mulled wine alternatives, cocktails. Those who stay longer can experience the park in an unusual night-time atmosphere.

Westfalenpark — Dortmund's Green Heart

At 70 hectares, Westfalenpark Dortmund is one of Germany's largest city parks. It was founded in 1959 for the Federal Garden Exhibition, and the Festival of Lights was part of the programme from its very first edition. Today, the park, with the Florianturm (220 m high), themed gardens, the Buschmühle lake, and the sundial, is a recreational space for the entire region. For those new to Westfalenpark: the Festival of Lights is a spectacular first encounter.