Lippstadt Culinaire

Four Days of Culinary Delights in the Old Town

Lippstadt Culinaire is one of the most distinctive culinary festivals in South Westphalia — and the annual gourmet highlight of the city of Lippstadt in the Soest district. From Thursday, September 3rd to Sunday, September 6th, 2026, the market square in Lippstadt's Old Town will transform into an open-air stage for regional haute cuisine.

Open Kitchens Under an Illuminated Tent Roof

The visual centerpiece of the festival is the stretched, illuminated tent roof, under which the four top regional chefs work in open kitchens. Guests can therefore see not only the finished dish, but the entire process — from searing to composition to plating. This live cooking character makes the festival an interactive experience that goes far beyond classic street food festivals.

Regional Cuisine in Focus

The participating chefs come from the Westphalian and Sauerland regions. The focus is on regional specialties: asparagus, chanterelles, game from Sauerland forests, Westphalian ham, legumes, regional bread culture. But also internationally inspired variations — the top chefs emphasize combining tradition with modern techniques and creative composition.

Live Music Accompanies the Enjoyment

While guests eat and drink, live music provides the acoustic atmosphere. Jazz combos, acoustic singer-songwriters, salon music — the selection is tailored to the upscale ambiance.

Sunday Opening for Shops and Fashion Displays

Lippstadt Culinaire is part of a broader concept for the city: During the festival, the retailers in the Old Town present their autumn and winter collections. A Sunday opening for shops during the festival turns the weekend into a combination of culinary, shopping, and city stroll experience.

Lippstadt — the Hellweg City on the River Lippe

With around 67,000 inhabitants, Lippstadt is one of the largest cities in the Soest district, located on the River Lippe between Hellweg and Sauerland. The historic Old Town, with its medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, and late Gothic St. Mary's Church, is one of the most atmospheric in Westphalia. Lippstadt Culinaire utilizes this charm — and thus also appears visually unusual.

Arrival and Accessibility

Lippstadt is conveniently located: IC train stop, connection to the A2 and A44 motorways, Paderborn-Lippstadt Airport is only a few minutes away. Public parking available at Kuhmarkt, short walk to the Old Town.

State of NRW — South Westphalia

In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and at the border area of Sauerland/Soester Land, Lippstadt Culinaire is one of the deliberately curated culinary festivals. Those vacationing in the Sauerland or Münsterland regions and planning a weekend for a culinary highlight will find a format here with high standards and a personal atmosphere.