1st Lübben Harbour Festival

Premiere in Lübben Harbour

Lübben (Spreewald) — the district town of Dahme-Spreewald and the "lower" gateway town to the Spreewald — cancelled its traditional Spreewald Festival for 2026 due to a strained budget. The municipal utility company (SÜW) and the Lübben Economic Development Agency (LWG) then developed a new format: the Lübben Harbour Festival. The premiere will take place from September 18th to 20th, 2026 — at the Spreewald harbour, the city's tourist and maritime centre.

Concept: Maritime Experience Festival with Regional Roots

The concept explicitly focuses on a "Spreewald Harbour" character: a maritime experience festival with strong regional roots, emerging from the city community rather than being imposed from outside. A stage on the Schlossinsel, traders and clubs along the harbour promenade, and external attractions like the canoe parade and amusement park.

Kuban Events as Organiser

The City of Lübben had put the concept out to public tender; after a transparent selection process among three regional applicants, the Cottbus-based agency Kuban Events (Frank Kuban) was awarded the contract in March 2026. The concept impressed with its high creative quality, consistent integration of regional players, and a clear connection to the Spreewald.

Highlight: Traditional Punt Parade

The Harbour Festival takes over the traditional highlight of Lübben's city festivals — the punt parade — in its own staging: colourfully decorated punts will travel along the Spree canals through the Spreewald harbour, accompanied by music and a folklore programme. This turns the city's lifeline — the water — into the main stage.

Stage Programme and Family Activities

From Friday to Sunday, the main stage on the Schlossinsel will feature concerts, cover bands, folklore performances, and DJ sets. Families will find interactive stations, carousels, and a small amusement park, while clubs will set up catering stands on the harbour promenade. External providers will supplement the programme with canoe parades, demonstrations, and culinary offerings from the Spreewald.

Lübben — Lower Spreewald Gateway Town

Lübben (Spreewald) is located in the district of Dahme-Spreewald, about 80 km southeast of Berlin, at the transition between the Upper and Lower Spreewald. The city consistently sees itself as the "Gateway to the Spreewald" — and with the 2026 Harbour Festival, it embraces this identity in a new festival format that combines maritime atmosphere and regional tradition.