5th NRW State Gymnastics Festival 2026

NRW's Largest Grassroots Sports Festival

The NRW State Gymnastics Festival is the most important mass gymnastics event in North Rhine-Westphalia. It only takes place every five years — the 5th edition from June 3rd to 7th, 2026 in Hamm will attract over 10,000 gymnasts from across the entire state. The organizer is the Westphalian Gymnastics Association e.V. (WTB) in cooperation with the City of Hamm and the Hamm City Sports Association.

Hamm — An Established Festival City

Hamm is hosting the State Gymnastics Festival for the 7th time — a remarkable consistency linked to the city's infrastructure: central market squares, the WestPress Arena for major gala performances, an accessible canal bank, and a strong gymnastics tradition intertwined with large sports clubs.

The Program — Sport, Show, City Life

Opening on the Market Square

The festival begins on Wednesday evening, June 3rd, 2026, with the Opening Evening on Hamm's market square — a large public event featuring show performances, live music, and the presentation of participating clubs.

Gymnastics Gala in the WestPress Arena

The highlight of the festival week is the Gymnastics Gala in the WestPress Arena — top gymnasts will present show programs on apparatus and floor exercises. A blend of sport, dance, and acrobatics reminiscent of major televised gymnastics galas.

Festival Mile Between Pauluskirche and the Canal Edge

Hamm's city center becomes the Festival Mile: Between Pauluskirche and the canal edge, clubs and sponsors will set up interactive stations, stages, food stalls, and sports demonstrations. Those who are not registered participants can visit for free.

Gymnastics Warrior and MAXiLAUF

Two modern sports formats complement traditional gymnastics:

• Gymnastics Warrior — an obstacle course inspired by "Ninja Warrior," open to all participants
• MAXiLAUF — the festival's major fun run, with routes for families and athletes

Artistic Gymnastics Competitions

In the traditional competition sector, artistic gymnastics championships will be held in compulsory and optional categories for male and female athletes of all age groups. Additionally, there is the Gymnastics Festival Academy for further training.

Hamm — Sports City in the Eastern Ruhr Area

Hamm is located on the eastern edge of the Ruhr area, about 30 km northeast of Dortmund and 100 km from Düsseldorf. With 180,000 inhabitants, Hamm is a medium-sized NRW city but is known regionally as a sports city — both due to its gymnastics association and its horse racing track and Olympic training centers. The State Gymnastics Festival is the city's largest regularly recurring sporting event.