Papenburg City Festival

City Festival on the Main Canal — A Papenburg Specialty

The Papenburg City Festival takes place in one of Northern Germany's most unique venues: on the main canal, the historic waterway that runs through the heart of Papenburg and has earned the city the nickname "Venice of the North." This special topography gives the city festival an atmosphere that cannot be found in this form at any other Northern German city festival.

Three Days of Festival Program

Friday, June 5th, 2026 — Festival Kick-off

Opening of the city festival, first festive evening with live music on the main stage.

Saturday, June 6th, 2026 — International Cultural Mile

Highlight of the festival: The main canal transforms into a colorful cultural stage with over 15 international groups. Dance, music, and cultural performances from various countries and cultures make this day a multicultural experience — a special feature that makes the Papenburg City Festival unique throughout Germany.

Sunday, June 7th, 2026 — Sunday Shopping

With the Sunday shopping day, Papenburg's shops open their doors, adding a shopping dimension to the city festival. Family-friendly conclusion with a concert program, flea market, and festive evening.

Live Music on Two Stages

Throughout the weekend, bands play on two different stages — from cover bands and pop to regional acts and folk groups. The two performance venues allow for a dense music program with options for visitors to switch between stages.

Flea Market and City Festival Atmosphere

The flea market has been a firm fixture of the city festival for years, attracting bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts from all over the Emsland region. Stalls with used goods, collectibles, antiques, and vintage fashion line the streets along the main canal.

Organizer: Kaufmannschaft Untenende

The Kaufmannschaft Untenende — the association of merchants in the historic Untenende district — organizes the city festival and is thus also an economic driver of the event. The close connection between retail, gastronomy, and city life shapes the character of the festival.