Rhein in Flammen Bonn
40 years of fire magic on the Rhine — the last edition in the Rheinaue
About Rhein in Flammen
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A Tradition That Sets Bonn Ablaze Every Year
Since 1987, Rhein in Flammen Bonn has been the pyrotechnic season opener on the Middle Rhine. Held in Bonn's Beuel-Süd district on the banks of the Rheinaue, the festival combines a three-day land program with an evening ship convoy and synchronized grand fireworks over the Rhine. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary — and also the last edition in the Rheinaue leisure park, giving the event special significance.
Three Stages, Thirty Attractions
The land program in Bonn's Rheinaue features three stages, a diverse musical lineup from Friday to Sunday, around 30 rides and games, an integrated medieval market on the Rhine bank, and a wide range of gastronomic offerings. Families will find a dedicated program; admission to the Rheinaue itself is free during the festival.
The Convoy and the Aerial Fireworks
The highlight is traditionally on Saturday evening: At dusk, the festively illuminated ship convoy of about 20 ships departs from the Linz pier and sails up the Rhine along the landscape of the Siebengebirge towards Bonn. Above the Rheinaue, the grand, music-synchronized aerial fireworks will be launched. For the 40th anniversary in 2026, the fireworks will be complemented for the first time by a modern drone show — a premiere for Rhein in Flammen Bonn.
Medieval Market and Festival Mile on the Rhine Bank
Parallel to the main program, a medieval market opens directly on the Rhine bank with artisans, historical gastronomy, and mock battles. The festival mile through the Rheinaue lines up food stalls, beer tents, game stalls, and stages — open throughout the three days.
Bonn, the Rhine, and the Siebengebirge
Bonn is located on the western bank of the Rhine, a district-free city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia — against the distinctive backdrop of the Siebengebirge, which squeezes the Rhine into a gentle valley here. This location shapes Rhein in Flammen Bonn: the ship convoy uses the narrow passage, the pyrotechnics are reflected in the water, and thousands of visitors take their places along both Rhine banks. Around 100,000 people celebrate the festival every year — with more expected in 2026 for the anniversary.
Rhein in Flammen — edition 2026
The 2026 Anniversary Program
From May 1 to 3, 2026, Bonn's Rheinaue invites you to the 40th anniversary of Rhein in Flammen. Three days, three stages, a continuous land program — and on Saturday, May 2, the grand pyrotechnic spectacle over the Rhine. The ship convoy with about 20 festively illuminated ships departs from the Linz pier in the evening and sails up the Rhine along the landscape of the Siebengebirge to Bonn. Upon arrival above the Rheinaue, the grand, music-synchronized aerial fireworks will be launched, complemented by a modern drone show — a premiere for Rhein in Flammen Bonn and part of the special anniversary staging.
The festival also marks the traditional open-air season opener for the federal city of Bonn. The organizers have confirmed that this will be the last edition in the Rheinaue — lending a special character to the anniversary year.
Program Structure Over Three Days
On all three days, the three stages will feature music; around 30 rides and games, as well as the medieval market on the Rhine bank, will open from midday. Families will find a dedicated program offered continuously throughout the day. Admission to the Rheinaue and the festival mile is free.
Programme Rhein in Flammen 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026 — Festival Opening
- Opening of the land program from the afternoon
- Three stages with live music until late at night
- Opening of the medieval market, rides, and games
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — Fireworks and Drone Show Day
- Continuous program on the three stages throughout the day, medieval market, and festival mile
- In the evening: Ship convoy with about 20 illuminated ships Linz → Bonn
- At dusk: Music-synchronized aerial fireworks over the Rheinaue, complemented by a drone show as a special anniversary production for the 40th anniversary
Sunday, May 3, 2026 — Family Day and Closing
- Family program, three stages, medieval market open
- Festival mile and rides all day long
Full daily program with times and set lists at rif-bonn.de/programm-2026.
Highlights Rhein in Flammen 2026
Prices Rhein in Flammen 2026
Practical information — Rhein in Flammen
Getting There
By train: Bonn Hauptbahnhof is the final stop for ICE/IC trains from all over Germany. From the main station, you can reach the Rheinaue in about 15 minutes by light rail (lines 16, 63, 66). Within walking distance from Bonn-Beuel station.
By Car
A59/A565 exit Bonn-Süd. Park-and-Ride is recommended — the immediate vicinity of the Rheinaue is congested, especially on Saturday evenings.
Admission
Access to the Rheinaue and the festival mile is free. Separate tickets are required for the boat trip in the convoy.
Viewing Points for the Fireworks
Best views: Rheinaue Bonn riverbank, convoy ship deck, heights of the Siebengebirge (Drachenfels).
Family
Dedicated family program, game stalls, and medieval market for all ages.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Rhein in Flammen al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Rhein in Flammen
Freizeitpark Rheinaue
Rheinaue, 53175 Bonn