Stadtfest Elze – Elze im Wunderland
Four-day town festival for the 200th anniversary of reconstruction after the town fire
2026
About Elze im Wunderland
Elze im Wunderland — edition 2026
The premiere of this unusual format combines the historical anniversary with a modern, imaginative festival idea. The town of Elze coordinates the program with local clubs, artists, showmen, and external performance groups.
The detailed program will be published in spring 2026 on elze.de.
Highlights Elze im Wunderland 2026
- 200th Reconstruction Anniversary of the town of Elze
- Four days of fantasy town festival in the city center
- Over 50 stalls
- Knights, pirates, Steampunks, dragons, dinosaurs, mysticism
- Fire show, jugglers, walking acts
- Treasure hunt and hands-on circus for children
- Prof. Abraxo: Journey through history
- Free admission
Programme Elze im Wunderland 2026
Program 2026
- Thursday, May 14th, 2026 – Festive opening in the afternoon/evening with a ceremony for the 200th anniversary, first walking acts and show performances.
- Friday, May 15th, 2026 – Full operation with market stalls, stage program, treasure hunt, archery, puppet theater, evening fire show.
- Saturday, May 16th, 2026 – Main program day with a dense stage program, hands-on circus, juggler performances, Prof. Abraxo's appearance, main fire show in the evening.
- Sunday, May 17th, 2026 – Family-oriented closing day, children's program, musical conclusion in the late afternoon.
Areas and Worlds
- Knight World – Camp, show fights, medieval crafts.
- Pirate World – Staging, walking acts, interactive stations.
- Steampunk Zone – Victorian-industrial aesthetic with staging and stalls.
- Dragons and Dinosaurs – large figures, walking acts, family attractions.
- Mysticism Area – fortune tellers, magical staging, dark fairy tale worlds.
- Children's Zone – Treasure hunt, archery, puppet theater, hands-on circus.
- Stages – Music program with medieval rock, fantasy sounds, acoustic, pop.
- Catering – Stalls with hot food, drinks, sweets.
Prices Elze im Wunderland 2026
Practical information — Elze im Wunderland
Date 2026
- Thursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026 (4 days)
Location
- Elze City Center, 31008 Elze
Admission
- Free admission to the entire festival area
Program Highlights
- Over 50 stalls
- Knights, pirates, Steampunks, dragons, dinosaurs, mysticism
- Stages with music program
- Jugglers, fire show, walking acts
- Treasure hunt, archery, puppet theater, hands-on circus
- Prof. Abraxo – Journey through history
Getting There
- By train to Elze (Han), walk from the station to the city center
- By car via the B3 or the A7 (exit Hildesheim-Drispenstedt)
Notes
- Costumes welcome, but not mandatory
- In case of extreme weather, individual program parts may be adjusted
- Detailed program available at elze.de
200 Years of Reconstruction – A Historic Anniversary
In 1826, Elze, a small town in the southwestern Hildesheim district, was almost completely destroyed by a devastating town fire. The reconstruction significantly shaped the town and created its present-day appearance. In 2026, the reconstruction marks its 200th anniversary – an occasion that will be honored with a special town festival. The motto 'Elze im Wunderland' contrasts the sober historical occasion with a fantastic, inviting world, making the anniversary accessible to a broad audience.
Four Days of Fantasy and History
From May 14th to 17th, 2026, the Elze city center will become the stage for an extraordinary program. Knights, pirates, Steampunks, dragons, dinosaurs, and mysticism will fill the streets and squares, with various worlds overlapping to create an atmosphere closer to a theme park than a classic town festival. This ambitious staging is complemented by a dense program of stalls, stage music, show acts, and interactive stations.
Over 50 Stalls
More than 50 stalls will be spread throughout the city center: market stalls with food and drinks, themed sales booths (fantasy accessories, Steampunk fashion, wood crafts, toys, books), interactive stations, and information points about the town's history. The mix ensures variety and keeps the festival mile interesting even for a stroll.
Stages and Music
Several stages will be located throughout the city center, offering music from various genres – fitting the fantastic staging, medieval rock, symphonic fantasy sounds, acoustic sets, and pop are featured, as well as smaller theater and show acts.
Jugglers, Fire Show, and Walking Acts
Jugglers will roam the city center, walking acts in imaginative costumes will characterize the streetscape, and a fire show will add dramatic accents on several evenings. The fire show during the evening illumination is one of the visual highlights of the festival.
Children's Program
A separate, extensive program is planned for children: a treasure hunt through the Elze city center with riddles and stations, guided archery, puppet theater with classic fairy tales, a hands-on circus with acrobatics, juggling stations, and movement games. Families can find program items for their children throughout the day.
Prof. Abraxo – A Journey Through History
A special program item is Prof. Abraxo, who takes visitors on a journey through Elze's history. This entertaining presentation of historical knowledge connects the anniversary occasion with the fantastic festival motto, making the town festival an educational event as well.
Free Admission
Despite the elaborate program, admission to the entire festival area is free. You only pay for what you consume at the food and sales stalls.
Where it takes place Elze im Wunderland
Elze im Wunderland at a glance
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