Stadtfest Unna

"Free and Outdoors" in Unna

Stadtfest Unna is one of the most ambitious urban festivals in the eastern Ruhr area and in the Unna district. For three days — from Friday, September 4th to Sunday, September 6th, 2026 — the medieval-influenced city center of the Hellweg town will transform into a festival mile with eight stages and over 400 artists. Like many Westphalian city festivals, it follows the principle of "free and outdoors" — free admission, open-air stages, and consumption of your choice at the food stalls.

Eight Stages, 100+ Hours of Live Programming

The program is spread across eight stages in the city center, which are used simultaneously. With over 100 hours of live programming, the sheer density of the program is impressive: concerts, cover bands, local pop/rock acts, dance schools, school theater productions, children's programs. More than half of the 400 participating artists are from Unna — a deliberate platform for the local scene.

120+ Food Stalls

Over 120 food stalls, snack bars, and tents provide visitors with Westphalian and international cuisine, beer (with a focus on Lindenbrauerei), wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. The city asks that you do not bring your own drinks — sales at the stalls finance the entire festival program and reduce the risk of glass.

Children's Program and Children's Flea Market

Families will find a dedicated daily program with theater, dance, face painting, craft activities, and hands-on stations. On Sunday, the children's flea market is a traditional highlight — children sell toys, books, and clothes at their own stalls.

Illuminations

In the evenings, the city center is adorned with festive lighting and illuminations — the historic city facades of the Hellweg are showcased, and many smaller squares and alleys feature special light installations.

Tradition: STADTFEST PARTY in the Lindenbrauerei Cooling Vessel

The traditional closing party takes place on Saturday evening from 10 p.m. in the cooling vessel of the Lindenbrauerei — a listed industrial monument with character. Admission from 18 years, €8 pre-sale. For years, the event has been a fixture among younger audiences and differs significantly from the family-friendly outdoor atmosphere of the daytime program.

Safety for Women and Homebound Phone Service

The Stadtfest has a special focus on women's safety: The LUISA code system (support in dangerous situations) is implemented at all bars. The Heimwegtelefon (030/12074182) offers telephone support for the journey home in the evening.

Unna — the Hellweg Town

With around 60,000 inhabitants, Unna is a medium-sized town in the Unna district, a defining feature of the eastern Hellweg between Dortmund and Hamm. The old town with its city church and the Lindenbrauerei (now a cultural center) is well-preserved — which makes the Stadtfest particularly atmospheric.