43rd Sterkrade Play and Sports Weekend 2026
Sterkrade's district festival with 21 sports clubs, mascot parade, and Sunday shopping — April 25 and 26, 2026
2026
About Play and Sports Weekend
Play and Sports Weekend — edition 2026
Both days 11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Sterkrade's city center. Weekly market Sat. 8:00 AM–1:00 PM additionally. Sun. Sunday shopping 1:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Highlights Play and Sports Weekend 2026
- 43rd edition since 1984
- 21 sports clubs + 40 acts
- 13-mascot parade on Sunday
- Opening by Mayor Thorsten Berg
- Sunday shopping
Programme Play and Sports Weekend 2026
Saturday, April 25, 2026 (11:00 AM–6:00 PM)
- 11:00 AM — Official opening with Mayor Thorsten Berg
- Sports demonstrations (Karate, gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, judo, boxing, etc.)
- Hands-on stands of the 21 sports clubs
- Stands of local businesses and cultural associations
Sunday, April 26, 2026 (11:00 AM–6:00 PM)
- Sunday Shopping 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Mascot Parade with 13 mascots:
- – BEROfant, Florian der SterkRabe, Klara die Finanzexpertin, and more
- 2:00 PM — Mascot appearance at Zilianplatz
- 4:15 PM — Mascot appearance at Technisches Rathaus
- Clowns Oli and Felinchen with balloon modeling all day
- Further sports demonstrations
Prices Play and Sports Weekend 2026
Free admission.
Practical information — Play and Sports Weekend
Getting There
Sterkrade city center around Steinbrinkstraße and Zilianplatz, 46145 Oberhausen-Sterkrade. By public transport: S-Bahn S2 or regional train to Oberhausen-Sterkrade, then a few minutes' walk. By car: A2 exit Holten or A3 exit Oberhausen.
Opening Hours
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Saturday weekly market additionally 8:00 AM–1:00 PM (regular). Sunday shopping 1:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Mascot Parade Stations Sunday
2:00 PM Zilianplatz, 4:15 PM Technisches Rathaus.
Admission
Free.
Tip
Don't miss the mascot parade — many families plan their Sunday visit around the 2:00 PM stop at Zilianplatz. If you want to get to know the sports clubs, Saturday is better — the clubs set up their taster stands all day then. The Sunday shopping makes the day particularly attractive for families who need to shop.
43 Years of Sterkrade Family Festival
The Sterkrade Play and Sports Weekend has been the most important family festival in the Sterkrade district since 1984 — and thus a central date in the Oberhausen event calendar. The 43rd edition will take place on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026. The organizer is STIG e.V. (Sterkrader Interessengemeinschaft), which organizes the program together with Sterkrade sports clubs, schools, cultural associations, and local businesses.
21 Sports Clubs, 90+ Performances
The program includes over 90 performances by 40 acts, including 21 sports clubs from Sterkrade and the surrounding area. Sterkrade's city center becomes an open sports stage: Karate demonstrations, gymnastics performances, dance performances, cheerleading, judo, boxing, hockey, football, interactive hands-on stations. Children and young people can try out sports they may not know yet — many clubs use the weekend for junior recruitment.
Mascot Parade on Sunday
The most visually striking program is the Mascot Parade on Sunday, April 26. A total of 13 mascots will march through Sterkrade's city center:
- BEROfant — Mascot of the Bero Center
- Florian der SterkRabe — Sterkrade district mascot
- Klara die Finanzexpertin — Stadtsparkasse Oberhausen
- + 10 other mascots from local clubs, businesses, and institutions
The mascots will perform at two central locations:
- 2:00 PM: Zilianplatz
- 4:15 PM: Technisches Rathaus
Clowns Oli and Felinchen
On Sunday, Clowns Oli and Felinchen will bring balloon modeling to the city center — free balloon figures for children, simple tricks, and participatory magic. They are regular guests at Sterkrade events (also at the Fronleichnamskirmes).
Opening by Mayor Thorsten Berg
The official opening will take place on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 AM by Mayor Thorsten Berg — traditionally with a welcome speech, a short tour, and meeting the participating clubs.
Sunday Shopping 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
On Sunday, April 26, Sterkrade shops will be open from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Sunday shopping is part of the concept: STIG e.V. brings together club, sports, family, and retail programs in a single event. So, if you want to shop after the sports demonstrations, you can do it all in one go.
Sterkrade — A District with Its Own Character
Sterkrade is the northern district of Oberhausen with over 80,000 inhabitants — larger than some towns in the surrounding area. With its own city center, train station, market square, and an active STIG interest group, Sterkrade has its own identity, which the Play and Sports Weekend celebrates annually. Anyone who wants to get to know the district culture in the Ruhr area will find a concentrated example here.
Where it takes place Play and Sports Weekend
Play and Sports Weekend at a glance
History of Play and Sports Weekend
Edition 2025 Apr 2025Festivals similar to Play and Sports Weekend
Festivals near Oberhausen
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