Tag der Niedersachsen 2026 – Land & Lions

Tag der Niedersachsen — Tradition since 1981

The Tag der Niedersachsen is the largest state festival of the federal state of Lower Saxony and has been held annually in a different Lower Saxony city since 1981. In 2026, Braunschweig will once again be the host after several decades — a special honor for the “Löwenstadt” (Lion City). The festival is organized by the state of Lower Saxony together with the host city. The motto “Land & Lions” plays on Braunschweig's nickname “Löwenstadt” and combines urban identity with the claim of a state festival.

Seven stages, ten themed areas

Over the three festival days, seven stages will be set up in Braunschweig's city center and ten themed areas will be organized. The themed areas are dedicated to various aspects of Lower Saxony: agriculture, crafts, sport, culture, tourism, science, family, and much more. Clubs and associations from all over the federal state present themselves, provide information, and invite participation. This makes the festival a huge showcase of Lower Saxony's diversity.

Traditional costume parade on Sunday

The highlight of the festival weekend is the grand traditional costume parade on Sunday. Over 100 groups and around 2,200 participants — traditional costume associations, music bands, folk dance groups, shooting clubs, and heritage associations — will march through the city center, showcasing the traditional clothing of the various Lower Saxony regions. From the Wadden Sea to the Harz Mountains, from East Frisia to the Lüneburg Heath, the parade presents a colorful spectrum of North German traditional costume culture.

Top-class live music

Numerous acts will perform on the seven stages throughout the weekend. Confirmed performers include ROCKMIX on Friday, Juli (the indie-pop band around Eva Briegel) also on Friday, and Jazzkantine and Salvatore Mancuso on Saturday. The program ranges from rock, pop, and indie to Schlager, jazz, and world music, as well as folk music and regional bands. This ensures musical diversity for every audience.

Free admission — a festival for everyone

Admission to the Tag der Niedersachsen is free, making it a truly open festival for all citizens of Lower Saxony and guests from home and abroad. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Braunschweig's city center over the three days. Catering from all regions of Lower Saxony, food stalls, and food trucks provide a comprehensive culinary offering.