Vattertach Kirchhellen im Festzelt

Bottrop-Kirchhellen — Marquee Tradition on Father's Day

Kirchhellen is the northernmost district of Bottrop, with a village-like, rural character, a strong club scene, and a vibrant festival culture. While the city of Bottrop as a whole is shaped by the industrial image of the Ruhr area, Kirchhellen retains the character of a rural community in the Westmünsterland region. Ascension Day — traditionally celebrated as „Father's Day" in Germany — has been the occasion for one of the region's largest marquee events for years: the Vattertach Kirchhellen at the Schulte-Kellinghaus family's event grounds.

Ascension Day 2026 as Father's Day

In 2026, Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 14 — automatically a public holiday throughout Germany and the classic occasion for Father's Day hikes, wagon tours, and marquee events. With Friday as a potential bridge day, the weekend offers maximum relaxation time, further increasing visitor numbers.

Schulte-Kellinghaus Event Grounds

The event grounds at Ekampsweg 1 are a private event space owned by the Schulte-Kellinghaus family, who have been hosting Father's Day and seasonal events for years. Marquee capacity for several hundred people, large outdoor area with children's program, designated parking, established infrastructure for large events. The concept: a classic Bavarian/Mallorca marquee format imported to the western Ruhr area.

2026 Program — Schlager, DJs, Family Program

12:00 PM — Doors Open

The marquee opens at midday — perfect for Father's Day wagon tours, which typically start in the morning and aim for a destination by noon. The first DJs will set the mood upon entry.

Live Program — Olaf Henning

This year's headliner is Olaf Henning — a star of Schlager and Mallorca pop with hits like „Cowboy und Indianer". Olaf Henning has been a fixture in the German Schlager marquee scene for over two decades and guarantees a lively dancing atmosphere. His live performance is the highlight of the afternoon.

DJs Before and After the Live Band

Before and after Henning's performance, DJs will provide continuous music — Schlager classics, Mallorca hits, pop, and cover songs. The musical profile is clear: singalong Schlager, dance classics, no indie or underground approach.

Outdoor Area — Bouncy Castle and Face Painting

While the marquee hosts the adult party, the outdoor area offers a family program: a bouncy castle for children, face painting, and a children's carousel. The Vattertach format explicitly targets families — fathers with children are as welcome here as groups of men with wagons.

8:00 PM — End

The official end of the event at 8 PM allows for the return journey in daylight. Those who want to party longer can find further entertainment in Bottrop and Dorsten's hospitality venues.

REL Radio as Host

REL Radio will host the event — a regional radio station that cooperates closely with the marquee scene of the Ruhr area and Münsterland. The hosting ensures prize draws, interludes, and dynamic stage flow.

Tickets and Travel

Tickets from €8 via bz-ticket.de or at the box office on site. Travel by car with parking available at the event grounds, public transport connections via bus from Bottrop and Dorsten to Kirchhellen — those consuming alcohol should use carpooling or the bus.

Bottrop and the Northern Ruhr Area

Those spending Father's Day in Kirchhellen can complement their long weekend trip with Bottrop's highlights: the Tetraeder as a viewing sculpture, Movie Park Germany in Kirchhellen (seasonally open, classic family destination), the slagheaps of the Ruhr area for hikes, and Schloss Beck (also in Kirchhellen). The region combines Ruhr area industrial culture with rural Westmünsterland idyll — an attractive combination for a long May weekend.