Wasserfest an der Rummelsburger Bucht

The Rummelsburger Bucht – Berlin's East Bank Idyll

The Rummelsburger Bucht is a Spree river bay in the eastern part of Berlin – not a bay in the classic sense, but an expansion of the Spree between Friedrichshain and Lichtenberg. Along its northeastern bank (Lichtenberg side) runs the Zillepromenade, a waterfront promenade developed over the last twenty years, which is now one of Berlin's most relaxed riverside areas. Residential areas, cafés, small parks, quiet paths – a place where Berlin shows its gentler side.

Three Days of Summer by the Water

The Wasserfest is the most important annual festival event on this promenade. For one weekend in July, Hauptstadtkultur and the Lichtenberg District Office transform the promenade into a festival mile: three stages, street food stalls, children's programme, a DJ cool-down on Sunday evening. The festival is opened every year by the Lichtenberg District Mayor – in 2026, for the third time, Martin Schaefer.

Music: from Gospel to Rock

The genre changes hourly on stage. Previous editions have shown what to expect: Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, Pop, Gospel, Rock 'n' Roll, Percussion. The music is live and without pathos – no festival headliners, but local and regional bands enjoying the water as a stage backdrop. On Sunday evening, there is traditionally a DJ cool-down to gently round off the festival.

Families as the Main Audience

The Wasserfest is explicitly aimed at families from Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain, and the neighbouring eastern Berlin districts. Children's programme with carousels, bouncy castles, craft stalls, and hands-on activities. Street food stalls with ice cream, crêpes, sausages, international street food. Those who want to sit by the water will find plenty of space on the promenade; the festival cordons off an area for stalls and the stage, while the rest of the promenade remains accessible.

Note for 2026: No Dragon Boat Race

A traditional part of the programme will be omitted in 2026: The dragon boat race on the Rummelsburger See, which was part of the Wasserfest in past editions, will not take place in 2026. No other major events on the water are planned for 2026 either. This shifts the festival's focus even more to land – promenade, stage, street food, families.