69th Westfalentag

The Westfalentag — The Family Reunion of Westphalian Homeland Associations

The Westfalentag is the central annual event of the Westfälischer Heimatbund e.V., the umbrella organization for around 600 homeland, civic, and cultural associations in Westphalia. Once a year, the Heimatbund brings its member associations together for a grand day — with discussions, exchange, educational programs, and a focus on a current topic. 2026 marks the 69th edition — and it's coming to Hamm.

Hamm in its 800th Anniversary Year

It's no coincidence that the Westfalentag 2026 is taking place in Hamm: The city is celebrating its 800th anniversary in the same year, and the Westfalentag is part of the comprehensive Hamm800 festival calendar. This combines the statewide meeting of homeland associations with one of North Rhine-Westphalia's largest city anniversary celebrations.

Motto 2026: "Place Creates Community"

The motto "Place Creates Community — Spaces That Connect" is programmatic: Homeland associations are classic places where local identity and community are formed — Schützenhäuser (marksmen's clubs), village community centers, civic centers, traditional customs associations. The 69th Westfalentag asks how these spaces can continue to foster community in an era of demographic change, digitalization, and new forms of living.

Program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The day begins at 10 a.m. and ends around 5 p.m. The main program takes place in the Maximilianhalle — one of Hamm's largest venues in the historic Maximilianpark:

• Lectures on topics related to homeland, urban space, and community
• Market of Ideas: Associations and initiatives from all over Westphalia present best-practice projects
• Stage program with musical contributions and talk rounds
• Afternoon: Excursions in and around Hamm (Hamm city history, architecture, local history museums)

Maximilianpark Hamm

The Maximilianpark is a 22-hectare park on a former colliery site — with the famous Glass Elephant sculpture as its landmark. The park regularly hosts major events (light festivals, concerts) and, with the Maximilianhalle, offers a suitable conference space for several hundred participants.

Registration Required

Since the Westfalentag is a gathering of associations with provided catering, registration is mandatory. Lectures are free of charge; meals and excursions are subject to a fee (typically €5–€25 depending on the program). Register via the Westfälischer Heimatbund.