Week of Democracy Oberhausen

A Festival Week for Democracy

The Week of Democracy Oberhausen is, according to the city's own statements, unique in North Rhine-Westphalia: an entire festival week that offers a broadly based citizen participation format around the International Day of Democracy on September 15. The 2026 edition runs from September 13 to 24, 2026 — twelve days of programming, organized by the city's coordination office for citizen participation together with associations, initiatives, schools, universities, and cultural institutions.

Format and Focus Areas

Unlike a classic cultural festival, the events are organized decentrally — spread across the entire city area. Typical program formats include:

• Panel discussions with politicians, scientists, activists
• Citizen participation workshops on local issues
• Readings of political literature
• School projects on topics such as "What is Democracy?"
• Concerts by political songwriters and bands
• Exhibitions on political topics
• Neighborhood gatherings in the various districts of Oberhausen
• Film screenings with documentaries and political cinema

International Day of Democracy

The central date is September 15 — which has been celebrated by the United Nations as the International Day of Democracy since 2007. On this day, special program items are featured in Oberhausen — from moments of silence for victims of political persecution to large public discussion formats.

Networking Meeting in January as Kick-off

As early as January 22, 2026, participants of the Week of Democracy will gather for a networking meeting at the Bert-Brecht-Haus — the cultural center that forms the hub of preparation. Program ideas will be coordinated here, synergies identified, and the joint concept developed. This early date makes it clear: the Week of Democracy is not a top-down format of the city administration, but a citizen project co-created over months.

Oberhausen — The Cradle of Ruhr Area Industrial History

Oberhausen is an independent city with around 209,000 inhabitants in the western Ruhr area, North Rhine-Westphalia. Known as the cradle of heavy industry (Gutehoffnungshütte) and the birthplace of CentrO — one of Germany's largest shopping centers. Politically, Oberhausen has a strong tradition of social democratic labor culture and a high awareness of democratic education. The festival fits this profile and positions the city as a democratic pioneer in the Ruhr area.