Zechenfest Zollverein

The Zechenfest 2025 was held on September 27 and 28 at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen. As in previous years, the organizer was the Stiftung Zollverein. Free admission.

On five stages — the main stage, Salzlager stage, Bergorchester platform, Kokerei stage, and a smaller venue — Schlager, Pop, Rock, 80s hits, and miner's music were featured. Guided tours of the heritage trail, the Ruhr Museum, and the Portal of Industrial Culture were accessible free of charge during the festival. International food stalls from Essen associations and communities characterized the culinary landscape. The highlight was the fireworks display on Saturday evening at 9:00 PM behind the switch house, synchronized with music from all stages. On Sunday at 11:00 AM, an interreligious gathering took place for the first time — a new program item that made the joint celebration of different faiths visible. Over 30,000 visitors attended — laying the groundwork for the jubilee edition in 2026 (25 years of UNESCO World Heritage).