Events at Maritim Festival are still progressing
The 25th International Maritime Festival (IFM) is set to take place in 2025, promising a spectacular celebration of maritime culture, heritage, and innovation. This annual event, which has been a staple in Vegesack since 1999, attracts over 1.75 million visitors over 25 years.
Key attractions and events at the IFM 2025 include:
- Visitors can donate their two-euro deposit cup at special red collection bins, contributing to the festival's sustainability efforts.
- The Bremer Ratskeller, one of the city's oldest and most renowned wine merchants, will serve at the Hafenwald, offering a taste of classic and international cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options.
- The new IFM fan merchandise will debut in August 2025, featuring a whale design, symbolizing Vegesack's whaling town history. Proceeds from the merchandise sales will go directly to the festival. An anniversary shirt will be released, showcasing numbers and fun facts from 25 years of the festival.
- A unique cocktail bar, Blauwal, will be located near the whale's tail by the ferry landing, providing a refreshing addition to the festival.
- A "WeserART" event featuring maritime arts and crafts is taking place in the boathouse in the Vegesacker town garden.
- The first 100 winners of the previous Bremer Scavenger Hunt action will receive a free drink at the beer wagon at the boathouse in the Vegesacker town garden.
- The festival's website provides more information about these attractions and events.
Beyond Vegesack, the IFM lineup includes several notable maritime festivals:
- Festival of Sail Duluth 2025 (July 13, 2025), part of the IFM lineup, introduces multiple new features including the debut use of the newly renovated $30 million Duluth Seawall and the Harbor Plaza event space on Harbor Drive. The festival offers VIP experiences, family and friends ticket bundles, live entertainment, and interactive activities centered on tall ships.
- Marine Heritage Festival (July 25-27, 2025) in Southampton features a new sailor-themed theatrical production, the ever-popular Cardboard Boat Races, and family-friendly programming celebrating maritime heritage in a beachside setting.
- Tall Ship Demonstrations and Cannon Battles at Sea provide interactive historical naval battle reenactments, allowing participants to climb aboard ships, explore historic decks, and meet crew members.
- While not part of the IFM itself, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 (July 29, 2025) features over 700 boats, including almost 130 world premieres, with a special focus on multihulls, luxury yachts, and innovations in eco-friendly marine vessels.
In summary, the 25th IFM in 2025 showcases a blend of newly renovated venues, VIP experiences, unique family packages, theatrical and interactive maritime performances, historic ship tours, and significant maritime heritage events, with special highlights on tall ships, live reenactments, and advanced yachting premieres. The participants include famous bands, theatre companies, craft beverage providers, and notable maritime and luxury yacht brands.
Additionally, a benefit concert will be held in the Vegesacker town church on July 31st at 5 pm to secure the festival's financial future for 2026. The IFM has hosted musicians from over 70 countries, and has experienced an average of 92.3% sunny days. The Bremer Free Card can be used at many attractions on the children's area of the festival.
Image source for this article: Jens Hagens.
[1] Festival of Sail Duluth 2025: https://www.festivalofsailduluth.com/ [2] Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: https://www.cannesyachtingfestival.com/en/ [3] Duluth Seawall and Harbor Plaza: https://www.duluthseawall.com/ [4] Marine Heritage Festival: https://www.southamptonmaritime.co.uk/ [5] Tall Ship Demonstrations and Cannon Battles at Sea: https://www.tallshipscharleston.com/
At the 25th IFM in 2025, music lovers can enjoy a benefit concert in the Vegesacker town church on July 31st at 5 pm, featuring musicians from over 70 countries. Meanwhile, entertainment enthusiasts can look forward to the Festival of Sail Duluth 2025, part of the IFM lineup, which will offer live music, interactive activities, and VIP experiences on July 13, 2025.
