Festivities highlighted by fireworks, drone displays, blooming flora, and unwavering celebration despite the ongoing Hall 2 situation
The 30th Ruhrorter Hafenfest is set to take place from August 15 to 18, 2025, in the heart of Duisburg's Ruhrort district. This milestone anniversary promises a rich program, with nightly highlights including a traditional fireworks display on Friday from the Friedrich-Ebert Bridge, a drone show debuting on Saturday from Mercator Island, and a concert by 90s pop star Blümchen on Sunday evening.
The festival will also feature longstanding attractions such as a harbor fair, a ship parade, historic ships on display, harbor tours, and a diverse music program across two stages. Visitors can look forward to a lively atmosphere, with spontaneous parties throughout the four days.
On Sunday, August 17, the Hinterhof-Trödel (courtyard flea market) will be open from 11:00 to 17:00, alongside a large Kunst- und Kulturmarkt (art and culture market) featuring many artists showing their latest works and a varied stage program at Neumarkt. Performances will include "VIER SIND DANN MAL WEG" – the Bremen Town Musicians story by Gebrr and Grimm, Björn Nonnweiler with songs inspired by life, Zepp Oberpichler with punk and rock, Thomas Frahm and Radegundis with lyrical and epic performances, Helmut Meier with chansons and songs, and Vätergenesungswerk with blues music.
The festival will run from Friday, August 15, starting at 15:00 and continuing until Monday, August 18, with varying closing times. The drone show on Saturday and the concert by Blümchen on Sunday are not-to-be-missed events.
The Ruhrorter Hafenfest offers a unique blend of maritime charm, cultural offerings, culinary specialties, and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of the world's largest inland harbor. Despite the challenges of temporarily closing Germany's most important waterway for a few hours, the organizers are promising a festive and authentic harbor atmosphere for all visitors.
Sources: - Radio Duisburg article (2025-07-19): https://www.radioduisburg.de/artikel/ruhrorter-hafenfest-wird-30-2386809.html - Duisburg Live event page (2025-08-06): https://www.duisburglive.de/event/2025/08/15/ruhrorter-hafenfest-2025/?cHash=f097345664ce7e3dcaf7d22c46c57d2a - YouTube preview by Studio 47 (2025-07-21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w97iFh2zRN4
Additional information: - The long-announced Hall 2 is taking on a large scale, as evidenced by the forest of columns visible from Leinpfad. - The 100th anniversary of the port company will take place next year. - Despite the disaster in Düsseldorf, a fireworks display is still planned for Friday evening. - The traditional opening will take place. - Markus Bangen, the CEO, stated that a hall is being built instead of a tent for the anniversary. - Uwe Kluge promises the drone show to be impressive. - The Hafenfest will not be primarily focused on the main sponsor Duisport this time. - Hafen-Co-CEO Lars Nennhaus acknowledges the emotional aspect of the anniversary. - Schirmherr Marcel Meyer from Rhenus will ring the ship's bell. - Alexander Klomparend from the organizing Duisburg-Kontor mentioned that the Hafenfest is mainly for celebrating for three days.
Visitors can expect a diverse entertainment program at the Ruhrorter Hafenfest, with performances on stage from artists like Björn Nonnweiler, Zepp Oberpichler, Thomas Frahm and Radegundis, Helmut Meier, Vätergenesungswerk, and a captivating storytelling of "VIER SIND DANN MAL WEG" – the Bremen Town Musicians. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can enjoy the unique spectacle of a drone show on Saturday evening.
