Event Details
Welcome to the Stade Old Town Festival 2026
From 19 to 21 June 2026, the historic old town of the ancient Hanseatic city of Stade on the Elbe turns into a lively festival mile. The Stade Altstadtfest celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, drawing thousands of visitors with live music on several stages, culinary stalls and a colourful family program throughout the narrow lanes and historic squares.
Highlights
- 50th edition of the traditional old town festival
- Live music on the Fischmarkt and Pferdemarkt stages
- Open air disco on the "Am Sande" square
- Arts and crafts market in the New and Historic Town Hall
- "Hökern und Handeln" haggling tradition in front of local shops
- Open air church service and family day on Sunday
- Sunday shopping to close out the weekend
Program
The festival kicks off before the weekend with the traditional "Hökern und Handeln", where visitors can haggle in front of participating shops just like in Hanseatic times. Starting Friday, seven bands take over the Fischmarkt stage, from rock covers to party hits spanning the 70s through the 2000s, joined by the samba group Sambucada. On the "Am Sande" square, an open air disco keeps the party going late into the night on Friday and Saturday. Sunday centres on a family day, with dance, song and games for children, plus an open air ecumenical church service on the Pferdemarkt. The weekend wraps up with Sunday shopping in the city centre.
Tickets
The Stade Altstadtfest is a free street festival; there is no admission fee for the stages, the arts and crafts market or the family program. Only individual food and drink stands are paid on site.
Visitor Tips
- Traveling by bus or train is recommended, as the old town is closed to cars and parking is limited.
- The Am Sande parking garage and the Wallstraße multi storey car park are open over the weekend.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the historic lanes are cobblestoned.
- Families should plan for Sunday in particular, with the family day and Sunday shopping.
- Bring plenty of water on hot summer days and seek shade along the Elbe.
