Events in Haltern am See

"Hail Agrippina!" will be the chant at the 2026 Roman Days in Haltern when the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus arrives. At her side are her husband Germanicus, the celebrated general, and her uncle Tiberius. In a large pompa, a festive procession, they enter the Roman camp at Aliso and celebrate the emperor's birthday with spectacular equestrian games at the LWL Roman Museum. On 29 and 30 August, fans of Roman antiquity from all over Germany will get their money's worth in Haltern am See. There were almost 16,000 in the record year 2024. Tickets are now available online.

"We are delighted that Agrippina, Germanicus and Tiberius, members of the imperial family themselves, will be honouring us with a visit for the first time," explains museum director Dr Josef Mühlenbrock. "The Roman historian Cassius Dio reports on equestrian games that were performed by Tiberius and Germanicus in 11 AD in honour of Emperor Augustus in Germania on the right bank of the Rhine," Mühlenbrock continues. Even before the participation of the highest-ranking Tiberius and the crowd favourite Germanicus, the presence of Agrippina was probably the highlight of the festivities for many spectators.

Events and military demonstrations such as these provided an opportunity to visualise the army's loyalty to the ruler and to publicly stage the military strength of the empire. They were a mixture of military exercise, tournament and theatre performance. The riders wore costly helmets with colourful feathers and masks, breastplates and shields, which were less suitable for battle than for display. They were used to stage mythical heroes or figures of the gods.

Such games also had a strong religious character. They could be dedicated to a god or - as here - to the emperor, elevating Augustus to the rank of a divinely protected ruler.

A hands-on Roman experience

Of course, the legionaries set up their tents on site again: they march in full armour and demonstrate not only the turtle formation, but also the penetrating power of a ballista, a Roman cannon. Bakers, potters, builders, blacksmiths, slingers and Teutons also present their crafts and offer their wares. There will even be a Roman water organ player giving samples of his skills.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Romans 2,000 years ago with numerous hands-on activities: from stroking a real mule and taking selfies in Roman clothing to making jewellery.

Zur Kajüte, Strandallee 6

The popular concert series by the lake continues.

Christian Zehren from the Rossini team has once again put together a mix of different musical styles. The programme includes both new and well-known bands.

The spectrum ranges from rock and oldies covers, Irish folk and rockabilly to singer-songwriters. There's something for your ears every Sunday in July and August!

Admission is free

The local festival in Haltern am See has been a living tradition for over 40 years. Inside and outside the town walls, there are numerous stalls, fairground rides, three stages and a large selection of catering stands. On the "Haltern am See. Tut gut." stage on the market square, on the "360-Grad-Bühne" stage in the park and on the "Rockbüro-Bühne" stage at the Muttergottesstiege - a varied programme awaits visitors. In Kardinal-Graf-von-Galen-Park and on Kärntner Platz, a funfair with many rides will delight young and old alike. The highlight is the Ferris wheel. On the art mile on the Gantepoth, artists present and sell their lovingly designed works from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm. The children's flea market will be held on Saturday and Sunday at the Disselhof from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm for the little sales talents. The issue of participation cards will start on 01.09.2026 from 15.00 in the Old Town Hall.

Public guided tours of the town offer the chance to discover its fascinating history and culture – even if you’re travelling alone. On selected dates, both locals and visitors can explore the hidden treasures and historical highlights of Haltern am See. The experienced guides lead the way through picturesque streets, recount interesting anecdotes and share their knowledge of the most significant sights.

After a first evening full of energy, the Soundgarage goes into the next round. Where engines usually take centre stage, music once again takes command. Between gleaming car bodies and real live sound, an atmosphere is once again created that is not often experienced in this way. New bands, new moments - but the same vibe that impressed the first time round. The Soundgarage remains a place for honest music, closeness and exactly the kind of evenings that stick with you. The bands Nameless, Nachtkind and Retown will be performing in cooperation with Rockbüro Haltern am See. When the sound of engines falls silent, the music takes over. An event where horsepower and beats are in harmony and visitors are swept away by an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether rock, pop or pure passion - at Soundgarage Borgmann, only the perfect sound counts.

‘Open Monument Day’ is Germany’s largest cultural event. Since 1993, it has been coordinated nationwide by the German Foundation for Monument Protection, which operates under the patronage of the Federal President. Through this event, the German Foundation for Monument Protection draws significant attention to the preservation of historic monuments in Germany.

Sythen Castle will also be showing itself at its best on Sunday 13 September. Everyone interested in the castle and its history – or simply feeling peckish – is welcome. Experienced castle guides will be on hand to offer interesting and entertaining tours of the buildings and grounds from 2 pm.

During the guided tours, DJ Paul will take the audience on a musical journey from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Refreshments will include potato pancakes and homemade cakes, as well as coffee, tea and a variety of cold drinks.

The Friends’ Association looks forward to welcoming plenty of visitors – admission is free!

On 18 September in Haltern am See, the internationally acclaimed NDR Big Band will join forces with the genre-bending band ToyToy and the Bundesjazzorchester (Bujazzo). The audience in the auditorium of the school centre will be able to experience the results of this electrifying, groovy collaboration live. Tickets are now available. 

On this evening, established jazz greats, Germany’s finest up-and-coming talents and innovative sound architects from the young scene will come together to demonstrate what jazz can be in the 21st century: bold, free and full of energy. “A celebration of togetherness” was how the Süddeutsche Zeitung described this project.

At this exclusive guest performance in Haltern am See, the boundaries between generations and genres will blur. The NDR Big Band, one of the world’s leading ensembles for contemporary jazz, and the band ToyToy, which combines visionary jazz with high-energy hip-hop, will present a unique, urban sound. The audience can look forward to a dynamic fusion of precise big band arrangements, driving beats and virtuoso improvisations, where intellectual rigour meets club culture. The Bundesjazzorchester (Bujazzo) is the official talent incubator for German jazz. Comprising the country’s finest up-and-coming musicians, the orchestra demonstrates the genre’s tremendous vitality and versatility in 2026.

The event is organised by the Haltern am See Music School and generously supported by the Masthoff Cultural Foundation.

All the information at a glance:

• Event: NDR Big Band, Bujazzo & Toytoy – Live in Haltern am See

• Date: Friday, 18 September 2026

• Start time: 8.00 pm (doors open: 7.00 pm)

• Venue: School Centre Assembly Hall, Holtwicker Str. 3, 45721 Haltern am See

• Organisers: Town of Haltern am See & Haltern am See Music School

• Sponsor: Masthoff Cultural Foundation

The 1st Landsknecht Fanfare Corps Haltern am See is turning 70

Here is the programme for the weekend:

Saturday, 19 September from 2 pm: Musical fun from Haltern – for Haltern. Gathering of Haltern’s marching bands & supporting programme in the park

from 6 pm: Doors open for the big anniversary party in the marquee – featuring the Kitt-Funken from Olfen, the Haltern Sound Orchestra and DJ Sally & DJ Felti (admission: €16)

Sunday, 20 September from 11.00 am: Gathering of the IG reine Fanfarenzüge from North Rhine-Westphalia, with up to 13 marching bands on the market square

from 2 pm: Free live performances in the marquee

Cabbage is so versatile and one of the few products that we harvest in different varieties from our fields all year round.

But which variety is planted and harvested when? How do Brussels sprouts actually grow? How do you harvest kale? Questions upon questions to which we would like to give you answers on our tour. We will take you on the exciting journey of cabbage.

Before we start the cabbage tour by bike (a trip by car is also possible), we invite you to a small reception on our farm at 2.30 pm. Afterwards we will head out to our cabbage fields.

The tour will end at the Hagedorn farm with a delicious meal.

The theme is of course "cabbage".

If you are curious and would like to take part, please register yourself or a small group using the Hof Hagedorn contact form!

Organiser: Hof Hagedorn

Get to know and identify medicinal plants and edible wild herbs along the way and learn interesting facts about how to use them at home for your well-being, health or enjoyment.

Different herbs and medicinal plants sprout throughout the year - different parts of the plant such as buds, leaves, flowers, seeds or roots are collected at different times of the year.

Being able to clearly recognise the plants on a hike all year round is an exciting experience for all ages.

What you can expect:

Herbs: recognising, identifying, smelling, tasting and feeling edible wild plants and medicinal herbs.

Inspiring hike: we discover well-known and new plants along the way and learn about their wonderful properties. You will be amazed and perceive nature with different eyes afterwards.

Sharing: I experience time and again that participants are deeply touched by the plants and are happy to share their joy with others (shared joy is double the joy).

Registration deadline: Sun.: 20.09.2026

Meeting point: You will receive an info mail with the exact meeting point a few days before the event.