Wilhelmshaven: Lots of fun at the harbor festival and vintage car show!

Wilhelmshaven: Lots of fun at the harbor festival and vintage car show!

Under the motto “Weekend on the Jade”, Wilhelmshaven will be transformed into a maritime festival from July 3rd to 6th, 2025 that is worth more than just a look. The 48th edition of this popular harbor festival promises four days full of music, entertainment and exciting experiences. Generous developments and numerous attractions await visitors, who should mark the date in their calendars now. [Kreizeitung] reports that an impressive vintage car show will take place at the Fliegerdeich, in which not only tractors and agricultural machinery can be seen, but also trucks, Unimogs, tractors, cars, US vehicles and motorcycles.

The musical diversity is just as remarkable, with a total of seven stages that will captivate visitors. Local and national bands as well as DJs bring atmosphere to the festival area. With acts like DJ Flöcki, who creates a Malle feeling, and the AC/DC cover band Hells Balls, there is something for every musical taste. There will also be live performances from other local bands and DJs, adding to the maritime flair.

Attractions and experiences

The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the open ship program, where numerous ships invite you to view them. Visitors can look forward to interesting information and gastronomic delights on board. Particularly noteworthy are the historic ships such as the over 40-year-old lightship “Elbe 1” and the frigate North Rhine-Westphalia, which has only been in service since June 10, 2020. These attractions not only offer a glimpse into the maritime past, but also exciting insights into today's shipping.

Anyone arriving by car benefits from the free Park & ​​Ride Shuttle, which also offers free entry to over 70 concerts and program items as well as numerous discount vouchers with the Jade Pin for just 5 euros. The shuttle runs at an optimized frequency to minimize waiting times and make the journey as pleasant as possible.

Cultural and culinary

But the harbor festival has much more to offer: a city tour with VR glasses allows participants to immerse themselves in Wilhelmshaven's past and experience historical stories up close. Family suitability is also ensured: a fair with rides and the mobile cabaret “Tingeltangel” provide entertainment for young and old. In the medieval pirate village, craft skills can be tested and rustic delicacies can be enjoyed. In addition, the Kajemarkt on Bontekai invites you to stroll with various stalls and walking acts. A flea and handicraft market on Gotthilf-Hagenplatz and Valoisplatz rounds off the diverse offering.

In August, Bremerhaven will offer another highlight for everyone who is enthusiastic about maritime adventures with the Maritime Days from the 17th to the 21st. These days invite you, among other things, to go on trips with traditional sailors and offer interesting open ship tours. Musical entertainment is also provided here, on three stages, and culinary delights can be enjoyed at a street food mile. [1a Yachtcharter] reports that these events are very popular with tourists and locals and also conclude with an impressive fireworks display on August 20th.

Overall, the latest statistics show that tourism in Germany remains dynamic, especially in regions like Schleswig-Holstein, which even exceeds the number of overnight stays from 2019. It remains interesting to see how inflows develop during the maritime festivals, as rural regions and coastal destinations continue to be popular with travelers. [DWIF] highlights that a return to local and personal travel is always in vogue and such events are an excellent way to experience the beauties of the North Sea and its maritime history up close.