Every year, a great host of events both on and off the Elbe river make up Hamburg's annual PORT ANNIVERSARY in celebration of the harbour's 'birthday'. Of all the fun activities for young and old, the maritime presentations on the Elbe are probably the most unique. Highlights include the Grand Arrival Parade, the Tugboat Ballet and the spectacular fireworks show.
Other maritime events at the yearly Hafengeburtstag include water parades with motor yachts, steamships and heritage sailing ships, staged sea-rescue missions and sporting events. But there are lots of fun events and activities along the Elbe quayside as well!
Arts and Crafts, Delicious Snacks, and Fairground Rides
At the first Port Anniversary more than 40 years ago, only a few fairground people ran their stands along the harbourfront. But today, more than 420 stand operators and performers create a festive atmosphere along the docks: the many event stages on the Bunte Hafenmeile from Baumwall to Landungsbrücken guarantee a diverse programme for the whole family.
Many fairground stands offer food and drink, handicrafts and rides. From the Landungsbrücken piers, visitors can watch both the arrival and departure parade, the Tugboat Ballet and of course the spectacular display of fireworks.
Fireworks Show
On Friday, the river Elbe turns into a unique sea of colours when the Harbour Lights, one of the annual highlights, puts a glow into every visitor's eyes. With the best views from the Landungsbrücken piers, a breathtaking array of fireworks puts a spectacular installation of lights and pyrotechnics on display for everyone.
Please note that in 2024, the traditional fireworks show will take place on Friday at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday there will be spectacular light illuminations with a special maritime flair from 10:30 p.m.
Visiting Latvia
This year’s international partner country is Latvia. This Baltic country will present itself at the Kehrwiederspitze, providing insights into its culture, its tourism offerings, and the country's innovative strength.
Free Live Music
From sea shanties to punkrock or soul, everyone is bound to find a favourite act on one of the many different stages along the Bunte Hafenmeile (lit. 'colourful harbourfront mile') along the Landungsbrücken piers – and what's more, it's entirely for free! Please see the event schedule below for more detailed information.
An den Landungsbrücken Open Air
For the whole weekend, there will be a diverse event programme. In cooperation with the Hamburg studio of the NDR (the 'Northern German Broadcasting Company'), the central stage at the Landungsbrücken piers has the best selection of acts every day. More than 30 different bands, picked by local live-music clubs LOGO and KNUST, play the "An den Landungsbrücken Open Air" stage, spanning a range from pop and rock to punk, ska and rockabilly.
Heimathafen Hamburg – Rock Antenne Hamburg Stage
From 9 to 12 May, local rock music station Rock Antenne Hamburg caters to the needs of all rock music fans. At the quay between Strandpauli and the Fischmarkt fish auction hall, there will be a varied stage programme. A newly-built area for arts&crafts, design andsports will offer visitors the oportunity to engage in creative and physical activities while enjoying the stunning views of the Bunte Hafenmeile with regional players in mind – for Hamburg, by Hamburg.
Museum Oevelgönne – Music from Oevelgönne to the World
From Thursday to Sunday visitors can enjoy a cultural live music programme, as the Museum Port Oevelgönne focusses on international impressions. Brazilian music to heat the spirits, or professional percussionists to get the audience moving – there is excitement for everyone. Please see the event schedule below for the Oevelgönne stage programme as well as the full programme of the 835th PORT ANNIVERSARY.
Harbour Pride at Fischmarkt
Visitors can look forward to a diverse and colourful stage programme to celebrate with the queer community to promote tolerance and diversity. Entertainment, gastronomy, infopoints as well as a stage with live music acts, DJs and performing artists – this weekend there will be something for everyone!
Harbour Beatz
The Harbour Beatz electronic music festival, which takes place during the Port Anniversary, puts visitors in the right mood: with a chill breeze in the afternoon and a stormy gale until late. In the nighttime, the most innovative electronic beats by scene insiders will set the atmosphere cater to te needs of a dance-crazy crowd. A special highlight is the colurfully lit dance floor.
Culturally-minded Port Anniversary attendees should also pay a visit to the various museums scattered among the Speicherstadt UNESCO World Heritage Site and HafenCity.
