Celebrating Hamburg's Heart – Hamburg PORT ANNIVERSARY

Between 8 and 10 May 2026, around 1.1 million people came together to celebrate the Port of Hamburg. Whether on the water or on land, there was a lively atmosphere up and down the River Elbe.

Impressions of the Programme on the River Elbe

People watching ships sailing the River Elbe in the Port of Hamburg — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

Tugboats navigating the River Elbe, shooting off colourful smoke — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Fuhrman

Tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl docking at the Hamburg Fish Market harbour — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

People sitting in a longboat, rowing it across the water — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Ibrahim Ot

Ships sailing the River Elbe as part of the arrival parade — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

People taking pictures of ships on the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Rene Zieger

Two persons climbing the main mast of a tall ship — Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Jan Wagner

People watching ships on the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Fuhrman

Ships sailing the River Elbe, with the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in background — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Rene Zieger

A tugboat dancing on the water, lying at a slight angle in the water. — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Benni Bock

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The off-shore programme was more exciting than ever before: from the Grand Arrival and Departure Parades and the famous Tugboat Ballet, to the spectacular aerial rescue drills. A particular highlight was the Open Ship event, where visitors were able to come on board themselves.

Whether on the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl or the modern frigate Sutherland – the crew members provided fascinating insights into their daily life. Another real highlight was the launch of the new hybrid boats, which demonstrate that in the Port of Hamburg, tradition and innovation go hand in hand.

Busy Timetables on 11 Open-Air Stages

A floating stage on the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

A drag queen performing on a stage, holding a microphone — Hamburg Messe und Congress/ René Zieger

Controlled flames shooting into the air from a stage floating on the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

Two men with electric and acoustic guitars performing and singing — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

Several people standing by a railing, looking at a stage floating on the water — Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Jan Wagner

Two musicians playing their instruments — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

A person standing in front of a stage, clapping their hands — Hamburg Messe und Congress/ René Zieger

A rock band performing on stage — Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Jan Wagner

A crowd of people watching a band performing on a stage — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Fuhrmann

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On the shore, the harbour was brimming with excitement. On a total of 11 stages, the crowds were treated to live music – entirely for free. This year, our partner city, Liverpool, brought a very special atmosphere to the River Elbe. With English charm, its own stage and plenty of good cheer, the friendship between the two port cities was celebrated in style.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, German and international acts such as Ben Zucker, Santiano, DJ Topic and Max Giesinger created a lively festival atmosphere on the floating stage on the Elbe at Elbe in Concert.

Just Some Visuals Treats

Golden hour over the Port of Hamburg. — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Benni Bock

Two DJs standing behind their turntables by the water’s edge, with harbour cranes in background — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Rene Zieger

A person wearing a sailor’s cap smiling at the camera — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Romanus Fuhrmann

A view of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall through a ship’s rigging — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

People sitting on the banks by the quay, looking out over the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Jan Wagner

The evening sun setting behind the busy riverside walk — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Rene Zieger

People looking out over the River Elbe — Hamburg Messe und Congress / Benni Bock

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Beyond the big shows, it’s often the spontaneous moments that make a weekend on the River Elbe so special. Whether it’s chatting away by the quayside, the hustle and bustle on the pontoons, or simply the huge fleet that had the harbour firmly in its grip for three days. One thing is clear: the atmosphere this year was one of a kind.

Impressions of the 837th PORT ANNIVERSARY

Impressions of the Programme on the River Elbe

Busy Timetables on 11 Open-Air Stages

Just Some Visuals Treats

Read More

PORT ANNIVERSARY Liverpool City Region (UK)

Elbe in Concert 2025

PORT ANNIVERSARY Programme Saturday, 9 May 2026