The Maschseefest 2025 is open

This Wednesday saw the official opening of the 38th Maschsee Festival in Hanover. From 30 July to 17 August, the banks of the Maschsee will be transformed into a vibrant festival mile for 19 days. Germany's largest lake festival will delight visitors with culinary delights from all over the world, more than 200 live acts on several stages and a varied programme for children and families.

Classics such as the popular duck race or the atmospheric torchlight swim are once again part of the programme, as are exciting new features. A highlight this year is the 75 metre high Maschsee Tower, which will provide breathtaking views on the forecourt of the Heinz von Heiden Arena for the first time.

Festive start with a mix of sun and clouds

The Maschsee Festival was symbolically opened at 6.00 p.m. in a great atmosphere and a fresh summery 20 degrees. Surrounded by colourful stilt walkers, acrobats and live musicians, Hanover's Lord Mayor Belit Onay and André Lawiszus, Managing Director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG), ceremoniously cut the blue opening ribbon - accompanied by numerous guests.

"Lake Maschsee lies at the heart of the city, and the people of Hanover have taken it to their hearts - and that also applies to the Maschsee Festival. It has long been as much a part of Hanover's cultural DNA as the Schützenfest. Germany's largest lake festival attracts people from near and far with its unique atmosphere. We are looking forward to a large, diverse, peaceful and colourful festival. Hanover is ready," says Onay.

André Lawiszus, who has been in charge of operations at the Maschseefest since 2011 and is responsible for it as Managing Director of the HVG for the first time this year, is also delighted with the successful start:

"There is a lot to discover on all four banks - from new restaurants to very special places to enjoy, such as the newly designed west bank with Aperitivo Bay."

The Maschseefest has long been more than just a regional open-air festival - as a food festival, it has developed into a genuine cultural event with international appeal. With its maritime flair in the heart of the city, it feels like it extends the summer holidays in Lower Saxony by two and a half weeks.

Around two million visitors are expected to attend Hanover's biggest summer festival again this year.