Setup has begun: 19 days of strolling fun—free and open-air

Setup is already in full swing. “This year, we want to build on the success of our comeback after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. With its intergenerational gourmet oases, beach lounges, diverse concerts, and an expanded lineup of family-friendly activities, this year’s Maschseefest is set to regain its former strength and immerse the city in a maritime atmosphere and exclusive culinary delights,” says Hans Nolte, managing director of Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH (HVG).

“Due to supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine, conditions last year were not easy for many booth operators. This year, we’ve refined some of our concepts. The food festival at the Löwenbastion is expanding toward the lake. The lower terrace invites visitors to linger with additional food trucks and partially covered seating, while a diverse program is taking place on the stage at the bastion. The Music Park at the Maschsee spring is becoming livelier, the Irish Village at the South Pier is getting more colorful, and the Strandwärts area at the Halfway House is becoming even more stylish,” said Nolte.

New Dining Options at Geibel: The Moselle Wine Region on Lake Masch

The concept at Geibel (east shore) is brand new. The experienced Hamburg-based event agency Cordula Stein Events GmbH is bringing the German Moselle wine region to Lake Maschsee with a traditional wine tavern. Spanning 1,000 square meters, Stein Wein Mosel invites visitors to discover regional dishes and beverages in a peaceful and convivial atmosphere.

The Maschseefest is one of the top ten food festivals in Europe

The organizer is particularly proud of the recognition from gourmet experts:
The Maschseefest in Hanover was ranked 9th among the best summer festivals for food lovers in 2022 by the international travel portal “Big 7 Travel.” It is the only festival in Germany to make the top ten on the list. The experts described it as a “paradise for gourmets.” “This award once again raises the Maschseefest’s international profile, which is a testament to the efforts of everyone involved,” emphasizes the HVG director.

© Kevin Münkel

“A Gourmet’s Paradise”: Oases of culinary delight spanning approximately 20,000 square meters

The culinary offerings are one of the festival’s highlights and truly live up to the accolades bestowed by gourmet experts. International cuisine—ranging from Middle Eastern to Mexican, Asian, Scandinavian, and Hanseatic—whether exclusive, exotic, home-style, or “on-the-go”—takes guests on a culinary journey around the world.

HVG's recipe tip: Enjoy a feast as you stroll around the lake.

© Kevin Münkel

Country & gastronomy concepts

Locations & Restaurants

All restaurants and locations at a glance - the Maschseefest sets international accents.

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More than 4,000 seats; table reservations available

Many restaurants around Lake Maschsee offer exclusive events during the 19-day festival, such as winemaker evenings, tastings, Sunday brunches, and special themed evenings.
Reservations can be made here. From Monday through Saturday, regular hours begin at 2 p.m.; on Sundays, they start as early as 11 a.m. Some food stands also offer a special lunch menu or set meals during the week. All restaurants and food stands also feature vegetarian and, in some cases, vegan dishes. The beer gardens, restaurants, and lounges offer a total of more than 4,000 seats with a view of the water. After all, you eat with your eyes first

Outdoors and free—Highlights at the Maschseefest

All around Lake Maschsee, a wide variety of sounds wash over the stages. The Maschsee Stage at the end of the north shore near the “Hellebardier” was redesigned last year and has since offered significantly more space for guests. Among the highlights there is the performance by 19-year-old singer Loi (“I Follow”), presented by bigFM. The social media star will kick off the summer’s festive mood on the first weekend of the festival (July 28). Myller is also one to watch. The 23-year-old will serve up a rhythmic cocktail of German pop mixed with electronic beats on July 28 as well. On July 29, the cover band Munique will bring an energetic mix of various music genres to the stage. RADIO 21 will transform the Maschsee Stage into a rock venue with fantastic cover bands: Re-Play from Hanover will play a wide range of cult songs from the rock era on August 11. On August 12, Valentin L. Findling and his band will take Queen fans back to the good old days. On August 2, the north shore will turn into a rainbow mile for Queer Wednesday, featuring DJs and the live act MKSM & a special performance by Lorenzo Pignataro. This colorful party will be hosted by scene icons Disko Jutta and Carrie Gold. Singles can look forward to the iconic “Fisch sucht Fahrrad” flirting party on August 4. On August 9, the Palo Club Night brings another classic event to the North Shore. It’s the perfect time to sip a sundowner at the Sunday Closing. On July 30, DJ Q-Tip will spin a vocal and chillhouse set; on August 6, DJ Nils Fischer takes the decks; and on August 18, DJ Sanfandisko will serve up beats from the turntables (each event from 6 to 10 p.m.).

At the Hamborger Veermaster, shanty and seafaring choirs weave a tapestry of maritime ballads. Their atmospheric repertoire is an invitation to dance by the lake. At Musik-Park by the source of the Maschsee, internationally renowned cover bands from the greatest decades of music will be performing. On July 28, Sweety Glitter & The Sweethearts will have the speakers blasting glam rock. Queen Legend, one of Europe’s best Queen tribute shows, is coming to the west bank. The best Irish atmosphere can be found on the south bank. At Irish Folk, different bands will be bringing the stage to life on all 19 days. On opening Wednesday, the Keltics will rock the stage, and the guys from Peaky Pluckers will get the crowd fired up on four evenings (July 26 and 27, August 1 and 8). When other venues close, the party continues at the Groove Garden starting at 10 p.m. The tent in the parking lot on Arthur-Menge-Ufer offers night owls a large dance floor with club hits from pop and house music

© Kevin Münkel

Classics and absolute crowd favorites

Last weekend, the charity racing ducks traditionally took to the waters of Lake Maschsee. At the 12th annual duck race organized by the North German Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Donor Registry (NKR), 100 large “Big Ducks” and 5,000 small squeaky ducks took to the water under the motto “Giving the Gift of Life—Fighting Leukemia” to support a good cause. You can participate in the Duck-Fun(d)racing by adopting a yellow, numbered duck (5 euros). The “adoption certificates” are available at locations such as the Hannover Tourist Information Office at Ernst-August-Platz 8. The event takes place on August 12

Another crowd favorite, the traditional torchlight swim, has been canceled this year for safety reasons! The good water quality of Lake Masch has encouraged the growth of aquatic plants to such an extent that safe swimming for children cannot be guaranteed.

Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung & Neue Presse – New Media Partners Take the Stage on the North Shore

The Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung and the Neue Presse are on board as new media partners for this year's Maschseefest. They will be presenting a colorful mix of programs daily on the Maschsee stage on the north shore.

On Mondays, the HAZ organizes poetry slams. Tuesdays are all about comedy. On Thursdays, the Neue Presse hosts its NP Summer Festival, and on Sundays, the NP Rendezvous. On Wednesdays, Hannover Veranstaltungs GmbH brings tried-and-true programs to the stage with Queer Wednesday and Palo Night. Thanks to last year’s redesign, the stage right next to the “Hellebardier” sculpture offers plenty of space for the audience.

The HVG is passionate not only about culinary diversity, but also about the diversity on display on stage and throughout the program.
The Ideenboulevard (IDN-Blvd.) organized by the kreHtiv Netzwerk Hannover e.V. offers a hands-on, interactive experience with sustainability. On August 8, companies, startups, and initiatives from the region will showcase their innovative projects along the creative mile on the north shore. The event kicks off at 2:00 p.m. on the Maschsee Stage. Starting at 6:30 p.m., a startup pitch event at the Groove Garden will round out the program.

Kinderwiese: FerienCard Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary at the Maschseefest—Offer for Families Extended to 18 Days

Kids are flocking to the Seesause: The large children’s play area between Seufzerallee and Karl-Thiele-Weg (in front of the Heinz von Heiden Arena) invites children this year, for the first time, to climb, do crafts, run around, and get their faces painted on all 18 full days (instead of the previous 10 days), from 2 to 7 p.m. each day. This year’s program is sponsored by the Neue Presse. The absolute highlight on the grounds is the colorful 50th-anniversary celebration of the FerienCard. The occasion will be marked with a huge festival. In addition to adventure activities on the lawn, from August 11 to 18, kids can enjoy breakdancing workshops, a flamenco show, rap stars, and much more on stage. Another highlight is the Nintendo Summer Tour, which will stop at the Kinderwiese from July 28 to 30. Visitors of all ages can experience fantastic video game worlds with the latest Nintendo Switch games and compete in disciplines such as soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, or sword fighting. Many restaurants around the lake also have their own play areas, art corners, and special offers for young visitors.

Ahoy, Maschsee pirates! The Üstralala is setting sail on an adventure

The beloved pirates are setting sail once again. Captain Zopf (Elisa Salamanca) is already looking forward to new adventures with the ship’s boy Mathjes (Mathias Lück) and the stowaway Clown Fidolo (Horst Schneider). Together with the parrot Bounty, the Pirate Jennies, and helmsman Achim from ÜSTRA, they set sail, sing offbeat pirate songs, and—with a little luck—might even find the key to the treasure chest. This maritime theater production is suitable for children ages four to ten. Departures are every Tuesday and Thursday (July 27, August 1, 3, 8, and 10, at 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 p.m. each day) from the “Stadion” pier on the north shore. Important: Advance ticket sales have already begun. Seating is limited. Tickets are available exclusively for cash payment and only at ÜSTRA Reisen GmbH, Nordmannpassage 6, 30159 Hanover.

Radio partners bring their own programming to the stage

Just like last year, Radio 21 and bigFM are back as partners. On the first weekend of the festival, bigFM will bring cool beats to the stage with LOI and Myller. On the last weekend, Radio 21 will get the crowd fired up with cover bands like Re-Play, playing the biggest hits from the rock era, and Valentin L. Findling with a Queen tribute show (both on the Maschsee Stage, North Shore).

A Date with a Star: The Maschsee Takes Center Stage

When it comes to a big lakeside party, nothing can hold a candle to the Maschsee—it’s the star of the summer. A sunset under palm trees, right by the water with a view of the urban skyline of Lower Saxony’s capital—it’s truly one-of-a-kind. During the day, you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise on one of the boats in the ÜSTRA Maschsee fleet; in the evening, you can gaze romantically at the starry sky. And in between, you can dive right into the party scene time and again.

© Kevin Münkel

Getting There and Back: Tips on Travel and Parking

The HVG recommends using public transportation to get there. The ÜSTRA’s special bus line 267 runs exclusively for the Maschsee Festival between the Kröpcke stop and the beach. Along the way, there are several stops right on the lakeside promenade. The Ring Line 100/200 and Line 800 also serve the Maschsee stops. A map of the area is available at www.maschseefest.de. The “49-Euro-Ticket” is also valid on ÜSTRA buses and trains. The MOIA ride-sharing service also offers additional pickup points around the Maschsee, which can be viewed in the app. For those traveling by car, the free NUNAV app provides a route that avoids traffic jams. The Schützenplatz will be available as an additional parking lot for the entire Maschsee Festival; the daily fee is five euros.

Temporary Bike Path to the Maschsee Festival

The most environmentally friendly way to get here is by bike. We want to make this as easy as possible. That’s why, in addition to numerous bike parking spaces, there will once again be a permanent bike path along Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer. From mid-July through approximately August 20, 2023, the bike path leading into the city on the east side of Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, between Altenbekener Damm and Kurt-Schwitters-Platz, will be relocated to the roadway. The existing bike path directly along the Maschsee will be “temporarily closed.” In addition, there will be a central parking area for e-scooters in the western section of Planckstraße.

Road Closure in the Western Part of Südstadt

Last year, there was no traffic circling in search of parking in the metropolitan area around Lake Maschsee, resulting in significantly less noise, exhaust fumes, and pollution for nearby residents. The new traffic plan tested in 2022—the closure of the western part of Südstadt—contributed to this. This year, the area between Lake Maschsee and Hildesheimer Straße will again be temporarily closed to non-residents. The closure is in effect on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The manned checkpoints can only be passed with a valid access permit.

Special opening hours for the “Geibel”

To protect residents of the Südstadt from noise, the following special opening hours apply at Geibel (east bank):
Sunday through Thursday: until 10 p.m. (until 11 p.m. on the opening Wednesday),
Fridays: until 2 a.m. (Friday, August 4, only until 11 p.m.),
Saturdays: until 2 a.m. (Saturday, August 5, only until midnight)
. For closing times of 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., the last order must be placed by that time. The bar actually closes no later than 30 minutes after that.

Festive Attire: Collection by HEIMATHAFEN

Susanne Flohr and Volker Reckhoff from the sailing school on the north shore are offering a little piece of the Maschsee Festival to take home—with a specially designed Maschsee Festival collection. The exclusive festival motif adorns T-shirts for women and men, blue-and-white gym bags, and coffee mugs. These items are available for purchase at the entrance to Food Village East on Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer, Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Experience Package - Overnight Stay Offer

For anyone who would like to combine the Maschseefest with a short trip to Hanover, Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMTG) offers a tailored experience package as well as a discounted group special.

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