46th Local Heritage and Boatmen’s Festival
From 27 to 30 August 2026, Roßlau will once again become a town of festivities: the 46th Local Heritage and Boatmen’s Festival invites you to celebrate, explore and share experiences together over four days. In the year marking the 810th anniversary of Roßlau’s first documented mention, this time-honoured festival combines time-honoured traditions with fresh ideas – and offers a varied programme for the whole family.
A large festival area will be set up between Dessauer Straße, Brückenkopf, Elbbalkon, Biethe, the shipyard, the Boatmen’s Museum and the jetty. Clubs, businesses, families, friends and visitors from Dessau-Roßlau and the wider region come together to celebrate Roßlau’s special connection to the River Elbe.
A traditional start and a new club challenge
On Thursday, the Local History and Boatmen’s Festival traditionally begins with the clubs’ procession and the tapping of the first keg of beer by the Lord Mayor, Dr Robert Reck. Afterwards, the Welcome Party with DJ Martini will get the party going in the marquee.
Traders will be in attendance.
On Thursday, the Local History and Boatmen’s Festival traditionally kicks off with the parade of clubs and the tapping of the first keg of beer by the Lord Mayor, Dr Robert Reck. Afterwards, the Welcome Party with DJ Martini will get the party going in the marquee.
There’s also a first: in the ‘Great Roßlau Club Battle’, three clubs from the twin towns will compete against each other. Knowledge of Roßlau, dexterity and sporting spirit will be put to the test. Alongside a challenge cup, attractive prize money awaits the participants.
Friday: Premiere for ‘ELBE ON FIRE’
On Friday afternoon, the Volkssolidarität ’92 Dessau/Roßlau e. V. seniors’ afternoon will take place in the main marquee for the first time.
In the evening, one of this year’s festival highlights awaits: ‘ELBE ON FIRE – LIVE MUSIC’ makes its debut right on the banks of the Elbe. With music, water and a summery atmosphere, the Elbe itself is set to become part of the experience. The open-air stage will feature, amongst others, ‘RE’ and ‘Nico Yaa & DIE ANDERN’, as well as two surprise acts. Afterwards, the festivities continue in the marquee with Simple Sing.
Saturday: Farmers’ market, hands-on activities and family programme
Saturday showcases the full diversity of the Heimat- und Schifferfest. Along Dessauer Straße, the traditional farmers’ market, with its regional produce, invites visitors to have a browse. Among others, the Streetzer Backhausverein with its famous ‘Knubbel’, the rural women’s association from Streetz and numerous traders will be present.
Along Werftstraße and Sachsenberg-Straße, more than 30 clubs, businesses and initiatives will be showcasing themselves on the Clubs and Businesses Mile. The Schifferchallenge, which was launched last year, is also entering its next round: at ten stations, visitors can complete tasks, collect stamps and win prizes.
The programme for children has been expanded once again this year. The Sunshine e.V. children’s dance group, the Pumpelstrümpfe puppet show spectacle and a children’s workshop with Elisabeth Taraba from the Burgtheater Roßlau will provide entertainment. In the evening, the Rockpiraten will take over the marquee, before DJ Martini brings Saturday to a musical close.
A Sunday full of tradition
Sunday begins with the traditional church service on the banks of the Elbe. Afterwards, the men’s choir and brass band invite everyone to a coffee concert in the marquee.
Woitschack’s puppet theatre is also on offer for our youngest guests. There’ll be music on the Elbbalkon with an open-air concert by the Wittenberg Fanfare Band and the Blau-Weiß Roßlau Marching Band. To round off the festivities, the clubs and organising team will be given a send-off in the marquee, before the traditional march-out and the lowering of the flags at Luchplatz bring the festival weekend to a close.
Celebrate together and get home in comfort
In 2026, the Heimat- und Schifferfest will once again thrive thanks to the commitment of numerous clubs, volunteers, businesses, helpers and the Roßlau Volunteer Fire Brigade. The festival is supported by, amongst others, the City of Dessau-Roßlau, DVV-Stadtwerke, the Roßlau Shipyard and the Stadtsparkasse.
To help visitors get home, Dessauer Verkehrs GmbH is extending its bus services from Thursday to Saturday. Additional late-night services will be available on the N6 route. Information on the full festival programme and the adjusted bus services can be found on the websites of the Heimat- und Schifferfest and the DVV.
Four days in Roßlau. Four days of local heritage. Four days of the Schifferfest.