From September 4 to 6, 2026, LURUPINA will celebrate its 10th anniversary. Northern Germany’s largest circus festival will once again transform Böverstpark in Hamburg-Lurup into a stage for international contemporary circus—while remaining true to its community-oriented spirit.
GALA – the special LURUPINA kickoff
On Friday, September 4, at 7:30 p.m., the festival kicks off with the popular GALA.
This year, LURUPINA is celebrating “10 Years of Circus Art in Hamburg.” The first part will highlight 10 years of LURUPINA with a short film, a circus act, exciting interviews, and music. In the second part, the Swiss company Zirkus FahrAWaY will present a fantastic story centered on the big animals in the circus: “Elefant”—artfully performed without real animals.
Tickets for the GALA are available by advance reservation so that seniors and busy families, in particular, can easily gain access to the big top with peace of mind. Through the GALA, LURUPINA raises funds to make the circus festival free for all visitors on the following festival days. The friendliest, alcohol-free bar north of the 52nd parallel is open throughout the GALA. Remaining tickets for the GALA are available at gala@lurupina.de or by calling 040 280 55553; the full program can be found at www.lurupina.de.
A Festival for Everyone—Right in the Heart of the Neighborhood
For a decade, LURUPINA has been bringing together artists from around the world with children, teens, families, and seniors from many different cultures. This unique atmosphere makes the festival a place of welcome and solidarity.
Dr. Kaja Steffens, CDU District Caucus, Hamburg: “Lurupina is a gem of circus art for Hamburg and enchants audiences. I’m fascinated by how an urban green space can be transformed into a magical place. Goosebumps are guaranteed!”
The anniversary program includes tried-and-true formats such as the “Cirque de Quartier,” where circus schools and groups from the surrounding neighborhoods present their acts. The program is complemented by exhibitions on special themes in the Tarp.
LURUPINA – Only Possible Together
After 10 years, LURUPINA has become an internationally connected circus festival with around 5,000 visitors and is now an integral part of Hamburg-Altona’s cultural landscape. The festival is supported by its organizing body, Lichtwark-Forum Lurup e.V.
Artistic director and founder Andree Wenzel is delighted with the dedicated neighborhood community, which consistently creates a strong foundation for vibrant togetherness at the bar, at the information desk, and through the festival’s infrastructure.
LURUPINA is funded by the Altona District Office, Budnianer Hilfe e.V., the Mathias-Tantau Foundation, and the Hermann Hell Foundation, as well as through the dedication of many individuals.
LURUPINA is free and open to the public. Art and culture must be independent and non-negotiable—and open to everyone! We welcome ANY support for this and future circus festivals!
Press Contact:
Lichtwark-Forum Lurup e.V. | Jasmin Eikmeier, PR & Programming
Lurup Neighborhood Cultural Center, Luruper Hauptstraße 155, 22547 Hamburg
Tel.: +49 40 280 55 553 | pr@unser-lurup.de | www.lurupina.de
