What's on This Weekend

Munster Wein Festival 8th - 10th Aug - Free entry





This year, the wine festival will take place from August 8th to 10th, 2025, at Münster's beautiful Überwasserkirchplatz . Sample wines from a range of top-class national and international wineries.

Drive time is 1hr 30 mins the train journey is roughly the same time.

Rietberg - Water fun - €6 adults, €2 Children



Six and a half weeks of water fun during the summer holidays! The Garden Show Park offers refreshing cool-off on hot days.

From the large bouncy castle, you can slide directly into the pool. Small electric paddle boats are available, and the giant water balls require just the right balance.

There's no stopping you on the waterslide – it's a blast when the weather's nice! Water fun is available daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer holidays in the North section of the park.(make sure you head to the correct area of the park.)

The water fun is included in regular park admission. Season ticket holders pay nothing. A day ticket costs €6 for adults, and €2 for children ages four and up. Children under four are free.

Drive time 27 mins.

Time for Fishing?

At the last NFS Town Hall, it was raised that SOFA members in Paderborn were unable to renew or obtain a German fishing licence.


The GEO has now re-enabled this facility for SOFA Members to gain a German fishing License in Paderborn.


Applicants MUST attend the 2 hour GEO Briefing.
The intention is to run a pilot course briefing (Week commencing 1 Sep. Register with the pilot exam two weeks later (week commencing 15 Sep).

Applicants MUST pass the GEO Angling Exam (in English)


30 Hr self-learning package. The GEO exam (in English) is aimed at already experienced anglers and not for complete novices.
https://garmisch.armymwr.com/programs/hunting-fishing-sport-sho


Summer Nights Cinema - Schloss Neuhaus 6th -11th Aug







You chance to watch new and classic movies in the open air and in German too!
Tickets are available here.

Festival On The Lake

Things won't be quite so tranquil at this year's Bridge Festival, which runs from August 7th to 10th. With live music on two stages, a funfair, and a varied program for all ages, the festival is once again an experience for the whole family after a three-year hiatus.


Tickets are available online at 7.50 Euro each. Use this link

Machsee - Hannover Colourful programme on the children's meadow

Colourful children's programme every Wednesday and Friday - Sundays from 14-19h on the meadow at the stadium.

The children's meadow at the Maschsee Festival is the best place in Hanover for all those who like to play, do handicrafts, jump and run around. From Friday to Sunday and on Wednesdays there is a brilliant programme for the kids from 2pm to 7pm.

All play, creative, movement and hands-on activities are free of charge.


Drive time is a 1hour 30 mins from Sennelager. The lake is transformed during the festival with several music and event stages set up around the shore.

you can walk around the lake and visit all the pop up restaurants, lounges and bars. Or use the boats laid on to transport people between the venues. music is from choirs to rock, dance DJ's and funk.

Check out the website here for the complete details.

What's On This Weekend

Libori fireworks - Sunday Libori comes to a close this Sunday with a fireworks display scheduled to take place at around 10:30pm. You can use this interactive map to work out where the best viewing spots are.

Other events

Cricket lovers should head to the Peoples park in Dusseldorf for an open tournament  2nd - 4th Aug. Go along and watch, there are more events to come if you want to take part on another date. 

Weinsommer Düsseldorf  31st July - 3rd Aug 

WINE Summer invites you to taste, discover, and enjoy in a cheerful community. Here you have the opportunity to find wines and meet the people behind them – the passionate producers.

Full information here

Detmolder Sommerbühne 2025 31 Jul -2nd Aug. 

A Free music festival turning the city’s marketplace into a vibrant open-air concert venue. For three days, the city’s heart pulses with handpicked live music, blending urban vibes with a festival atmosphere. 

Expect everything from Afro-Brazilian rhythms and singer-songwriter tunes to groovy electro beats, smooth jazz, and powerful brass sounds. With big names, newcomers, and hidden gems, there’s something for every music lover.

Full website in English available here

Machsee Festival Hannover 30th July - 17th Aug 

The massive annual festival starts this week on the iconic Machsee in Hannover. 

Drive time is a 1hour 30 mins from Sennelager. The lake is transformed during the festival with several music and event stages set up around the shore. 

you can walk around the lake and visit all the pop up restaurants, lounges and bars. Or use the boats laid on to transport people between the venues. music is from choirs to rock, dance DJ's and funk. 

Check out the website here for the complete details

Paderborn and Bolton celebrate twinning with new exhibition for the Libori

Paderborn and Bolton,  celebrate the 50th anniversary of their town twinning.

To mark the occasion, the two cities, together with the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art) and the German-English Club Paderborn, have conceived an exhibition that will be on display in the city library.

In March of this year, the German-English Club launched an ideas competition under the motto "Look at – Spot on." Ten selected entries from Paderborn and Bolton will now be presented. They will be presented in pairs to reflect the twinning connection expressed in the English term "twin town." 

The artworks were created by students from both cities, while the photographs were taken by German and English students.

The exhibition "Mind the Gap," which was shown in the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art), was created on the occasion of an artistic exchange between Paderborn and Bolton. 

"Mind the Gap"—originally a warning sign from the London Underground system—becomes a symbol of the gaps and disruptions of our time. 

The presentation in the city library features a selection of works by Paderborn artists that were part of the exhibition in the Raum für Kunst (Space for Art). 

The focus is on questions of social, cultural, and personal spaces in between.

Libori 2025

All the information for this years celebration can be found on the Libori website here.

Here are some dates for the calendar 

Sat 26th July 

• At 3 p.m. the relics of St. Liborius are solemnly raised in the cathedral, accompanied by the Libori fanfare. A vespers service follows.
• 2 p.m the funfair opens on the Liboriberg 
• 4.30pm Mayor Michael Drier will tap the giant beer barrel at the Rathausplatz which is the traditional start of the non religious celebrations. 

Throughout Libori week you will find entertainment in the city including: 

At the main stage on the Rathausplatz live acts every evening. The Lenz stage a few minutes away on Westernstraße has a smaller stage for bands.

© Matthias Groppe

The forecourt of the city library will be transformed into the "Square of Small Arts." Visitors to this square can look forward to nine special days with a mix of acrobatics, comedy, theatre, puppetry, and music.

Food and drink is well covered with many street food stalls and beer gardens set up to enjoy. The Plaza Europa again will be the focus of the food stalls.

Transport 

A Park & Ride shuttle service is available on both Libori weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The large parking lot at Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring (Riemekestraße 154) Parking at the HNF ring is free. Bus tickets are 2 Euro for Adults and 1 Euro for children aged 6-14 years.

Padersprinter are offering some low cost tickets on bus services. for the festival:

• 2.00 €/adult in advance*
• 2.50 €/adult on the bus
• 1.00 €/child (6 – 14 years) in advance and on the bus
• *Discount applies when purchasing an online ticket (timetable app), at the smilecard terminal, at the ticket machine and at the mobile sales points
• Valid for 90 minutes in the city of Paderborn

Details of all bus services can be found on the Padersprinter website here.

The image below shows where you can park and which streets are closed:

What's On at the Mohnesee

The summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia have begun, and with them, there's a lot going on at the Westphalian Sea.  It goes without saying that there's a lot going on in, on, and on the water at Lake Möhne this summer...

Starting on the water. If you don't just want to chill by the lake and occasionally plunge into the waves, you can rent all kinds of boats, go diving, or fishing. The options are there! 

Further information

What's On This Weekend?

Lots of fun to enjoy this weekend. With the start of the holidays kids can access swimming pools in Paderborn / Sennelager free of charge. Rietberg has a water park set up for the kids. Brackwede has a DJ pool party set up. 

Dusseldorf is hosting Germany's biggest funfair with spectacular drone and fireworks show. 

Munster is hosting the Summersend fair.

The Kaltenberg medieval fair puts on a full arena show with jousting and sword combat plus an immersive themed market. 

Rietberg Gartenschau Water fun - Open Now 

The Garden Park is hosting six weeks of water based fun for kids this summer. From 1000 - 1800 each day you pay to enter the park (6 Euro for adults and 3 Euro for kids.) Then the water slides and boats are free to use. 

You will find the water park in the North section of the park (Make sure you head to the correct side of the park you can spend a long time walking between the two sides.)

What's on this weekend?

Heidefest  Paderborn / Stadtheide 20th - 22nd Jun 

Hopefully a weekend of calm, warm weather is on the way. So why not enjoy a free festival in Stadtheide on  Friday & Saturday and then a family focused Kinderfest on the Sunday.

Located in Stadtheide Festplatz there is no charge to join in and watch the bands or for the kids entertainment on Sunday. Location has no address but is listed as the Festplatz on Schwabenweg. Schwabenweg is about a 10 min drive or 25 mins on bus service Nbr 5.

Outdoor concerts in the Spa park at Bad Driburg 

The Counts Park in Bad Driburg offers Gardens to enjoy and free music concerts at the bandstand each day. You will hear classical to modern pop instrumental music. Entry to the park is 7 euro pp but the concerts are free to enjoy.

Besim Mazhiqi, Gräflicher Park Health & Balance Resort

Home to a Spa hotel and public gardens, the park is a 35 mins drive from Sennelager. 

Friedas Tea Party - Rietberg Gartenschau 19th -21st

A two day dance party with world class DJ's not far from Sennelager. Tickets are available for Friday night from 15 Euro pp (Age restriction is over 16 yrs.) Parking fee 8 Euro per car.   Drive time to the park is 29 mins. 

Dortmund Beer & Culturefest 19th - 21st Jun

100 Breweries present 300 Beers on Friedensplatz. A relaxed event where you can meet the people behind the beer. 

You can also purchase a Hop travel pass for the event. This will give you vouchers for sampling the beer and some themed gifts from the event. 

What's On this Weekend?

Fingers crossed on the weather for the weekend. The Whit Monday holiday gives most of us an extra days holiday to enjoy a long weekend. 

If the weather dose not play ball. here is a google map with lots of indoor attractions and places to visit. 

If the weather does hold off. Then you have the pick of some great local events to enjoy. Live music and dancing top the list. Meanwhile Gütersloh and Dortmund host spring fairs with rides and entertainment to match. 

Confluence Festival Paderborn

Stay in Paderborn this weekend for three days of live music on three stages across the city.  from the 6th to the 9th Jun. 

Indie pop, classical, Jazz, Reggae music will all feature. All performances are free to enjoy. 

The Confluence Festival starts on Friday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m. on the main stage in the Paderwiesen.

Various street food stalls at the three stage locations, will be on hand to provide food and drink each day. 

Full details here on the website

What's on This Weekend?

Fathers Day / Vatertag 29th May 

The annual celebrations of hand carts filled with Beer is here. German Fathers day is a different celebration than the traditional UK card for Dad. 

On Vatertag it is popular for groups of men to parade through towns with a handcart loaded with beer and snacks. These hikes are often cheerful and loud, with a focus on community and celebration.

image copyright Stefan Arend

What's on this weekend?

Jumping! On the Mausolino's Bouncy Castle festival in Rietberg Gartenschau 

May 23 to June 15. The inflatables will be ready daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the northern part of the park. 

copyright gartenschaupark-rietberg.de

They are suitable for children up to 14 years old. Adults must unfortunately watch. Adult day ticket 6.00€ , children aged 4 and over: €2.00 (Plus 2 Euro park entry). Drive time 29mins.  Visit the website for more information.

Sennelager Schutzenfest Sat 24th - 26th May 

Lots of activities to join in with go to the the website for full details.

Japan Tag  Dusseldorf - Sat 24th 

Join the massive festival in Dusseldorf- Modem and traditional Japanese celebrations collide in this much loved festival. Wander the Rhine promenade and try all the food. 

Get pictures with the Cos play specialists. Try out traditional Japanese archery.  Live music events with bands from Japan flown in. Food stalls will keep you fed with tasty treats along the Rheinepromenade.

copyright visitduseldorf.de

A massive firework show will round off the day at 11 pm. Hotel rooms are available but are selling fast. Travel from Paderborn is approx 2hrs by train though check the last train back. or the drive time is 2 hrs.  check parking apps for spaces to avoid being caught out.

What's On This On

Exercise, fun fairs and museum trips are the highlights for the weekend and beyond. 

Events to enjoy include; Luna Park in Paderborn a bicycle fair  & auction in Schloss Neuhaus, a new play park with the summer programme of free exercise classes start in Paderborn. 

17th May - Luna Park- Paderborn. The Fun returns with the fair. all the usual food and drink to enjoy. Plus rides like the Beast and plenty for younger kids too. 23rd May will have a closing firework presentation. As Always the fair will be on Maspernplatz.

18th May - Holy Communion at St Bonniface Garrison church. Contact Padre Nick with any questions on +49 1722595317

18th May 11.00 Paderborn Cycle Day - Schloss Neuhaus

Learn about cycle rules in Germany and try out a whole range of different bikes. Plus you can bid on recovered and repaired bikes in the auction to snap up a bargain at 14.30. 

What's On This Weekend

Fairs and festivals are on the menu this weekend. It is your chance to enjoy some free  music and entertainment. This weekend you can try out as a member of the Paderborn Fire Dept 

Paderborn Fire Dept celebrates 150 Years

A family day has been set up to celebrate the event in the Schloss.  The whole family can look forward to a varied program including a blue light mile, a marching band concert, activities for children, food stalls, etc.

Start: 11.05.25 from 11 - 18 o'clock in Schloss Neuhaus. 

Paderborn SpringFest 

The annual free event returns to the city from the 9th -11th May.

Music and arts sprawl across three stages and downtown Paderborn.  World class artists put on a show in in the streets and you can dance the night away with rock and blues, singer song writers, marching bands and Techno DJ's .

The whole thing gets started at 19.30 on Friday night. With a mass Drum Band to bring the energy. The three stages at the Town Hall, Westener Str and the Market place will have acts on through the weekend including live bands and DJ sets. 

Between the stages artists like the giant balloon guy (World champion Baloon artist.) and the balance on your head couple Kate and Parsi at 15:30 & 1730 Sat & sun  will compete for your attention with the NOX 2.4m tall robot who will be in town at 11.30 1330 and 1530 moving between the stage areas. 

The Cheat lounge will be putting on street food and drinks Fri - Sun with service 17.30 - 2300 on Fri & Sat and 12.30 - 1700 on Sun when there will be Sunday shopping available during the day. 

Paderborn 1945: The End of the War 80 Years Ago

An exhibition by the Paderborn City and District Archives. In the Foyer of the City Administration, Bahnhofstr. 28/30, Paderborn

• 8 May - 11 July 2025
• Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

17 exhibition panels show nearly 80 largely previously unpublished photographs of the destruction and harsh life in the immediate post war period. The city, littered with rubble, lacked everything: food and clothing, heating fuel and electricity, and housing. 

Yet, as early as 1945, the first steps toward improvement began. Clearing the rubble began, with the rubble railways beginning in September. A panoramic view from the cathedral in 1945/46 not only reveals the extent of the destruction, but also provides evidence of a slow improvement and the beginnings of reconstruction.

The bombing raids on Paderborn began in 1940, initially isolated and targeted at military installations and the railway network. Civilian facilities and residential buildings were hit, albeit on a significant scale, by misdirected bombs or inaccurate targeting. 

This changed on January 17, 1945. On that day, Paderborn experienced its first serious area raid, followed by the last on March 27, which led to the almost complete destruction of the city.

VE & VJ Day 80th Anniversary

At 3pm on 8 May 1945, Prime Minister Winston Churchill took to the airwaves to announce that Germany had surrendered, bringing an end to nearly six years of war in Europe.

In anticipation of the long-awaited news, millions across the country and throughout the Commonwealth took to the streets to celebrate. Victory in Europe Day became a national holiday. Colourful bunting and flags were hung. Bonfires and fireworks were lit. People danced and sang.  The pubs were full of revellers.

Now, 80 years on, we will come together again as a nation through a series of national and local events, kicking off next week, to pay tribute to the Second World War generation - serving at home and abroad - who fought bravely for the peace that endures today.

However you plan to mark this important anniversary, we hope you reflect on those who paid the ultimate price for freedom and thank our living veterans for their contributions to the war effort. 

V for Victory! #VE80 

What's On this Weekend?

This weekend 

May 3rd Sat & Sun 4th May  - Paderborn Travel fair 

Visit the airport to check out the potential bargains from tour operators like Freebird. we are promised some specific bargains just for the event.  A Bouncy Castle & face painting for kids. With lots of ice cream and food & drink for sale.  Free entry. (Paid parking) Drive time just under 20 mins.

Paderborn Airport website

Thursday, May 1st to Sunday, May 4th - Dalheim Garden Festival

Dalheim Monestary, Garden Party.  Enjoy the Monestary gardens plus the many market stalls and attractions set up for you. Perfect if the weather is nice. Definitely one for those looking to buy plants flowers and garden wares this year. Drive time is 27 mins.

Dalheim gartenfest

Thursday May 1st - Sunday May 4th - Bad Pyrmont Landpartie

With music, markets a food and drink, the Bad Pyrmont Kurpark turns into a mini festival this weekend. Enjoy the Beautiful park and Schloss. Drive time is one hour (ish  - 1hr 20 mins for the scenic route.) from Sennelager.  Tickets from 13 Euro online

Bad Pyrmont Landpartie

Thursday May 1st - Sunday May 4th - Maxi Park Hamm


Just under an hour from Sennelager, this park offers gardens and multiple play areas with splash zones and more. over the weekend you can enjoy a large spring fest market, buy plants and more and get tips from garden experts. Adults 7 Euro. Drive time 54 mins

Tickets available from the website.

From Thursday 1st May  Paderborn Rolandsbad outdoor pool 

The paderborn Rolandsbad outdoor pool opens for the summer from Thursday.  Drive time 11 mins. 

Visit the website for date that the other pools will open from.

Thursday 1st may - 25th May - iTronic Dinosaurs Bielefeld

The world of Dino's comes alive. think Jurassic park and you have this immersive event for the family. full animatronic dinosaurs interact with visitors in themed environments. 15 euro for children up to 16 the 20 Euro for Adults. watch a website  of the event here.  Drive time is 25 - 30 mins. 

4th May - Future Garden Schloss Neuhaus 11 am - 1800 

Your chance to learn about sustainable garden planting and permaculture and to meet experts and ask questions. Vist the event website.

International Team Fireworks Competition

International Team Fireworks competition 

Each year in the great garden of the Herrenhausen. the international Team Firework event takes place. From May to September five countries have 25 mins to wow the judges with their best displays. 

Teams are allowed to place fireworks in different zones across the gardens, the judges haves chosen the same first piece of music for the teams. After that the choices are up to them. 

These are teams from professional companies which work all over the world.

Easter Egg Hunts and More this Holiday Weekend in Germany

Family focused events  in the holidays are a big deal in Germany and Easter is no exception. So take the opportunity this year to join in the festivities.  Two of the favourite activities at Easter are traditional egg hunts and Easter Bonfires.

Please note the Eggs used in the hunt will be the traditional brightly coloured hard boiled eggs! it might be a good idea to bring some chocolate, sweets etc to swap out the eggs as prizes. 

Rietberg Gartenschau  Egg Hunt 

Possibly the largest Egg hunt in NRW! With a reported 7,777 Eggs on Offer. at 27 min drive time from Sennelager it is a nicely packaged day out. Entry fees are 6 Euro for Adults and  2 Euro for kids from age 4. 

The Rietberg Gartenschau offers play areas and more on the day. In addition to the Egg hunt, a  spectacular magic show in the circus tent begins at 11 a.m., and at 3 p.m., the stage is set for acrobatics, artistry, and clowning in the Easter Circus. Puzzle lovers can challenge their brains and solve the tasks of the exciting Easter Rally.

The Easter egg hunt, magic and circus performances, and the Easter Rally are included in park admission. Adults pay €6 for a day ticket, and children ages 4 and up pay €2. Younger children and season ticket holders are admitted free.

Rietberg Gartenschau is a massive space with it's own herd of water Buffalo, camping area, play parks and more. 

Buy tickets and see everything the park offers here

Bad Lippspringe Gartenschau - Easter Puzzle

From Saturday to Monday you have the chance to find 17 magic eggs in the garden park. When combined they will spell out the magic phrase (In German). Take this to the ticket office and claim a prize. 

Drive time is 15 mins. Entry 9.50 Euro Adults, Kids / teenagers have free entry up to 17 yrs. 

Maxipark Hamm - Easter Bunny Smartypants Hunt 

Download your mission sheet and figure out the clues and puzzles placed throughout the park. Maxi park is a 55 min drive from Sennelager entry Adults 6 Euro. children 3.50 euro up to 17 years. 

Hannover Herrenhausen - Easter Walk 20th April 

This estate is just outside the City of Hannover. The Easter Bunny will handing out sweets for the children. The Great Garden, decorated with spring flowers, invites you to the traditional Easter walk on20th April. A varied family program will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive time 1hr 27 mins. 

Easter Services at St Bonniface  & Schloss Neuhaus 

The Google map below shows the locations and links to more Easter events. you can find all the attractions you might expect. in addition there are markets and Easter bonfires too, plus the all important egg hunts.

Anyone For Rocket league? Sennelager Needs a Team!

Anyone For Rocket league? Sennelager Needs a Team!

The BFBS Pro League is open to all members of the UK Armed Forces community.
This includes Serving UK Armed Forces personnel, Reservists, Cadets, Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel, Veterans, MOD Civil Servants, direct family members of serving personnel and members of the bereaved community.

All competitors must be 13 years or older.

https://bfbsesports.com/
https://youtu.be/C21PH5cISok?si=V1SmA-QWCvcA2i98

What's On this weekend

Pader Sprinter - Holiday tickets and free chocolate

Two great offers from Padersprinter this week. 

• Unlimited travel in NRW from 12th - 27th April for those aged 6 -20 on Buses, 2nd class regional trains and U-bahn / trams in cities. Cost 36.50 Euro.

 

• Win prizes on the bus every day from 14th - 21st April. all you have to do is look out for the questions shown on the bus screens.  Prizes on offer from shops and businesses in our area. 

What's on 

• Bonus Cinelink this Friday night - Bridget Jones 4 at WRVS 1900

• Osnabruck Spring Fair 120 rides and stalls can be found for the spring fest in the city Drive time 53 mins
• Maxipark spring market - Home & Garden, Crafts, food stalls all in the park. equal parts country park, kids play area, exhibition centre, Butterfly House with onsite restaurants and cafes. Maxipark offers a great day out.. Entrance is 6 euro for adults, 3 Euro for kids 3- 17, with 3 Euro charge for exhibitions in the main hall and the Butterfly house. Drive time 56 mins.

    

 

• Fort Fun reopens on the 12th, tickets are on sale for the Easter Hunt. Plus a special new ticket for 2025 which lets you ride the Trapper  Slider Alpine sled coaster before the main park opening hours. 

• Massive fair in Dortmund festival grounds until 27th Apr . The freDOlino is a family favourite each year. Tuesdays and Thursdays are special days, guests superheroes and princesses will be at the fairgrounds.  

• Family Day each Wednesday, 50% off all rides and reduced prices at all stalls.  Fireworks at nightfall on Saturday, April 19th and 26th .Drive time 1hr 20mins

• Family Day Dalheim Monestary On Sunday 1100 - 1700. Head to Dalheim for a day of interactive crafting,  kids get to try  making Pretzels, felting, soap making, also watch  carpentry, and blacksmithing. and more 6 Euro adults., 3.50 kids - 7 Euro per child for the craft experience. Drive time 27 mins

• Free Entry at the Heinz Nixdorf Muesum 10th -12th Apr -  Paderborn's beloved inventor and entrepreneur  would have been 100 this year so the museum is celebrating with a weekend of events. Expect, music, extended hours and activities. Drive time 10 mins 

Equestrian themed events

• Cavalluna the spectacular horse show is at the Seidensticker Halle in Bielefeld for three 3 nights from the 11th April tks from 44 Euro. The show is a big production which tours Europe. Drive time 28mins.  

• Icelandic Horse show at the annual registration event in Munster. Your chance to see the colourful Icelandic horses up close. Tickets 10.45 euro for kids, 15.57 euro for adults. if you love horses with mullets then this is the show for you! Drive time 1 hr 20 mins