President Steinmeier hosts citizens' festival in Bonn

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier hosted approximately 2,000 volunteers for a citizens' festival at the gardens of Villa Hammerschmidt in Bonn on September 4, 2026. Due to renovation work at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, the event was relocated to the Bonn residence.

The festival's theme, “Musubu” (Japanese for “to connect”), focused on the idea of linking people through civic engagement. Japan served as the guest country, marking the first time an Asian nation has been featured as a partner for the President's citizens' festival. The event included cultural showcases such as Taiko drumming and Kenjutsu sword fighting.

Attendees included representatives from the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering, historians, and various community organizations. The gathering aimed to celebrate the diverse contributions of volunteers across Germany.