Pure summer feeling in the bay

Next festival: 14-16 August 2026

Every summer, the bathing bay on Lake Aasee in Bocholt is transformed into a colourful festival venue for three days. The Aasee Festival Bocholt attracts visitors with DJs and live music, a stage programme, food trucks and cold drinks, all set against a waterside backdrop - perfect for atmospheric summer evenings.

Whether with friends, family or simply to relax and enjoy yourself - the Aasee Festival is a highlight of Bocholt's events calendar every year.

This year, the Aasee Festival takes place from 14 to 16 August. You can find the latest news on this page and on the social media channels "bocholterleben" (Facebook, Instagram) - do check back regularly or follow us!

Three days full of music, enjoyment and good humour

Come and enjoy a summery weekend right by Lake Aasee - free of charge and open to everyone!
On the main stage by the bathing bay, DJs and live music will take turns performing.
There'll be plenty of drinks of all kinds, and numerous food trucks will provide a varied selection of culinary delights. What's more, the Bocholt Strandcafé will be back with its usual food and drinks, and will also be hosting live music on a small stage in the Strandcafé area.

Please make reservations for the Bocholt Strandcafé by telephone on 02781-29 39 290 or via our website www.bocholter-strandcafe.de.

Big festival for little guests too

The large and free children's play area offers plenty of fun, attractions, exercise and adventure.
Perfect for families who want to combine a festival atmosphere with a relaxed atmosphere.

Experience the latest news about the Aasee Festival on Bocholt

Opening times & programme for the Aasee Festival:

Friday, 14 August 2026

4.00 pm: Soft opening with Radio WMW Channel, including a children's play area, food trucks and drinks stalls

6.00 pm: DJ Alex Fietz (EDM / chart hits / party music)

9.30 pm: R.I.O. feat. U-Jean

Saturday, 15 August 2026

12:00: Radio WMW Channel, including a children's play area, food trucks and drinks stalls

1.15 pm - 2.00 pm: Isabelle Mühlenweg with Full Body Pilates for all levels

6.00 pm: DJ Dennis Beeken (charts / party / 80s / 90s)

Sunday, 16 August 2026

12:00: Soft opening with Radio WMW Channel, including a children's play area, food trucks and drinks stalls

12.00 - 17.00: Children's Creative Street with painting and craft activities, buttons, face painting and temporary tattoo stand

1.30 pm - 2.00 pm: Ukrainian solo artist "Valeria"

2.00 pm - 5.00 pm: Balloon artist for our younger visitors

15:00 - 19:00: A cosy finale with Quite Relaxed

New site and security concept this year

For five years now, the Aasee Festival has been the meeting place for everyone who loves summer in Bocholt.
In 2026, we will be celebrating this small anniversary with a proven festival feeling and a new concept that ensures more comfort, cleanliness and safety.

The number of visitors and intensity of use have risen sharply in recent years. This has led to significantly more rubbish and safety problems due to the many bulky items brought along. To ensure that the event remains safe, clean and family-friendly, the festival site will be fenced in for the first time this year.
Access will be via several centralised entrances with bag checks.

Impressions from the last few years

FAQ's

Why is there a new concept in 2026?

In recent years, the Aasee Festival has established itself as a real summer highlight for Bocholt. At the same time, visitor numbers and the intensity of use have increased significantly. In particular, the extremely high volume of waste and safety-related aspects due to the large number of handcarts, cooler bags, sack trucks, chairs, tables and other bulky items brought along made it necessary to adapt the concept.

What can I bring with me?

One rucksack or bag with a maximum of 1 litre of drinks (NO glass!) per person, snacks & picnic blankets are permitted
Baby food and special food required for children with illnesses may be brought along
Glass bottles, hard plastic boxes and baskets are not permitted
Handcarts, tables, chairs, barbecues & other bulky items are prohibited
Catering plates or food from delivery services may not be brought onto the site
It is forbidden to bring weapons of any kind or objects that can be used as weapons or throwing, cutting or stabbing tools

Why these new rules?

In order to keep the event safe, clean and family-friendly in the future, the festival site will be fenced in for the first time this year. Access will be via several central entrances, where bag checks will be carried out.

The aim of these measures is to significantly reduce the amount of rubbish, ensure the cleanliness of the meadow, flower beds and lake, keep paths clear and guarantee the safety of all guests.

Opening hours

Friday, 14 August 2026 | from 4.00 pm

Saturday, 15 August 2026 | from 12:00

Sunday, 16 August 2026 | from 12.00

All for free?

That's right! The Aasee Festival in Bocholt is a "free and open-air" festival that everyone can enjoy at no extra cost.

Of course, we mustn't forget that an event like this involves high organisational and programme costs, and it's only fair to the local caterers to support them whilst you're there.

Food & Drink

On all three days of the festival, guests can choose from a variety of culinary offerings:

Premium Pizza
Burger Stand "Black Flame"
Frietboetiek
Mr. Hot Wok
Crêpes & Poffertjes by Barber
Sweet specialities from Wittler
Rolling Cocktail

Getting Here & Parking

Cycling

We generally recommend travelling by bicycle.

Bicycles can be parked in the large car park directly behind the bathing cove on Hohenhorster Straße. Visitors are asked to park their bicycles in a way that takes up as little space as possible.

Cars

The following car parks, situated directly on the shores of Lake Aasee, are available:

At the Aasee Bocholt leisure centre, Hochfeldstraße 56b
Uhlandstraße 50, next to the LWL Museum of Industrial Culture
Im Königsesch 5, near McDonald's
At Im Königsesch 39, next to the Kneipp Association
Park & Ride car park at Am Ostring

Please note: The car park on Hohenhorster Straße is not available for cars! (Bicycle parking, see above)