Kiel Week 2025: Spectacular fireworks end the maritime festival!

Kiel Week 2025: Spectacular fireworks end the maritime festival!

In Kiel, the 144th edition of the popular Kiel Week is coming to an end. On Sunday evening, June 29, 2025, at 11 p.m. it will be “fire clear” for a spectacular final fireworks display over the Kiel Fjord. The motto “Home under the stars” promises not only a breathtaking show, but also an unforgettable atmosphere with spectacular drone and laser effects. The event, which took place from June 21st to 29th, will be given a fitting farewell with a big, banging finale.

Kiel Week celebrated with an estimated around one million visitors on the opening weekend. Overall, the event is expected to attract the magic of three million guests this year, although in 2024 as many as 3.5 million people flocked to the Schleswig-Holstein state capital n-tv reports.

Cultural spectacle and sporting event

Kiel Week is more than just a sailing event. With around 2,000 events in the areas of culture, sailing, entertainment and sport, there is something for everyone. A highlight was the windjammer parade on Saturday, which took place under the command of the sailing training ship “Gorch Fock”. This maritime parade attracted approximately 170,000 spectators who enjoyed the impressive masts and the festive maritime atmosphere from land and water. It is fascinating how the city transforms for this occasion and there is a real celebratory atmosphere that strengthens the sense of community.

This year the program was varied: concerts, children's activities and the popular “Open Ship” provided variety. Numerous bands such as Afterimage, who performed on the town hall stage on Tuesday, and the tribute acts on Thursday also attracted a large audience. In particular, the “Muddi Market”, a place for creative workshops and evening DJ sets, made the hearts of the celebrants beat faster. There was a variety of culinary and cultural offerings for visitors throughout the entire week of the event.

Versatility in all facets

The combination of a high seas atmosphere and a varied festival program makes Kiel Week one of the largest sailing events in the world. This year, 22 boat classes competed on 14 regatta courses, which not only provided sporting challenges, but also exciting spectator experiences. The “Balloon Sail” with the “Night Glow”, which took place on several evenings, provided a nostalgic end to the event days.

With this unique mix of sport, music, culture and a touch of maritime atmosphere, Kiel Week will continue in the coming years. The anticipation for the next edition, which is already in the starting blocks, is obvious, and the people of Cologne agree: participation in Kiel Week is almost mandatory! Visit the Kieler Woche page for all news and future events.