Harbourfront Literature Festival Returns to Hamburg with Star-Studded Lineup
Hamburg, September 3 – The Harbourfront Literature Festival in Hamburg is once again preparing to welcome a host of prominent literary figures and public personalities. From September 19 to October 11, the festival will present 70 events across the city, promising a rich and diverse program for literature enthusiasts.
Key Themes and Vision for the Festival
According to festival director Joachim Lux, the 2026 edition of the Harbourfront Festival will revolve around four central themes: “Future,” “America,” “Hamburg as a Literary City,” and “Women.” Lux, a seasoned dramaturg with 16 years of experience as artistic director at the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, aims to move beyond traditional readings. His vision is to foster dynamic interactions between authors and their audience, incorporating performative events, podcasts, and open formats such as Rocko Schamoni’s successful “Gala of Failure.”
Early Highlights and Distinguished Guests
The festival’s opening on September 6 promises an immediate highlight with Korean Nobel laureate Han Kang reading from her new essay collection, “The Golden Thread,” at the already sold-out Elbphilharmonie. Former Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to speak on September 11 at the Laeiszhalle, placing the 9/11 attacks in a contemporary political context. The official festival opening on September 19 at the Thalia Theater will feature a discussion titled “Scenario – The Future is at Stake,” bringing together futurologist Florence Gaub and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
Booker Prize Winners and Diverse Voices
The festival’s program also boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning authors. Three Booker Prize winners – Jenny Erpenbeck, Banu Mushtaq, and Yang Shuang-zi – are among the invited guests. Renowned North German bestselling author Dörte Hansen will represent the “Altes Land” region, while Hamburg’s Saša Stanišić and Berlin’s Ronja von Rönne are expected to deliver exciting literary contributions.
Unusual Encounters and Special Tributes
Beyond traditional literary figures, the festival will host unique events. Former professional footballer Christoph Kramer will present his second novel, “Wolkenberührpunkt,” on October 3 at the Altonaer Theater. On September 26, journalist and novelist Philipp Oehmke will discuss his new novel, “Papenburg,” with Campino, the lead singer of the German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen, at the Laeiszhalle.
Special tributes are also planned. Actress Corinna Harfouch will present poems, texts, and songs from 1920s exile literature in “Corinna Harfouch & The Tentacles of Delphi” on October 8 at the Thalia Theater. On September 28, acting star Jens Harzer and actress/director Maria Schrader will honor the late reader, thinker, and storyteller Roger Willemsen at the Hamburger Kammerspiele, marking the tenth anniversary of his death.
Extensive List of Participating Artists and New Venues
The long list of well-known names participating in the festival includes Devid Striesow, Caroline Wahl, Bodo Wartke, Jan Weiler, Cornelia Funke, Ewald Arenz, Ralph Caspers, Charlotte Link, Olli Dittrich, Bela B. Felsenheimer, Charly Hübner, Elena Fischer, Margit Auer, Joschka Fischer, Martina Gedeck, Robert Habeck, Leonie Swann, Juli Zeh, and Marc-Uwe Kling.
The festival will utilize many established venues, but also introduce new locations such as the Nica Jazz Club, the Kent Club, the Pierdrei-Hotel, and the UeberQuell brewery, further expanding its reach across Hamburg.
Source: dpa-infocom, dpa:260903-930-624857/1
