For the 10th anniversary of the Essen Light Festival, the city center of Essen (Ruhr area / Germany) has once again transformed into a sparkling stage of light art, projections, and interactive installations. What began as a small and experimental event in the northern part of the city has now grown into one of Germany’s largest light art festivals – and the anniversary edition promises some very special surprises.
The Essen Light Festival is celebrating its anniversary. From October 2 to 12, 2025, Germany’s second-largest light art festival will take place for the 10th time. The EventMasterBook editorial team was on site to visit the key highlights. What makes this festival so special? Here are the ingredients for this successful city event:
1. Kennedyplatz – "Square of Wishes"
Once again, Kennedyplatz is the heart of the festival. Leading up to the anniversary edition, visitors were invited to send in their personal wishes, which have now become part of a spectacular light show on Kennedy Plaza. This is accompanied by a special soundtrack by star DJ MOGUAI, who also contributed to the opening of the Essen Light Festival 2025.
2. Grand Opening at Kennedyplatz & After-Show at TRUDI
The festival opening took place on October 2, with Mayor Thomas Kufen welcoming visitors at 7:30 PM at Kennedyplatz. DJ MOGUAI created a synchronized light show from his illuminated DJ tower, turning the central square into an open-air club. After the opening, the creative cathedral TRUDI hosted the grand after-show party with DJ Salvatore Mancuso and special guest MOGUAI.
3. Return of Audience Favorites from Previous Years
An early public vote determined the most popular installations from the previous nine festivals – the five top-voted pieces were included in the anniversary edition. Among them is "Dom-O-Poly," the impressive mapping on the facade of the Essen Cathedral.
4. International Collaborations & "Imagine Peace"
As part of the EU-funded project "Imagine Peace," the Essen Light Festival also showcases light artworks created in collaboration with international partner festivals. Alongside festivals from Brixen (Italy), Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway), and Pula (Croatia), Essen is sending a creative message of peace, cultural exchange, and European unity – brought to life through the universal language of light.
5. Diversity of Festival Stations
The anniversary edition spans 17 locations—from Willy-Brandt-Platz, Kettwiger Straße, Theaterpassage, and Kastanienallee to Berliner Platz. Kennedy Plaza remains a central part of the festival.
Most Dazzling Highlights are:
- the illuminated DJ Tower on Kennedyplatz with a matching soundtrack by DJ MOGUAI
- the spherical artwork "Evanescent 2" by Atelier Sisu
- the Dom-O-Poly light mapping on the facade of Essen Cathedral
- the "Super Magic Stone Circle" by Daniel Kurniczaks at Hirschlandplatz
- the "Light and Blessing – Antonitry" installation at Marktkirche, created by Holger Hagedorn
- the massive birthday cake installation – a lit cold-air display, offering a perfect photo opportunity as a memento of the anniversary edition in 2025
Festival Information: The Essen Light Festival runs until Sunday, October 12, 2025, in the city of Essen (Ruhr area / Germany). The installations are visible from dusk onwards. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday until around 10 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until about 11 PM. Admission is free.
The Essen Light Festival is open to everyone and invites visitors to stroll, marvel, and share their experiences on social media.
Cover Image: Large Birthday Cake for the 10th Anniversary, Essen Light Festival 2025 (Photo: EventMasterBook Editorial Team)
Related Topics: Essen Light Festival 2025, Light Festival, Light Art, City Event, Public Event, City Marketing, Public Art, Open-Air Art, Art Event, Light Art Festival, Art Event, Success Concept, Anniversary Event, Free Event, Public Event
Summary: From October 2 to 12, 2025, the Essen Light Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. The anniversary edition features many highlights, including a giant cake artwork, an illuminated DJ tower with a soundtrack, and the return of popular light art installations from previous years of the open-air light art festival.
Please note: This text was translated from the German EventMasterBook.de Event Magazine (see article: Essen Light Festival 2025). Please excuse any translation errors.
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