Labor Day in the twin cities: There is a packed program of events in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice around May 1st. Residents and visitors have numerous opportunities to celebrate the holiday on both sides of the Oder.
The MOZ pub night kicks off on Tuesday evening (April 30th). Several bars invite you to dance into May. For night owls there is live music and good drinks. It starts at 7 p.m., and the after-show party takes place late at night in the Bellevue discotheque. Also taking part are the Königs Fritze on Dresdener Platz, the Elyx on the station forecourt, the Diebels live in the Lenné Passagen and the Havana Bar in the Gerstenberger Höfe. Live music can also be heard at Oliveto on the market square. The new addition to the ranks is the Kroco restaurant on the Holzmarkt (formerly the potato house). The Oderwelle celebrates its third birthday at the MOZ pub night in the new Skylounge24 high up in the Oder tower. In the first pub, guests pay six euros. With the stamp you can visit all pubs and concerts as you wish and use the SVF buses and trains free of charge.
Bridge festival in Frankfurt (Oder) expects thousands of visitors
The following day, the German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) and other actors invite you to the bridge festival. Under the motto “More wages, more free time, more security”, the festival starts on Wednesday at 11 a.m. around the Holzmarkt. The Frankfurt fanfare guard traditionally plays at the start. Numerous restaurateurs who set up their stands there provide food and drink. There is music and culture on two stages as well as participation activities for children and young people. The band “Four Roses” from Leipzig has announced their presence.
Of course, politics cannot be missed on May 1st. According to the organizers, the keynote speech on Labor Day will be given by Anita Kirsten, the state chairwoman of the police union (GdP). Visitors can talk to works councils and staff councils at the trade union stand. Discussions and dialogues with politicians on the topics of collective bargaining and good work are planned.
Bridge Festival Frankfurt (Oder)
What is planned on May 1, 2024 on the Oder
Last year the Bridge Festival alone attracted 18,000 visitors. But this time it is likely to be particularly crowded in the twin cities. Because 2024 marks a special year: 20 years ago, on May 1, 2004, Poland and nine other Eastern European countries joined the European Union. For this occasion, the city bridge is festively decorated and a European festival will take place on the Polish side from 11 a.m. There is a celebration right behind the bridge, at the Collegium Polonicum and in the Słubice pedestrian zone.
Europe Festival with Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Słubice
Musicians will perform live on a stage. According to city marketing, a so-called European market is planned that will present EU-financed projects. For families with children, there are tables for make-up and crafts. Quiz formats and competitions that focus on Europe invite you to take part. There will be an official ceremony at the Collegium Polonicum at 4 p.m., at which, among others, the Marshal of the Lubuskie Region Marcin Jabłoński, the Prime Minister of the State of Brandenburg Dietmar Woidke and Mayor Renè Wilke will be present. The outgoing Słubic mayor Mariusz Olejniczak is also expected to be there. The speeches of the participants mentioned will be simultaneously translated into the other language. The Brandenburg State Orchestra Frankfurt (Oder) will provide musical accompaniment to the event. Entry to the ceremony is only possible with a ticket. Tickets are available free of charge at the German-Polish Tourist Information Center in Frankfurt (Oder), Große Oderstraße 29.
1. May 2024 in Frankfurt (Oder)
This is how the twin cities celebrate 20 years of Poland in the EU
Frankfurt (Oder)/Słubice
Traffic restrictions are expected in Frankfurt city center that day. The “Frankfurt Free Spirits” have called for a rally at 11 a.m. at Republic Square. The group is demonstrating against the visit of the Federal Foreign Minister and is demanding, among other things, a stop to all arms deliveries, including to Ukraine. A protest procession starts at 12.30 p.m.
A little away from the Słubic city center, an event that motor fans should make a note of starts at 1 p.m. A classic car meeting is taking place at the stadium. The event is not on Plac Bohaterów as in previous years, but behind the bazaar (ulica Sportowa 1). Participation is free for visitors. Restored vintage cars and vehicle technology can be admired, and there is also entertainment for children. At around 5.30 p.m. there will be a tour of honor through Słubice.