Unifest 2026
Unifest 2026 goes KUNST!RASEN
New venue, same vibes!
Unfortunately, major construction work in the vicinity of the Hofgarten lawn has forced us to find a new venue for the Unifest in 2026, so we are moving to KUNST!RASEN in the Gronau area of Bonn. It is the perfect location for a festival, boasting ample space and ideal conditions for an unforgettable day.
Why is an admission fee being introduced in 2026 for anyone accompanying a graduate? Finances in North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) are fairly strained at present. The state is making savings, which is having a knock-on effect on its higher-education institutions. Unfortunately, the combination of less funds and rising costs (security, technology, infrastructure, etc.) has made it impossible to keep the Unifest completely free, so we have no choice but to charge a participation fee for our guests from 2026 onward. Our graduates can continue to celebrate without paying a cent!
This was not an easy decision to make. However, it is the only way that we will continue to be able to put on a safe, high-quality and utterly fantastic Unifest for you.
Thank you for your understanding—we cannot wait to see you at Unifest 2026!
Unifest 2026
Dear graduates of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn,
Graduating marks the end of an important chapter in your life, in which the University of Bonn—now your alma mater—has played a significant role, and we are keen to celebrate this together with you.
This year’s Universitätsfest will be held at KUNST!RASEN in Bonn’s Rheinaue park lawn on July 11, where you and your family and friends will be able to visit an array of exciting stands and take in the unique atmosphere of the day. The real highlights of the celebrations will be the traditional items on the agenda, such as the ceremonial procession of the various faculties and the “tossing of hats” done by all our graduates at the same time.
I am looking forward to seeing you take part and enjoying an unforgettable day.
Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. Michael Hoch
Rector, University of Bonn
Unifest 2026-Teaser
Bild © Universität Bonn / YouTube
Important information
Registration for the Unifest opens on March 16 and closes on May 31, 2026. You will need to complete the registration form and should receive an email immediately afterward confirming receipt of your details. If you do not, this means that your data was not submitted successfully. Do not forget to check your spam folder too, just in case. If you definitely have not received confirmation, either try to register again before the deadline or get in touch with us (likewise before the registration deadline). Registration requests received after 11:59 pm on May 31, 2026 cannot be considered. Please read the terms and conditions of participation in advance, which you can find here.
Unifest 2026
The Unifest is being held at KUNST!RASEN in Bonn on July 11, 2026. This open-air event promises a range of exciting activities for graduates, with stands planned to include a swag shop, food stalls and the official presentation of decorative certificates to the graduates. This offering will be enhanced by a program on the main stage culminating in the communal “tossing of hats.” You can find the program here.
You will also be able to register up to three people from among your family and friends to accompany you. The participation fee this year is €35.00 per guest. Please see the FAQs for more information on this fee.
You have from March 16 until May 31, 2026, to register!
My Graduation Box
Our partner Horbach will send you a surprise box directly to your home in June. You can find more info and the conditions on the Horbach website.
My Network
Register in the alumni network to keep in touch with your alma mater and remain up-to-date with the most important developments.
My Club
Become a member of the Friends of the University of Bonn (Bonner Universitätsgesellschaft) and support your alma mater.
Unifest 2026 is supported by:
