Blog post - 27. Aug 2026

The second neighborhood barbecue in Pölbitz brought together people from the neighborhood and surrounding areas, once again successfully building on the work of the “Engagiert im Quartier” project.

The first neighborhood barbecue in August 2025 marked the start of community work in Pölbitz. At that time, around 25 people gathered on the green field on Franz-Mehring-Straße. With a grill, some seating, and food to grill, a simple setting for meeting and interacting was created. The guests were primarily older residents from the neighborhood.

For the second event, the neighborhood barbecue turned into a small street party. People from Pölbitz and Nordvorstadt came together and brought salads, fruit, and cake. A local musician provided entertainment for the evening and created a pleasant atmosphere. After a brief welcome, the focus was first on sharing a meal together. A total of about 33 adults and nine children participated.

Neighborhood initiatives also took center stage that evening. During a brief neighborhood session, participants reflected on the recent “Kino um’s Eck” event. They also discussed the organization of the next “Kaffeeklatsch” on September 10. Initial ideas for the Christmas market were also on the agenda.

This gave new guests an immediate glimpse into the opportunities to actively help shape their own living environment. The discussion highlighted how participation can take shape in everyday life and how different perspectives enrich collaborative work.
There was also space for children to socialize and be active. Together with our partner, the YMCA, and another volunteer, they were able to play soccer and Connect Four. This created an activity for different age groups. Adults could chat while the children played together. The neighborhood barbecue thus combined socializing, participation, and cultural experiences in an open setting.

The second edition demonstrated how a small kick-off event can develop into a community-driven initiative. Regular activities such as the coffee get-together, the neighborhood movie night, and preparations for the Christmas market continue to build on this approach. For “Engagiert im Quartier,” low-threshold social interaction remains a key component of its work in Pölbitz. It creates opportunities for dialogue, new connections, and democratic participation in the immediate living environment.