Blog post - 14. Sep 2026

The traditional neighborhood festival on Erich-Mühsam-Straße in Neuplanitz once again drew large crowds from the neighborhood this year, where the “Engagiert im Quartier” project, organized by the Alter Gasometer association, participated with its own activities. Amid warm and sunny fall weather, the popular event began at 3 p.m. On stage, a colorful program featuring pop music provided entertainment, while various local organizations actively helped shape the festival. The event once again offered the neighborhood and people throughout the district an ideal opportunity to come together and spend time with one another.

Engagiert im Quartier was represented on site and set up a creative coloring station as well as a wide variety of games. These activities served as a low-threshold way to strike up conversations with those in attendance. As the afternoon progressed, it became clear that the majority of attendees were older residents of the neighborhood, compared to younger guests. Nevertheless, people of all ages took advantage of the opportunities to interact with one another.

At both tables, activities quickly sprang up among interested guests. One family gathered to play rummy, while a few exciting rounds of Uno were played with younger children. The relaxed atmosphere fostered a sense of togetherness.

Participating in local festivals such as the Teichfest helps bring cultural and social activities directly to the people. Community activists use such events to foster participation and gain a better understanding of residents’ needs. The experiences and conversations that take place are directly incorporated into the future planning of community work.