29 July - 2 August 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The ocean starts… in Frankfurt!
From 29 July to 2 August 2026, the EU project BlueLightS will take part in the Sommerwerft 2026 Blue Lab in Frankfurt, Germany.
As part of Sommerwerft International Theatre Festival by the River, the Blue Lab will create a lively space for exploring river and ocean sustainability through art, science, education, and public engagement.
Over five days, visitors will be invited to discover how rivers, coasts, seas, and oceans are connected — and why protecting them starts with the choices we make in our own communities.
About the Blue Lab
The Sommerwerft Blue Lab brings together artists, cultural professionals, scientists, educators, and local communities to raise awareness of rivers and oceans in creative and accessible ways.
Following a source-to-sea journey, the programme will explore:
- the source on 29 July
- rivers and wetlands on 30 July
- coasts and estuaries on 31 July
- the ocean on 1 August
- a final celebration on 2 August
All activities are free and open to visitors of different ages and backgrounds.
BlueLightS activities
At Sommerwerft, BlueLightS will contribute to the Blue Lab with a dedicated stand and a range of activities designed to bring Blue Education closer to children, families, educators, and the wider public.
Visitors will be able to explore ocean and water literacy through games, conversations, creative activities, and hands-on experiences.
Activities will include:
PlayBlue
A dedicated children’s area with board games and creative activities linked to turtles, rivers, ocean challenges, plastic pollution, and the journey of water from source to sea.
Diving into the Blue
An information corner where visitors can discover projects, videos, posters, brochures, and resources dedicated to river and ocean sustainability.
Let’s work together to protect rivers and the ocean
Interactive serious games will invite participants to explore river governance, coastal restoration, collaboration, and decision-making around aquatic ecosystems.
I work for the ocean: who am I?
Visitors will have the chance to ask questions to professionals working on rivers, oceans, species protection, research, NGOs, and sustainability.
Delivering inclusive blue sustainability
Panel discussions will bring together different voices to reflect on current challenges linked to rivers, oceans, coastlines, and inclusive sustainability.
Designing our blue future
A collective art activity will invite visitors to imagine and paint their future blue world, from the source to the sea.
Why it matters
BlueLightS works to strengthen Ocean and Water Literacy across Europe by supporting schools, educators, and communities in bringing blue topics into learning.
By joining Sommerwerft Blue Lab, BlueLightS will help connect science, education, culture, and public participation, showing that the ocean is not only a coastal issue. It begins with rivers, cities, communities, and everyday choices.
Through creative and participatory activities, the event will offer new ways to understand our connection to water and inspire action for healthier rivers, seas, and oceans.
Practical information
Dates: 29 July – 2 August 2026
Location: Sommerwerft International Theatre Festival by the River, Frankfurt, Germany
Participation: Free activities for children, youth, adults, and families
Find out more about Sommerwerft: https://sommerwerft.de/