Why this matters
Waldfrieden has existed in Stemwede-Wehdem since 1997. What started as self-organized parties in an old, empty guesthouse has grown into one of the oldest continuously running open-air festival sites for electronic music in Europe. In recent years, between 5,000 and 9,000 people have attended the two forest festivals each year. Artists from all over the world perform there, visitors travel from many countries, and young local talent gets its first big stage. Alongside the music, the Healing Area offers a wide cultural program, from yoga and nature workshops to community food-sharing picnics. Waldfrieden is a place of connection, community, and togetherness that is rare in rural areas.

And right now, this place is fighting for its future.

What is happening right now
Only two months before the festival, after thousands of tickets had already been sold and many contracts with artists and service providers had already been signed, the local environmental authority suddenly demanded a full wildlife assessment. This kind of assessment usually takes months and, from a technical point of view, cannot be completed before summer. For years, there had been no problems with approval. In 2025, the same authority approved the festival without any issue.
Even so, Waldfrieden reacted immediately and paid for an expert report. The result is clear: the festival can take place while protecting the wildlife in the area. We are ready to carry out all recommended protective measures, the materials have already been purchased, and we are prepared.
But the authority is refusing the necessary coordination. Communication has stopped. Instead, there have been unannounced inspections and delays. To this day, there is not even an official decision that can be legally challenged. Waldfrieden is ready to meet all requirements, but is being blocked by the same authority that is also refusing to grant approval.

This is not environmental protection. This is arbitrary and unfair.

What is at stake
Dozens of local businesses are directly involved in building and running the festival, from electrical work and stage construction to security and logistics. Every year, thousands of visitors from across Germany and abroad bring business to local restaurants, hotels, taxis, and shops. What is at stake here is not just a festival, but part of the region’s economic life, something that cannot easily be replaced. After the pandemic, the German federal government officially recognized Waldfrieden as an important cultural venue and supported it financially. If Hai in den Mai is cancelled, insolvency becomes a real danger, and we risk losing this place forever. Costs are already rising by the hour, and in the worst case this could push not only Waldfrieden, but also long-term partners such as the Bielefeld-based company Provisuell and many other businesses involved in event technology, construction, and festival operations into serious financial trouble.

A cultural place that takes responsibility
Waldfrieden is not causing environmental damage. From the very beginning, it has followed environmentally responsible practices: electricity from renewable energy since 2011, only vegetarian organic food at the food stalls, furniture made from its own wood, and active recycling management. And yet this is exactly the place whose existence is now being threatened by an environmental authority. The wildlife report even clearly confirms that the surrounding animals have adapted to Waldfrieden over the years and live peacefully alongside it.

What we need from you
Sign the petition and show the responsible authorities in the local area and in North Rhine-Westphalia: this place has a community behind it that will not stay silent.
Share this petition. In your groups, on your channels, with your friends. Every signature counts.
Cultural spaces in rural areas do not appear overnight. Once something like this is lost, it does not come back.

Save Waldfrieden. Now.