Free entry from Nov 18-21, 2026
at Urbaneo (Am Strandkai 7) and at other venues in HafenCity around Urbaneo
PLAY is the first and only festival worldwide to unite media art, discourse and education with the culture of digital games. Since 2007, it has focused on the creative utilization of digital games: invent, build, tinker, modify, program, dance, discuss – anything goes!
PLAY26 in HafenCity
The 19th PLAY – Creative Gaming Festival will be held in Hamburg from November 18 to 21, 2026. For four days, the focus will be on creative games, inspiring workshops, exciting talks, and interactive formats related to digital gaming culture.
This year, the theme «Hey, listen! – Music & Emotion» relates to mixtape culture of sharing bonds and feelings with the people you like and love.
In addition, the Creative Gaming Awards showcase works that allow players to interact with them in creative ways.
Entry to the festival is free (except for the school program).
The festival is open to anyone 12 years of age or older. You can visit the exhibition and many activities are open to drop-in visitors during festival hours without prior registration. However, registration is required for certain events, such as the Game Jam. Details on how to sign up can be found in the descriptions of the individual events in the program.
The festival's main venue is the Urbaneo - Young Architecture Center in HafenCity. Additional events take place at various locations throughout HafenCity.
The FAQs cover all the information you need about visiting the festival, including registration, participation, age requirements, and venues.
