Volume down. Dialogue up.

The fourth edition of the b° future festival took place October 1-3, 2026, in downtown Bonn.

We welcomed more than 300 media professionals from 27 countries who contributed to a wide-ranging and engaging program. Thousands of local visitors attended more than 200 different events in German and English. They gained insight into journalism and took part in discussions with media professionals about the type of journalism that is needed today.

Mark your calendars: The next b° future festival will be taking place October 7-9, 2027!

Three women sitting in chairs smile and talk to each other

Thank you!

We are grateful to everyone who made the 2026 festival such a resounding success. To all our partners, speakers, festival staff and volunteers – we could not have done it without you.

Our partners

Why the b° future festival?

The festival creates time and space for anyone and everyone who wants to rethink journalism.

It blends an industry conference with a civic festival for a unique three-day event in the heart of Bonn that revolves around one key question: What kind of journalism does our society need today and in the future?

The festival turns Bonn’s city center into a place to meet new people, engage in discussion and gain new perspectives. Thousands of local visitors talk with media professionals on equal footing, on the Münsterplatz in the heart of the city.

Most events are free of charge. Young or old, simply curious or passionate about media, everyone is welcome at the b° future festival.

View the 2026 program

Die Grafik zeigt die Zelte auf dem Münsterplatz

When everything changes ...

… how does the media need to change?

For the 2026 edition, we welcomed more than 300 media professionals from 27 countries. They included:

Mitali Mukherjee, Aphrodite Salas, Maik Meuser, Miriam Wells, Joseph Lichterman, Nela Riehl, and many more.

Maik Meuser

RTL

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Aphrodite Salas

Concordia University

Associate Professor of Journalism

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Khesrau Behroz

Undone

Founder and CEO of the production company Undone

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What struck me most was the intentional spirit behind the festival. It doesn't just ask what journalism is; it asks for whom, why and how. It encourages stepping outside familiar circles, engaging with new perspectives and embracing constructive forms of debate.
Yasmina Al-Gannabi, Senior Audience Development Manager, Deutsche Welle

Deep Dives

The Deep Dives kick off the festival on October 1, 2026. The interactive workshops provide space for intensive exchange and in-depth insights into specific topics.

Deep Dives

Program

This year's program is currently in the final planning stages. Including discussions, panels, and workshops, it is just as diverse as the topics it covers. You can find all the information here soon!

Program