THE ULTIMATE RECAP OF THIS YEAR’S LOVE FAMILY PARK FESTIVAL
words by NATALIE GAL
Frankfurt is a modern metropolis, a hub not only for commerce and economics, but also for culture, education, and of course, music. “Mainhattan,” as it is often referred to, is home to the Love Family Park festival, held in its grand Rebstockpark, where the futuristic skyline forms the perfect backdrop for the event. The festival spans the entire weekend, and this year marked the 26th edition, making it Germany’s longest-running open-air techno event. Over the years, the festival has become an integral part of the Frankfurt’s cultural scene, a social gathering for the city’s diverse population, where I met so many wonderful people and created unforgettable memories.
credits: LUKAS TADAY
Many of Numero Netherlands’ favorites graced the 2 stages, such as Nina Kraviz, Deborah De Luca, The Martinez Brothers, Adriatique, BLOND:ISH, and Sven Väth. Their sets were unforgettable. You could truly feel the love between the artists and the crowd, it felt familiar, personal, even touching. The audience was genuinely involved, present in every moment, something we forget to be so often in our busy everydays.
There was a harmonious symbiosis between the crowd, the artists, and the creators of the festival. The logistics were flawless and focused on sustainability and comfort. Even within the crowd, you felt protected and cared for. Notably, visitors with disabilities were warmly welcomed, and the festival grounds were wheelchair-friendly, allowing truly everyone in Frankfurt to enjoy the event.
According to Robin Erbinger, Managing Director LFP, looking back at this year’s event: "Love Family Park’s third edition in Frankfurt felt like a true homecoming, building momentum as we head toward our 30-year anniversary in 2026. That milestone means a lot to us. With over 20,000 visitors across a sold-out Saturday and a vibrant Sunday it’s clear that LFP still resonates deeply, even in a tough festival market.
Born in the early ‘90s as one of the first open-air daytime raves we’ve stayed true to our roots: authentic music, pure vibe, no distractions. And now being back in Frankfurt, a cornerstone in the history of German techno alongside cities like Berlin and Mannheim, it just feels right. The countdown to 30 years has officially begun, and yes tickets are already on sale!”
credits: LUKAS TADAY
But don’t just take my word for it, listen to the lovely people I met at the festival.
Two 29-year-old girls from Germany shared: “It is our first time here, and it’s very nice. We love the organisation, it cannot be compared to other places we’ve been. We don’t have to wait long in lines, there’s plenty of space, and you feel very safe. The line-up is really good, we love the music. And the best thing is, since there are two stages, we can switch every once in a while, so we never get bored, there’s always something new.”
I can’t help but highlight the organizational excellence again, everything ran smoothly, and safety was a clear priority. The security team was not only efficient but genuinely kind and helpful. Numerous food stalls kept lines short and moving quickly, and sustainability was taken seriously, including a deposit ticket system for recycling.
A 29-year-old French-Algerian festival-goer told me: “This is my first time, we came for Mahmut Orhan. We like it a lot. Everyone is so cool, the outfits are so effortless, we really like it. This is the perfect space for outfit inspo.”
Many people came for one specific artist and ended up discovering new favorites. A 33-year-old German man who has been attending the festival for ten years said he came for Eli Brown, but “stayed for many others.”
The weekend was undoubtedly a gathering, a place for beautiful people, inside and out, to come together and dance. It was moving to see people in their 50s, who have been coming since the festival’s early days, dancing alongside 18- and 20-year-olds experiencing LFP for the first time. The festival transcends ageism, removing boundaries of who can party, who is "allowed" or "preferred" on the dance floor. The equation is simple: everyone.
The People of Love Family Park — credits: NATASHA HRUSKA and LARA DALIDA
We must not forget about the city itself, let’s talk about Frankfurt, because there is much to say. I first ventured into the center of the city after a soft morning rain. The air was fresh, the city smelled like rain, and I witnessed Frankfurt in its calm, early-morning state, before the buzz of the crowd.
The city has a gentle rhythm. Colorful, classically German houses tower above you, those charming, half-timbered, brick Gothic homes with intricate woodwork decorating their façades. Like something out of a Disney movie, you half expect a medieval princess to appear on the corner. Instead, you’ll find the main square alive with artists, street performers, clowns, and creatives proudly showcasing their talents. Settle onto a bench and simply people-watch, letting yourself get lost in the mix of personalities and the city’s certain, constant hum.
I’m a big advocate for getting “lost” in a new city, not following maps, but walking freely with your headphones in, thinking, observing, and letting the city reveal itself. That main square is the perfect place to do just that.
But there are plenty of other things to see: the grand Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom), a mysterious Gothic structure where emperors of long-lost eras were crowned. Or visit the Palmengarten, a stunning botanical garden filled with exotic plants and greenhouses. And a special mention goes to the Museum of Modern Electronic Music, or MOMEM, located at the heart of the city.
But the true highlight? Goethe’s House. Walk into the very room where he was born, see the grand table where he completed his first manuscript, and the garden where one of literature’s greatest minds once played as a child. The house is a deeply personal tribute, filled with original furniture, paintings, and books. A must-visit, not just for literature lovers.
Before heading to the festival, I recommend grabbing brunch at Kaffeehaus Goldene Waage, a hidden gem tucked near the cathedral. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful coffees in the world. Or explore Kleinmarkthalle or Fressgass for vibrant market eats and street food.
Walking through Frankfurt, you feel both larger and smaller than life. Larger, when you stand where Goethe once stood, where Luther once preached, where emperors were crowned. And smaller, when you look up at the forest of skyscrapers around you. Frankfurt is truly a two-in-one city, where history and modernity exist not side-by-side, but in beautiful harmony.
