On August 30 and 31, 2025, the Mercedes Festival Schöne Sterne will take place for the fifteenth time. The venue is once again the grounds of the LWL Museum Henrichshütte in Hattingen. According to the organizers from E-Mags Media GmbH, Essen, more than 15,000 visitors from Germany and abroad attended last year. This year, the organizers expect a similarly high turnout.
Open brand meeting for all Mercedes vehicles
The event is aimed at drivers of all Mercedes-Benz models. The organizer describes the concept with the phrase: “All model years, all series – the main thing is a beautiful star!” Vehicles from all generations are allowed, including classic sedans, AMG models, youngtimers, and rare one-offs. According to a statement on August 4, 2025, Smart vehicles are expressly welcome as well.
Registration for participation is not required. The event is also open to clubs, forums, and interest groups. There will be a vehicle
presentation with a stage on the grounds, as well as various information offerings about technology, tuning, and club activities. The stage program is hosted by moderator Louisa Schlang, supported by Ralf Weber and Christian Nikolai.
German premiere of the CLA EQ
As part of the festival, Mercedes-Benz will present the new CLA EQ in Germany for the first time. According to Stuttgart, the electric model marks the entry into a new vehicle generation. The statement reads: “With its athletic design, an all-new drivetrain, and the digital MBUX Superscreen, the CLA is the most intelligent vehicle Mercedes-Benz has ever built.” According to the manufacturer, the new CLA is set to set standards in efficiency, range, and digitalization.
Vehicle evaluation and award ceremony
On Sunday, the second day of the event, a panel of experts will evaluate all the displayed vehicles between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The best 50 vehicles will receive
an award in the “Top 50” category, regardless of the year of manufacture or vehicle class. Additional trophies will be awarded to the vehicles with the longest journey, the oldest initial registration, and the so-called “Editor’s Pick.” The award ceremony will be conducted by Marah Elise Rackebrandt, the current Miss Germany. The trophy sponsor is the German lubricant company Ravenol.
Specialist exhibition and historical vehicles
The accompanying specialist exhibition includes numerous companies from the Mercedes environment, according to the organizers. These include H&R (suspension technology), the alloy brand Borbet, SETRA (a brand of Daimler Truck AG), Mercedes-Benz Lueg, Mercedes-Benz Schulte Oversohl, Kurth Classics, Classic Analytics, Württembergische Versicherung, SLS, Fundametrik, Krüger Classic, brand clubs, and tuning companies like Renntech or Schulz Tuning.
Setra presents with the S 208 H a compact coach from 1979. The high-floor bus with up to 33 seats was designed at the time for small groups and exclusive
club trips.
Tuning scene and rarities from private ownership
This year, scene expert Nino Huf also presents a selection of special vehicles. These are unique pieces with the Mercedes star that once belonged to prominent or wealthy individuals. Huf managed to persuade the current owners to participate and bring the vehicles from private collections to Hattingen.
Another program point is the presentation of the US tuner RENNtech. Owner Hartmut Feyhl is considered an influential figure in the Mercedes tuning scene in North America. Renntech recently opened a branch in Tönisvorst, North Rhine-Westphalia, from where it distributes vehicle parts for the European market.
Launch of a new merchandise collection
For the first time, the Mercedes Festival is introducing its own collection of products for fans. This includes sweaters, t-shirts, polo shirts, keychains, and signs. The items are available on the event grounds.
Further information is available on the organizer’s website at www.schoenesterne.de.
