On 8 and 9 September, Federal President Steinmeier opened the doors to Schloss Bellevue and its beautiful park for his Bürgerfest. The festival centers around the commitment of the numerous volunteers engaged in a variety of initiatives.

This year's motto was Us – connected. The Czech Republic as European partner country and Thuringia as partner region provided culinary and cultural highlights.

On Friday, 8 September Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender welcomed more than 3,000 voluntarily engaged citizens from all over Germany to thank them for their commitment.

On Saturday, 9 September everyone was invited to visit the Federal President's residence at open day. Many partners have supported the Citizens' Festival. They presented their activities, there is a programme on stage and many activities for young and old throughout the park.