CREATIVA 2026 kicks off in Dortmund: Floristry, a creative mindset and famous TV personalities

Europe’s largest creative trade fair sets a new focus with trending topics, hands-on activities, and content creators

From March 25 to 29, CREATIVA, Europe’s largest creative fair, will once again transform the Dortmund exhibition halls into a hub of creativity, with plenty to offer: This year, the themes of gardening & floristry and creative mindset are particularly in the spotlight. A diverse supporting program featuring prominent guests such as Eva Brenner (Friday), Tine Wittler (Saturday), and the new “THE PINK SPOT” area will showcase the diversity of creative design. 

Dortmund, March 24, 2026 – This year, visitors can look forward to two main themes: “Gardening & Floristry” and “Creative Mindset.” While “Gardening & Floristry” offers creative inspiration centered on nature, plants, and design, “Creative Mindset” focuses on the connection between creativity, mindfulness, and mental strength. What makes CREATIVA special is underscored by the wide range of exhibitors: from artisans to established names and top brands in the creative industry. The fair is all about getting involved—many of the exhibitors offer workshops.

Gardening & Floristry: Trends, Expertise and Vibrant Diversity

In keeping with the theme “Gardening & Floristry,” well-known TV personalities and experts will enrich CREATIVA with their expertise. On Friday, Eva Brenner will be on site to present the latest trends and ideas in garden design. The program is complemented by Swetlana Osmers, author of “SLOW LIVING GARDEN,” who will showcase her diversity garden on all five days of the fair. She explores the theme of mindfulness and offers workshops on garden bed concepts. Florist Eva Kraus explores the theme with current floral design concepts: from Bridgerton to Harry Potter. Hall 5 also features numerous exhibitors focused on gardening—including suppliers of garden décor items such as Kräuterzwerg and Oliver Rotter Blumenhandel, which offers flower bulbs and seeds.

Creative Mindset: Mindfulness and Creativity

In its “Creative Mindset” focus area, CREATIVA 2026 demonstrates how creative design extends far beyond mere craftsmanship. A special highlight is the Craft Academy by Plottertante & friends in Hall 7. Initiator Miriam Jug, known as “Plottertante,” together with experts such as Sara Skou Olsen, invites visitors to discover creativity in a playful and collaborative way. The focus is on the “creative mindset.” Through workshops, live demos, and lectures, visitors will learn how creative work reduces stress, enhances well-being, and opens up new perspectives. The program is rounded out by practical insights into various techniques as well as a daily free “End-of-Day Project” that invites everyone to wrap up the day creatively together. >> View the program

Stars & Show: Highlights on the CREATIVA Stage in Hall 4

The CREATIVA Stage in Hall 4 offers a diverse supporting program throughout all five days of the fair and is emerging as a hotspot for the creative scene with top-notch entertainment. The program features hands-on activities, talks, and interactive highlights such as the CREATIVA Quiz. Additionally, Gabriela Kaiser will present the new furoshiki trend. Fashion shows will take place daily, featuring Frankfurt-based fashion designers such as `leonid matthias` and PAULINA’s Friends. Star pianist Liccia Missori will provide musical accompaniment for the fashion shows by Martina Wolter-Kampmann & Mireille Finger. A special highlight is the talk with decor queen Tine Wittler on Saturday, as well as an entertaining talk on Sunday featuring celebrities such as Julian F.M. Stoeckel, “Dschungelcamp-Star” Nicole Belstler-Boettcher, and legendary show host Jörg Draeger. >> View the program

THE PINK SPOT: 5 Brands – 1 Spot in Hall 7

In Hall 7, THE PINK SPOT and the Workshop Area focus on creative DIY. For the second time, the popular workshop “Heißes für Drunter” will take place, where lingerie is professionally crafted using fine fabrics and lace. THE PINK SPOT is making its debut at CREATIVA 2026 and will showcase brands at an interactive hotspot, including Anke Gerdes-Swafing (Cherrypicking Studio), Barbara Gerasch (Micro Mosaic Art), Anna Stallmeyer (Einfach Nähen), Vivian Edel (BAGS & PIECES), and Dominique Köster (SchwaaBa). Workshops on leathercraft, sewing techniques, and micromosaic art will be the focus here.

Marktplatz Maschinensticken: Expert Insights in Hall 4

At the Marktplatz Maschinensticken in Hall 4, companies such as Barudan, Gunold, TexDesign, by Tracey 5.0, Smart-Thread, and the Frankfurt-based fashion designers `leonid matthias` will present their latest products and innovations. On display will be digital embroidery machines, sewing machines, embroidery designs, and accessories that offer exciting possibilities for both beginners and professionals. In addition, there will be a panel discussion featuring expert insights, tips, and tricks. The complete program for the stage can be viewed on the website.

Interactive Game World in Hall 6: Try, Play, Learn

A wide variety of games awaits visitors in the Games Area: from classic wooden games, action and puzzle games to modern board and card games. On display are, among other things, unique memory and puzzle games, word and dice games, high-quality skill and wooden games, as well as magic, experimental, and educational games. The dedicated Games Area invites visitors to try out the games at their leisure and play together. The games combine entertainment with an educational approach and promote creativity, communication, strategic thinking, and motor skills.

A special highlight is the augmented reality memory game in Hall 4, which can be tried out daily under expert guidance—with the chance to win attractive prizes.

TrendReport 2026: Inspiration for Creatives

Once again this year, CREATIVA is presenting the TrendReport. At the trade show, visitors will gain insights into seven current trends selected in collaboration with trend expert Gabriela Kaiser. In addition, there is the Trends & Inspiration area in Hall 6, where the TrendReport themes can be experienced live.

Ticket shop open: Combo ticket for CREATIVA and CAKE & BAKE Tickets for CREATIVA 2026 are available online. There is also currently a 10% discount on single-day tickets with the code TINE10. Visitors to CREATIVA can also use the same ticket to visit CAKE & BAKE, which is taking place at the same time, on Saturday and Sunday (March 28 and 29).