With duck races, duck target throwing, and a fun duck hunt
Plau am See, May 19, 2026 – After last year's successful premiere, it's time again on July 11, 2026: All aboard for the Plau bathtub rally!Visitors can expect a colorful family festival along the Elde river with free admission – featuring a proven concept, new activities, and plenty of entertainment.
From 11 a.m., the sales and supply stands along the Elde will open their doors. The event will be officially opened at 12 p.m. with a grand parade, led by the Plauer Fanfare Corps, the Goldberger Karnevalclub '94, and the live band for the evening program, "Vier und Ich". As part of the opening, the award ceremony for the city challenge between Goldberg, Lübz, and Plau am See will also take place.
A special highlight celebrates its premiere this year: the Plauer Duck Race, organized by the graduating class of 2027 of the Eldenburg-Gymnasium Lübz. The main prize for the fastest duck is a high-quality Conway mountain bike. In addition, there are numerous other prizes to be won. The racing ducks cost 2 Euros and are available at:
- at the Plauer Children's Festival on May 31st in the castle courtyard,
- at the Goldberg hike on June 28,
- as well as on the day of the event from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the Plau high bridge.
The students finance their graduation newspaper, the graduation ball and other final projects with the proceeds.
In addition, the Plau City Library and the Plau am See Tourist Information are organizing a fun duck hunt in the town center. A total of 100 small ducks will be hidden – and every duck found wins a prize. The prizes can then be collected at the Tourist Information office.
From 1 p.m., the bathtub rally teams will start on the Elde river. Currently, 21 teams are already registered – four starting places are still available for last-minute decision-makers.
Further entertainment is provided by the new duck throwing, presented by Raiffeisen BHG e.G. Lübz. The main prize is a high-quality ENDERS gas grill. The matching throwing ducks are available throughout the event for 2 Euros each at the Eldenburg-Gymnasium stand on the Hubbrücke.
Even the little guests get their money's worth: pony rides, bouncy castle, face painting and numerous hands-on activities make the bathtub rally an experience for the whole family.
The centerpiece, of course, remains the bathtub rally itself. Prizes will be awarded to:
- the most creative U18 team,
- the most creative over-18 team,
- the most atmospheric team,
- the fastest team,
- and the most spectacular sinking.
Each category is again endowed with prize money of 500 euros.
Whether as a rally team, duck buyer, or sponsor – everyone can participate.
Interested parties should contact:
Corinna Thieme
Tel.: 038735 / 494-52
E-mail: c.thieme@live.de
After the day's program, the event continues seamlessly in the castle courtyard from 5 p.m. The big open-air after-show party offers the award ceremony, a performance by Lübzer Karneval 54’ e.V., live music by “Vier und Ich”, a large fireworks display, and DJ Apollon. Admission to the evening event is only possible via the box office.
Program on July 11, 2026
- from 11:00 AM – Fun, games, and enjoyment mile
- 12:00 PM – Opening parade
- 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Bathtub rally with duck race and duck target throwing
- All day – Duck hunt in Plau town center
- from 5:00 PM – Open-air event in the castle courtyard
- 8:00 PM – Stage program (Opening with the LKC)
- 8:30 PM – Bathtub rally awards ceremony
- 9:00 PM – Live band "Vier und Ich"
- 11:00 PM – Fireworks
- from 11:10 PM – DJ Apollon
- 02:00 AM – Event end
Information for visitors
On the day of the event, there will be changed traffic management and temporary road closures around the event site within the town of Plau am See – both on land and on water. Visitors are asked to observe the signposted diversions and to use public transport whenever possible.
