Thursday, September 4
Hillmenau out of Ilmenau
The 2025 festival kicks off once again with a small warm-up party on Thursday evening.
After a mostly dry day with even a few sunny spells, rain starts right on cue at 6 p.m., just as the event begins.
Nevertheless, the entrance is busy, and both the Festhalle and the beer garden fill up quickly.
While there’s no program yet on the main stage, the cinema hall, poster gallery, fan shops, and beer garden — with its food and drink stands — are already open, and the team from St. Kilian is ready at their bar.
So there’s already plenty to see and enjoy for visitors on this first evening of the festival.
Rain right on cue
Friday, September 5
On Friday, the festival opens its gates at 1 p.m.
The weather has clearly improved compared to the previous day — shortly after admission there’s still a brief shower, but thankfully, it turns out to be the last rain of the entire weekend.
At 2 p.m., the first film of the weekend is shown on the main stage, while in the competition arena, the first test match of the Hector Games takes place.
Afterwards, the VIP guests are welcomed on stage, and the festival is officially declared open.
The VIPs are on stage. The mayor officially opens the festival
While the second film of the day is shown on the main stage, the first competitions begin in the arena, including the very first bean-eating contest — a brand-new addition to the festival.
Bud’s grandsons, Alessandro and Carlo Jr., give it their all in the bean-eating contest.
At 7 p.m., the crowd gathers once again in front of the main stage.
The evening begins with the first costume and tattoo showcase, followed by a performance from a Bud Spencer and Terence Hill tribute band from Hungary, kicking off the musical night with some of the most beloved Spencer/Hill soundtrack classics.
The Hungarian tribute band performs classic soundtracks from the films.
After the first concert, our three special guests from the film “They Called Him Bulldozer” take the stage together with Matteo and deliver a musical performance of their own.
Together, they sing “Pelota”, the song that Bud Spencer performs with his team in the iconic movie.
Giovanni Vettorazzo, Matteo, Ottaviano Dell’Acqua, and Enzo Santaniello perform “Pelota.”
The mood is already high, but it reaches its peak when the musical stars of the evening take the stage: the Oliver Onions are back!
This time, they’re joined by the Animeniacs Choir, adding even more power and harmony to their performance.
With their countless hits such as “Sandokan”, “Flying through the Air”, “Orzowei”, “Santa Maria”, “Dune Buggy”, and “Bulldozer”, the Oliver Onions ignite an incredible party atmosphere.
And when they perform their touching tribute to Bud Spencer to the sound of the “Flatfoot” theme, many fans in the audience are moved to tears.
Oliver Onions live on stage – joined by Giuseppe and Cristiana Pedersoli.
The nearly two-hour concert flies by, filled with energy and emotion.
After the show, the Oliver Onions stay to sign autographs, while the first day of the festival slowly comes to an end.
Around 1 a.m., the last fans leave the festival grounds, happy and full of unforgettable memories.
Full VIP power for the opening!
Following the welcome ceremony, a highly entertaining talk session takes place on the VIP stage, featuring Marcus Zölch, Charles Rettinghaus, and Dennis and Gerrit Schmidt-Foss.
The discussion reveals a few details about Terence Hill’s upcoming film, although Marcus unfortunately isn’t allowed to share any specific information yet. It is, however, confirmed that a script already exists and that filming could ideally begin later this year.
Afterwards, the three voice actors talk about their work in dubbing, sharing funny and insightful anecdotes from their careers and from their experiences with Bud and Terence’s films.
Sabato 6 settembre
Sabato il festival apre i cancelli già alle 10 del mattino, e molti fan sono già in piedi di buon’ora. Ne vale la pena, perché alle 10:30 i VIP fanno la prima apparizione sul palco principale.
Tra loro, questa volta, c’è anche Guido De Angelis, una delle due metà degli Oliver Onions, mentre Maurizio ha preferito concedersi un po’ di riposo.
Per Guido, si tratta dell’unica apparizione della giornata, poiché gli Oliver Onions ripartiranno già oggi stesso per tornare in Italia.
An engaging panel discussion with Marcus, Jorgo, and our voice actors.
While the main stage features a screening of “They Called Him Bulldozer”, the next round of the Hector Games takes place in the competition arena, followed by more contests such as arm wrestling and tug-of-war.
Full-on action at the Hector Games
There’s plenty of action and excitement even during the tug-of-war!
On the main stage, the program continues with the costume and tattoo showcase, followed by the Thuringian Police Orchestra, which kicks off the musical part of the day.
The costumed fans are always great fun to watch!
The afternoon flies by with the beer and sausage contest, another exciting round of the Hector Games, and the grand U.S. and movie car parade through the streets of Ilmenau.
Let the beer and sausages decide!
Grand car parade through downtown Ilmenau.
The music returns as Alex and Yvonne take the stage with the largest mobile organ in Europe.
Afterwards, in the competition arena, knife-thrower Marcel demonstrates his impressive skills before the winners of the various contests are announced in the evening.
Marcel demonstrates his impressive knife-throwing skills.
Next comes one of the highlights of this year’s festival: the eagerly awaited drawing of the Dune Buggy raffle winner.
The red buggy with the yellow roof finds its new home — it’s heading to Leipzig.
After the draw, the Dune Buggy Band takes over the stage, and for their 10th festival appearance, they once again keep the crowd dancing and celebrating late into the night.
The Dune Buggy Band delivered once again!
Meanwhile, things are a bit calmer in the beer garden and later in the cinema lounge.
Here, Jorgo treats the audience to a few songs on his accordion, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
Shotgun Jones spread good vibes with their country music.
With beautiful weather, the day unfolds in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere, until the festival officially comes to an end at 6 p.m.
But this isn’t goodbye — we’ll see each other again!
The next Spencer/Hill Festival will kick off once more in Ilmenau on September 3, 2026.
See you in 2026!