Day drinking deluxe: The hottest spots in Frankfurt

Summer in Frankfurt is vibrant, and with it the desire for a good time! When the sun shines and the days are long, day drinking becomes an urban lifestyle. Instead of just going out in the evening, people celebrate cool drinks, relaxed vibes, and social gatherings during the day. We spoke with the organizers of the hottest events and reveal where the clinking of glasses in Mainhattan is already happening in the afternoon.

Beats, Encounters, BamBam Sessions

Between skyscrapers and the bustling pulse of the Main metropolis, a new, relaxed lifestyle has taken root in Frankfurt: danceable, open, and in the heart of urban space. The BamBam Sessions are more than just a series of events. They are a vibrant symbol of a new party culture. There are no bouncers, no dress code – just pure, uncomplicated joie de vivre.

From quiet green to vibrant dance floor

The history of the BamBam Sessions stems from the vision of Joe Manzambi , the former general manager of Elaine's Deli and the creative mind behind the format. His desire: to create a place that brings people together in a straightforward way and exudes pure joy. He found that in Elaine's Deli at Taunustor and the adjacent park in Gallusanlage.

"We really felt this park back then," Manzambi recalls with a smile. "Before, it was more of a quiet corner, known for the 'Frankfurt Way'. We were already there with Elaine's Deli and thought: Now we'll bring people here to dance!"

This small, bold experiment quickly developed into an insider tip and ultimately a must-see in the calendar of Frankfurt's party crowd. "During the summer months, the city transforms into a giant open-air stage of electronic sounds, and BamBam becomes a magnet for everyone who loves music and appreciates open encounters," Manzambi explains enthusiastically.

Music at the heart of

The sessions' musical journey takes you through the world of melodic techno, deep house, and driving tech house. Electronic beats dominate the lineup, all of which are carefully curated by Manzambi himself. "Electronic music is so incredibly versatile. If you understand it, you can truly reach anyone with it," he enthuses.

And that's exactly what he achieves: with sets that invite you to dance and simultaneously evoke emotions: sometimes stripped down and hypnotic, sometimes playful and energetic, always interspersed with familiar samples that awaken old memories. But one thing is always present: a pulsating rhythm that connects people on the dance floor.

“Everybody is welcome, that is the DNA of the BamBam Sessions” – Joe Manzambi, BamBam Session

A stage for everyone – from bankers to baristas

The BamBam Sessions thrive on their openness. Everyone is welcome here, whether with a simple bottle of water or a glass of sparkling champagne in hand. "Everybody is welcome; that's the DNA of the BamBam Sessions," Manzambi emphasizes emphatically.

The crowd reflects Frankfurt's diversity: young professionals, relaxed students, creative minds, stressed-out bankers, and international expats. They all dance and celebrate together peacefully and exuberantly. "It's pure magic: every single component is important. You need the older bankers who are willing to finance the fun and buy champagne here, but also the young students who bring their after-work beer from the kiosk."

The rhythm of an evening

It usually starts around 5 p.m., the perfect time for a musical sundowner. As the evening progresses, the square fills up: people spread out their picnic blankets, sit comfortably on the grass, toast the end of the day, and let the first beats gently carry them away. Around 8 p.m., the area transforms into a pulsating dance floor before the atmosphere reaches its peak at 10 p.m., before the session slowly winds down.

Day Drinking between urban art and shady spots

The central meeting point is Elaine's Deli at Taunustor, right next to a striking blue sculpture by artist Frank West. Between modern architecture and urban art, Frankfurt dances in a setting that is as iconic as it is casual.

The adjacent Gallusanlage, once a rather inconspicuous city park, has evolved into a charming day-drinking spot. Where emptiness and grievances once reigned, creative energy, music, and encounters now converge. "A park that struggled with social challenges has become a place of joie de vivre," Manzambi describes the transformation.

Frankfurt dances on and beyond

But the founder is already thinking about the future. New, exciting open-air formats and even international events are planned, bringing the unique BamBam philosophy to other cities. The exact locations remain a closely guarded secret, but one thing is certain: the day drinking sessions will continue to grow without losing their unconventional charm and open heart.

"The BamBam Sessions are big, bigger than my ego, bigger than anything else. It's about bringing people together and having a good time," the creator sums up his vision. And as long as the beats keep pulsing and people keep coming together, the spontaneous idea of the BamBam Sessions will continue to shape Frankfurt's day drinking scene.

Fifteen Love: More than just day drinking!

If you think of day drinking in Frankfurt, you will think of “Fifteen Love” Events are hardly over. What began as a spontaneous birthday party in 2018 has long since become a fixture in Frankfurt's event calendar. "The idea back then was: either a boring celebration or a theme party with a dress code. After some back and forth, we thought: Why not an 80s tennis party?" recalls founder Fabio Masilla . His idea hit the mark – and not just with tennis fans.

The birthday party was a resounding success: Around 130 guests showed up, dressed like something out of a retro tennis movie. Women in white pleated skirts, tops, and tennis caps, men in classic polo shirts with shorts, sneakers, and—of course—white tennis socks. The atmosphere? Exuberant. The dance floor? Crowded. The drinks? Plenty. Fifteen Love was born. In 2019, business partner Nick Rose joined the team and, with his advertising agency, has since been responsible for the event's media side.

Tennis meets turntables

The recipe for success? A blend of the elegant flair of tennis, vibrant club culture, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The unwritten rule: the dress code. Retro outfits, cool club jackets, and maybe even your grandma and grandpa's dusty wooden racket from the basement are expressly encouraged. "You're going out to party, but with a sporty look – a wonderfully unusual feeling that you rarely experience," Masilla enthuses.

The name "Fifteen Love" is not only memorable, but also a clever play on words with a nod to tennis. The "15" stands for the first important point in the match – a term familiar to every tennis fan. And "love"? In tennis, curiously enough, it means zero. There are several charming theories as to the origin of this peculiar name: One says that it was inspired by the French "l'œuf" – the egg – whose shape resembles zero and which English-speaking players are said to have once parodied to "love". Another, more poetic explanation can be found in the English itself: "To play for love" – that is, for pure joy and honor, without material investment. Anyone who has not yet scored a point is, in a sense, only playing "for love".

“Partying during the day has a different, carefree energy…” – Fabio Masilla, Fifteen Love founder

Celebrating in the sunshine

The celebrations take place during the day – usually between 2 and 10 p.m. "Partying during the day has a different, carefree energy – outside, in the sun, it just feels different," says Masilla. Anyone who wants to attend needs an invitation code. This creates exclusivity while also fostering a sense of familiarity.

A concept in tune with the times

The pandemic couldn't harm the successful concept—quite the opposite. While clubs had to close their doors, open-air events experienced a veritable boom. And Fifteen Love perfectly captures the zeitgeist: "The younger generation is drinking more consciously, seeking special experiences—but also wants to be fit and energetic the next day," Nick Rose aptly analyzes.

"Frankfurt is at the forefront here," Masilla is convinced. The metropolis on the Main River is something of a pioneer when it comes to day drinking with a trendy vibe. Whether in the lively Kleinmarkthalle, on the relaxed Friedberger Platz, or in one of the charming water houses – the city offers the ideal backdrop for daytime events with a special flair.

More than a party – a community

What sets Fifteen Love apart from other events is its strong sense of community. The guest list is a diverse mix – from ambitious students to stressed-out bankers. "It's about much more than just celebrating – many people know each other, creating a real sense of camaraderie, a little Fifteen Love family," Rose emphasizes. And you can really feel it: for many, the event begins long before the first drink. Outfits are carefully coordinated, groups form, and anticipation is shared. Anyone who snags a coveted ticket is part of the fun – and this feeling is contagious.

Between streetwear and driving beats: Fifteen Love's future is already looking beyond the horizon. Masilla and Rose are already planning events in other cities, such as the hip aftershow of the Hamburg Open.

At the same time, a stylish streetwear line is being developed, a music label already exists – and who knows, perhaps an entire Fifteen Love lifestyle brand will soon see the light of day. The vision is clear: "Fifteen Love should establish itself in the racquet sports and lifestyle sectors – with a focus on fashion, music, and events," says Fabio Masilla, who has been active as DJ "MASILLA" for over twelve years. Since 2019, he has dedicated himself to building the Fifteen Love brand, but is now increasingly focusing on his own DJ and producer project. The first official singles under the name MASILLA are planned for 2025.

From a circle of friends to a cult brand: The soul remains

Despite the growing success, the personal touch is the unmistakable core of the concept: lovingly selected locations, top international DJs, and a palpable closeness between the hosts, artists, and guests – that's what makes the decisive difference.

“You look at a photo a year later and know immediately: That was a damn good day” – Nick Rose, Fifteen Love

"You look at a photo a year later and immediately know: That was a damn good day," Rose sums up with a smile. And Masilla adds: "We're not your typical event managers—the whole thing grew out of pure friendship and family ties. And that's exactly how we want it to stay in the future."

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For two decades, it has been investing in the city's future. To mark its 20th anniversary, the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Foundation is celebrating with Frankfurt a festival at Opernplatz, highlighting the power of civic engagement .

With €115 million in funding for education and social cohesion, the foundation has played a key role in shaping the city over the past two decades. As one of Germany's largest charitable foundations, originating from the Polytechnic Society of 1816, it now focuses on the people and ideas that shape Frankfurt.

The Opera Square becomes a stage

For three days, Opernplatz will be dedicated to what the foundation calls "polytechnic": the ability of citizens to shape their city independently. "We're celebrating Frankfurt and transforming Opernplatz into a polytechnical festival site," explains Prof. Dr. Frank EP Dievernich , Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. "Through exchanges with inspiring people, we want to demonstrate what makes Frankfurt strong."

The program combines culture and science. Artists such as the electric piano duo Grandbrothers and the Frankfurt Opera Studio will take to the stage, while venues such as the Senckenberg Natural History Museum and the Schirn Kunsthalle will offer interactive programs.

A strong network for the city

A broad alliance of Frankfurt's business and society supports the festival. Mayor Mike Josef , who serves as patron of the festival, acknowledges the commitment: "Two decades of commitment to the common good are an expression of responsibility and lived solidarity."

The main sponsor is Frankfurter Sparkasse 1822. The list of sponsors, from Bankhaus Metzler to the KfW Foundation, reads like a clear commitment by Frankfurt's business community to their city.

At a glance: The anniversary festival

• What: Frankfurt. We're celebrating! – 20 years of the Polytechnische Gesellschaft Foundation
• When: September 19-21, 2025
• Where: Opernplatz, Frankfurt am Main
• Admission free
• Information: dasfeiernwir.de