As early as 2018, the newly constructed noise barrier along the A40 on Franz Fischer Weg in Essen-Frillendorf was transformed into an open-air graffiti gallery for the Hafendampf Festival.

In the fall of 2022, the festival took place once again on Franz Fischer Weg. On September 18 and 19, local and international artists once again transformed the noise barrier along the A40 into a colorful open-air gallery. The designs included cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson, and characters from Loriot.