In 2010, the cultural event of Europe in the early 21st century took place in the Ruhr area: the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010. An uncountable number of actors were involved in its planning and execution over a long period, at different times and locations, in various constellations, pursuing their special and individual interests with multiple tactics and strategies. The central research interest of the ethnographic study presented here is how this highly complex event was organized in such a way that it ultimately succeeded. More specifically: What challenges were particularly faced by the employees of the special temporary organization established for the purpose of making the mega-event - RUHR.2010 GmbH - and how did they manage them?.