Music often binds emotions and memories to experiences. Special moments which remain in our minds are often created by music festivals. The journey to another city, the atmosphere, the interplay of music with the location and the feeling of community generated at a festival is one-of-a-kind. The rhythm of a festival stays in the heart of festival-goers forever. This listening, feeling and echo of music is the focus of a new campaign from the Nuremberg Convention and Tourist Office.
Nuremberg is known for its history, its culinary specialities and the Christkindlesmarkt. Beyond that, the city also looks back on an impressive musical past. From the musical heyday of the Nuremberg Meistersinger with Hans Sachs in the late Middle Ages and the early modern period, through great Baroque composers such as Johann Pachelbel and the city's development in the 17th and 18th centuries into a centre of organ and instrument making, Nuremberg still has a vibrant music scene today that combines tradition with modernity. Whether classical masterpieces from the two great orchestras, the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra and the Nuremberg State Philharmonic, world music from international stars or jazz from talented newcomers – Nuremberg has written musical history in the past and remains a pulsating music metropolis to this day.
This unique mix is also reflected in the music festivals of the “Nürnberg klingt nach!” campaign – six festivals of very different genres offer unforgettable musical experiences that resonate long afterwards. st. katharina open air, Musikfest ION, Klassik Open Air, Bardentreffen, Nürnberg Pop and NUEJAZZ were chosen as flagships for the campaign because, thanks to their special locations, they merge with the city and its audience in a way that can only be experienced in Nuremberg. Festivals with surprising highlights? Sounds like Nuremberg!
Six interviews full of exciting insights behind the scenes - with stories about the making of the festival, personal impressions from everyday festival life and extraordinary moments that make the people and their festivals unique.
"Rock im Park has been based in Nuremberg since 1997. The urban location, perfect transport links, and green backdrop around Dutzendteich lake and Luitpoldhain public park create a festival experience that is unrivalled in Germany. Rock im Park offers real comfort and is the festival of short distances. It combines three days of music and a break from everyday life in the middle of the city. There is no other festival like it in Germany."
„The historic walls of the Katharinenruine give every concert a unique flair - combined with the special acoustics, great musicians and the open-air feeling, every evening is an unforgettable experience.“
„The Musicfest ION offers a bold and diverse programme, realised with charismatic stars from classical music, pop and jazz. Nuremberg's churches are extraordinary sound spaces - this is where the pinnacle of church music meets iconic songs and sensational world premieres. Our concerts set the soul vibrating.“
„The Klassik Open Air is a concert experience for everyone - in the open air, with a picnic blanket and no dress code. A place where thousands of people can experience and celebrate music together.“
„Whether international acts on the stages or individual street music - for three days, the Bardentreffen turns Nuremberg into a meeting place for world music, open-mindedness and melodious stories from all over the world.“
„Nürnberg Pop is more than just a festival - it is a statement for musical diversity and also a driving force for the local scene. This is where well-known acts meet new talent, concert experiences meet cultural debate."
„With free concerts, contributions from students at the University of Music and the Faculty of Design and a growing children's programme, the NUEJAZZ festival creates a variety of access points. The weekly ‘Groove Gathering’ session at AEG - organised by Nürnberger Jazzmusiker e.V. - is just as much a part of this as the stage for young jazz talents from Nuremberg. NUEJAZZ thus sends a strong signal for cultural participation in the City of Human Rights.“
August 7 and 8, 2026
Every year, the Brückenfestival takes place under the Theodor Heuss bridge on the water meadows of Nuremberg’s Pegnitz River. Over two days this outdoor and free-of-charge music festival presents regional and international bands far from the mainstream and offers a colorful mix of various music styles.
August 29, 2026
The Tanzen im Grünen (Dance in Green) Open Air draws more than 11,000 fans of techno music each year to Nuremberg’s Marienberg Park to experience beats between trees, meadows and water. The festival thrills with its unique line-up, summer atmosphere and unforgettable moments. On three stages, national and international DJs lead the dance and celebration 10 hours long.
August 22, 2026
The Indie Open Air in Nuremberg is a highlight for all music lovers and festival fans who enjoy the special atmosphere of open-air events. Set in the city park, this festival organized by Club Stereo features a varied program of indie hits. On several stages, both established artists and new talent fill the summer night with indie vibes and live music.
Planned for April 2027
The Bierchen und Bühnchen is a music and pub festival in Gostenhof, Himpfelshof and nearby. Artists, bands and DJs meet to kick-off the festival season for music fans before the summer begins. The concerts take place not only on an open air stage, but also in bars, cafés and pubs, which creates a special music experience.
Planned for June and July, 2027
Every summer the Nuremberg Symphony moves their concert stage outdoors and presents a one-of-a-kind concert series as part of the music summer in the Congress Hall. Surrounded by green vegetation and bird song, the interplay of music and the beauty of a summer night in the historical Serenadenhof, with its excellent acoustics, creates a special concert experience.
Planned for June/July, 2027
In the Stadium Park Nuremberg, hundreds of music fans celebrate the Open Sommer festival. Directly next to the stadium, it’s a unique combination of live concerts and a festival atmosphere in nature. National and international well-known artists from various music styles create a great summer vibe and unforgettable experiences.
June 19, 2027
At the new Garlic Land at Nuremberg Airport, two worlds collide. Garlic Fields deliver driving EDM sounds, pulsating drops, and international acts. Garlic Garden brings hip-hop and urban beats, live energy, and true community vibes. One day. Two areas. Endless vibes.
June 26, 2027
The Latin Airport Festival brings Latin American rhythm and dance directly to the Nuremberg Airport. A diverse program of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and Latin pop creates the high-spirited vibe you would expect at the largest Latin Festival in southern Germany. International and national artists let more than 15,000 visitors dance and celebrate to hot beats – an unforgettable combination of rhythmic energy and international camaraderie.
July 3, 2027
The motto of the Super Sommer Sause at the Nuremberg Airport is Nuremberg meets Mallorca. And the name says it all: For more than 10 years, the most popular and successful Mallorca and party music stars fill the stage and celebrate together with more than 17,000 visitors. Old songs and Ballermann hits create a one-of-a-kind party atmosphere.
Planned for August 6, 2028
Every two years, Stars im Luitpoldhain - The Night of Jazz & Friends, host a concert under the skies in the Luitpoldhain Park. The worldwide in-demand star drummer and composer Wolfgang Haffner presents – together with friends from the music scene – one of the largest jazz and soul concerts in Europa. Fans can enjoy the sounds from international stars here free-of-charge.
