At a glance
Opening hours
9 to 11 October 2025
100 Concerts, 21 Locations, 3 Evenings?
Sounds like NUREMBERG!
The Nuremberg Pop Festival is southern Germany’s largest club and showcase festival and draws music fans every year to Nuremberg. In addition to performances from national and international artists from the genres indie, rap, pop, electro and punk, the festival offers a platform for exchange for creative artists, those interested in culture and politicians with its Pop Conference. Since 2021, the Pop Cultural Prize GUNDA is awarded to young talent and dedicated personalities.
The Story: “That Could Work For Us”
The Nuremberg Pop Festival was founded in 2011 by David Lodhi and Thomas Wurm and has since then developed into one of the most important events in the German music scene. The idea came as the two founders performed at the renowned Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. Then came the thought: “That could work for us!” – and so Nuremberg Pop was born. Every year in October, the festival draws music fans and professionals from near and far to Nuremberg. The special thing about Nuremberg Pop is not only the quality of the musical acts, but also the diversity and uniqueness of the venues. Concerts and events take place in churches, museums, bars, stores and cultural centers in the Nuremberg city center and create an unforgettable atmosphere. But Nuremberg Pop is more than just a music festival: In addition to an exciting concert program, the Pop Conference and the awarding of the Pop Culture Prize GUNDA takes place. The festival offers not only the possibility to experience amazing music, but also to network and exchange ideas with professionals. It actively helps to support a lively music infrastructure and the further development of pop culture.
The Music: Long Live Variety!
Admittedly, the name “Nuremberg Pop” could first create the impression that this event is only about the genre pop music. But pop stands at this festival as a symbol for the love of music as such and no rigid genre ideas. A mix of indie, rap, pop, electro and punk is played – always with the goal to celebrate the diversity of contemporary music and to offer something for everyone. Thanks to David Lodhi and Thomas Wurm’s many years of experience of in the music scene, they have a keen sense for the right artists. A varied and interesting program with established national and international acts as well as promising newcomers await attendees.
Nuremberg Pop fans say:
Daniela, aged 30: “The Nuremberg Pop Festival is always worth a visit! The unique mix of known acts and newcomers makes it one-of-a-kind for me. Through the GUNDA Prize award or the concerts I have discovered a lot of great artists – most of them will never leave my Spotify Playlist!”
Ole, aged 28: “I go to Nuremberg Pop because there’s not only amazing music to discover, but also a special atmosphere. The many genres, the unusual venues and the possibility to experience new artists and talk to other music lovers – that makes this festival something special year for year.”
Thomas, aged 35: “Nuremberg Pop is more than a festival – It’s a place where music comes to life and you can experience the variety in the scene close up.”
Festivallocations
Festival-Highlights Nürnberg
st. katharina open air
A summer concert in the ruins of St. Catharine’s Church is an unforgettable experience. The Gothic window frames and walls create a stunning backdrop, in which music blends in harmony with the architecture to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Musicians from a wide variety of genres and countries, from newcomers to established bands, give their best here and make this multifaceted concert series a real highlight in the Nuremberg festival calendar.
Musicfest ION
The Musicfest ION is Nuremberg’s most surprising music festival – with a multitude of creativity, professionalism and passion, the festival planners stage a diverse and high-caliber program in Nuremberg’s churches each year. The atmosphere which holds sway in the sacred medieval structures – when music greats like Wolfgang Niedecken or The King's Singers present their songs – is one-of-a-kind and inspires every attendee. A shiver of sensation is guaranteed!
Classic Open Air
The Classic Open Air in Nuremberg counts as one of the largest open air concerts of classic music in Europe. Each year, the Nuremberg State Philharmonic and the Nuremberg Symphony perform in the Luitpoldhain Park and transform it into a concert hall under open skies in a relaxed picnic atmosphere. The family concert, which has taken place since 2013, is also very popular. It features musical hands-on experiences by which children can playfully discover classical music.
Bardentreffen
When Nuremberg transforms into a city of world music on a weekend in the summer, then it’s Bardentreffen time! It is one of the largest free-of-charge music festivals in Germany and draws more than 200,000 visitors from near and far each year. Eight music stages with almost 90 concerts as well as hundreds of street musicians in the lanes give the Nuremberg Old Town an absolute open air festival feeling: Anyone who experiences it, comes again and again!
NUEJAZZ Festival
The NUEJAZZ Festival in Nuremberg counts as one of the most innovative jazz festivals in Germany and was awarded with the German Jazz Prize 2024 as “Festival of the Year”. With a courageous and cross-genre program, it brings national and international stars and exciting newcomers to the stage each year. With its creative and high-quality program design and the support of young talent, the NUEJAZZ Festival sets impulses for the jazz scene in Germany and beyond.