At a glance
Opening hours
June 5 - 7, 2026
The biggest stars in rock history, in one city for 30 years?
Sounds like NUREMBERG!
For three decades, Rock im Park has been synonymous with an extraordinary festival experience in Nuremberg. As the sister festival of Rock am Ring, it brings international rock stars to the city's stages every year. The area around Dutzendteich lake and the public park Luitpoldhain combines a historic backdrop with urban flair and plenty of green space. Three days of music, short distances, and a camping experience create space for freedom, community, and a special break from everyday life—there's nothing else like it in Germany!
The story – From Vienna via Munich to Nuremberg
The history of Rock im Park began in the early 1990s as the southern counterpart to Rock am Ring. The festival has been held since 1993, initially based in Vienna as “Rock in Vienna,” but moving just one year later under the new name Rock in Riem to the former Munich-Riem Airport. In 1995, the festival moved on to its current name, Rock im Park, and to Munich's Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park, where it was held until 1996.
Since 1997, Rock im Park has found its permanent home in Nuremberg. Initially with a main stage in the Frankenstadion, the center of the festival shifted mainly to the Zeppelinfeld from 2004 onwards – with one exception in 2006, when Luitpoldhain became the main stage due to the World Cup. Visitor numbers rose steadily: from 45,000 in 2005 to 49,000 in 2006 to the first completely sold-out festival in 2007 with 60,000 fans. This milestone finally made Nuremberg the home of Rock im Park. Today, the festival regularly sells out well in advance with a good 80,000 fans – impressive proof of its continued success and cult status.
The music – a lineup full of global stars
Musically, Rock im Park stands for diversity without limits. From indie, punk, and metal to rap and electro, the festival brings together a wide variety of genres in a lineup that connects generations. Legendary acts such as Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Green Day, and Depeche Mode have already made history here. Rock im Park is therefore a real mecca for rock fans of all ages – a place where international headliners and newly discovered favorite bands come together.
Rock im Park fans say:
Holger, 50: “I love Rock im Park because I get that festival feeling during the day and sleep comfortably in a hotel bed at night — and I can get to the main stage easily by public transport.”
Emma, 22: "Once you've been to Rock im Park, you'll always go back — because of the music, the people, and that unique feeling. Three days of freedom, loud guitars from the headliners, singing along and discovering new favorite bands — it's right up my alley."
Lorna, 38: “Rock im Park is my highlight of the year – you meet old friends, celebrate with the bands of your youth and have a relaxing time. And there's so much history right next to the festival grounds! Nuremberg's old town, culture and really good food.”
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!
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!
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.
Nuremberg Pop
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.
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.