Music Festivals in Germany

From rock to techno, Germany’s music festivals have something for everyone. Whether it’s the rock and indie power couple Hurricane and Southside, or the techno institution that is Time Warp, you can be sure it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

Techno, of course, reigns supreme when it comes to music festivals in Germany. Beyond Time Warp, you’re spoilt for choice: from former military barrack takeovers Her Damit and 19/7001 Festival, to the wise head that is Stuttgart Electronic Music Festival (SEMF), and the Sven Väth curated Love Family Park.

But it’s not all about techno. Dance fans from across the spectrum (EDM to house to hardstyle) will easily fall in love with Germany’s music festivals. For one, iconic brand I-Motion are the brains behind monster raves MAYDAY, Nature One, Exodus and Syndicate, where you’ll find lineups stretching from Adam Beyer to Angerfist. World Club Dome claims to be the "world's biggest club", taking place in a football stadium in Frankfurt. Its sister event World Club Dome - Winter Edition takes place in Düsseldorf and has seen sets from Black Eyed Peas, The Chainsmokers and Marshmello. Electric Sea Festival is also a winter festival and is run by the team behind Airbeat One.

At the other end, there’s Germany’s mix of rock, indie and metal festivals. Take Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, who treat fans to legendary rock acts (think Foo Fighters, Thirty Seconds to Mars) each summer in Nürburg and Nuremberg.

Or Wacken Open Air, which is Germany’s (and arguably Europe’s) true metal jewel. Since humble beginnings way back in 1990, Wacken now attracts almost 100,000 metal fans to the small town of the same name each year.

Fans of hip-hop and urban music should head to SPEKTRUM in Hamburg, Heroes Festival in Geiselwind, or Hook Up Festival in Karlsruh. All of these festivals feature German artists, while SPEKTRUM has also seen sets from the likes of Skepta and Princess Nokia.

But what about if you like a diverse mix? Not a problem. Worldwide indie giant Lollapalooza hits Berlin every September, while the stunning Melt Festival showcases its alternative and dance lineup in a former coal mine, with industrial structures and a picturesque lake providing one of the most unique festival backdrops in Europe.

Clearly not a music festival, but if you are a beer drinker you cannot miss Oktoberfest, which is held in the city of Munich every year. Find out everything that you need to know about the event here.

Discover the top 20 music festivals in Germany.