Backside Soli-Fest

Punk Rock with Substance in the St. Wendel District

Theley, a district of the municipality of Tholey in the St. Wendel district, is not an obvious location at first glance for one of the most exciting subculture festivals in Saarland. But that's precisely what makes Backside Soli-Fest so distinctive: a skatepark in the Saarland province, a dedicated team from the Youth Center (JuZ) Theley, a clear charitable cause – and a lineup that can compete with established punk rock festivals.

Donation Concept: All Proceeds to the Saar Children's Hospice Service

What sets the festival apart from most commercial open-airs is its radical donation structure: the entire revenue – after deducting pure production costs – goes entirely to the Saar Children's Hospice Service, an outpatient support service for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Saarland. The commitment of those involved is largely based on volunteer work; bands play for reduced fees, helpers work unpaid, and sponsors cover material costs.

The Concept: Skatepark as a Stage

The Theley Skatepark serves as the festival grounds. The stage is set up directly next to the ramps and bowls, transforming the entire area into an open-air concert arena. The industrial, raw setting suits the music: hardcore and punk rock bands don't need glamour, but a stage and an enthusiastic audience. Both are guaranteed here.

Musical Direction

The 2026 program combines established acts of international renown with regional talents. With Strung Out (California), The Dwarves (San Francisco), and Belvedere (Canada), three of the most important names in the North American skate-punk/punk rock scene will be present. Fahnenflucht, Kochkraft durch KMA, Berlin 2.0, Bruise Control, Nofnog, and Christmas complete the lineup from German-speaking countries. A curated mix that clearly stands out from "any" summer festival.

The Festival's Young History

Backside Soli-Fest started in its current form in 2024 as an initiative of dedicated punks and skaters around the Theley Youth Center. The first two editions already raised significant amounts for the Saar Children's Hospice Service and established the festival in the supra-regional subculture scene. The specialist magazine Ox-Fanzine (the most important German-language punk rock magazine) has also reported regularly on the festival since its inception.

Tholey and the St. Wendel District

The municipality of Tholey is located in the St. Wendel district, at the foot of the Schaumberg mountain. It is regionally known primarily for the Benedictine Abbey of Tholey, one of Germany's oldest monasteries – an exciting contrast to the punk rock open-air taking place just a few hundred meters away. Visitors to the festival can climb the Schaumberg viewing tower the next day and overlook the entire Saarland.