BNZ Summerjeck Festival

Carnival in the Middle of Summer

While the fifth season traditionally rages between November 11th and Ash Wednesday, Rhenish carnival has also been enjoying open-air events in the summer for several years. The BNZ Summerjeck Festival in Bedburg is exactly that: an open-air summer carnival, right in the middle of the Erftkreis, organized by the Bedburger Narrenzunft e.V. (BNZ). The stage is set up on the Schlossparkplatz on Lindenstraße — directly in front of the historic moated castle of Bedburg.

Lineup 2026 — Kölsche Classics and Carnival Stars

The focus is on Bläck Fööss, described by organizers and fans as the "mother of all Cologne bands" — they have shaped the Kölsche song tradition since 1970. Joining them is Cat Ballou, one of the most successful contemporary acts in Rhenish carnival with hits like "Et jitt kei Wood." Big Maggas from Cologne-Lindenthal bring funk carnival, and Pocket Radio plays rocky carnival pop. Local dance and children's groups will complement the program.

Bedburg Castle Park Square as a Festival Backdrop

The Bedburg castle ensemble is one of the oldest preserved moated castles in the Rhineland. The adjacent parking lot becomes the festival area with a stage, catering, drink stands, and seating areas. In good weather, it's an ideal summer evening backdrop — open-air carnival at the moated castle.

Bedburg in the Rhein-Erft District

Bedburg is located in the Rhein-Erft district, northwest of Cologne, at the transition between the Rhenish carnival region and the lignite mining area. With around 25,000 inhabitants, the town is manageable but deeply rooted in carnival tradition — the Bedburger Narrenzunft has been a central player in local customs for years. The Summerjeck extends the carnival joy into the summer months.

Family-Friendly

Children up to 12 years old are admitted free of charge with an accompanying adult. This makes the Summerjeck explicitly family-friendly — a carnival open-air that also introduces young families to the Rhenish music tradition.