Classic Open Air Kieler Woche
Classical orchestra meets contemporary sound – Open Air on the Rathausplatz
About Classic Open Air Kiel
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Classical Meets Crossover
For many years, the Classic Open Air has been one of the most popular concerts of the Kieler Woche – the world's largest sailing event, which is celebrated every year in June with a ten-day city and harbor festival. The Kiel Philharmonic Orchestra plays on the Rathausplatz under the open sky, meeting a prominent guest from a different musical world each year: pop, soul, hip-hop, reggae.
A Format with History
The Kieler-Woche-Förderverein consistently designed the format as a crossover concert: classical arrangements meet the repertoire of the guest star. Previous editions featured artists such as Conchita Wurst (2022), Stefanie Heinzmann (2024), and Fünf Sterne Deluxe (2025) on the Rathaus stage. Each edition has its own subtitle announcing the musical encounter – „Classic meets Pop“, „Classic meets Hip-Hop“, „Classic meets Soul“.
Atmosphere on the Rathausplatz
The Rathausplatz in Kiel's Old Town is the main stage of the Kieler Woche. During the festival week, it transforms into a huge open-air arena, hosting everything from marching band parades to crossover classical concerts. The Classic Open Air traditionally marks one of the week's grand finales, drawing thousands of listeners – some seated on blankets they brought, others standing at the edges, listening under the warm summer sky of the fjord.
Kiel – State Capital and Port City
Kiel is the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein and, with around 247,000 inhabitants, the bridge between the Baltic Sea and the hinterland. The city on the west bank of the Kiel Fjord has been a naval base since the 1880s and has hosted the Kieler Woche since 1882, an event that now attracts around three million visitors annually. The Classic Open Air is one of the flagships of its cultural program.
Classic Open Air Kiel — edition 2026
Date and Program 2026
The Classic Open Air 2026 of the Kieler Woche is themed "Classic meets Reggae". On Friday, June 26, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM, Cologne reggae artist Gentleman will meet the Kiel Philharmonic Orchestra on the Rathaus stage. The musical direction will be by Miki Kekenj, known for his crossover arrangements between classical and contemporary music.
Gentleman and the Reggae Bridge
Gentleman, born in Cologne, has established himself over twenty years as one of the most important voices in German-language reggae. With albums like Confidence, Diversity, and the first MTV Unplugged production by a reggae artist, he combines authentic Jamaican sounds with personal and socio-political themes. In Kiel, his work will be heard in a symphonic arrangement.
Accessible and Inclusive
As in previous years, the concert will be interpreted into German Sign Language – supported by the Deutsche Fernsehlotterie. Directly in front of the stage, there is a barrier-free access area, reachable from both sides.
Programme Classic Open Air Kiel 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026 – Rathausplatz Kiel
- 8:00 PM – Start of the concert "Classic meets Reggae"
- On stage: Gentleman (Reggae artist, Cologne)
- With: Kiel Philharmonic Orchestra
- Musical Direction: Miki Kekenj
- Live Sign Language Interpretation into German Sign Language (Deutsche Fernsehlotterie)
- Barrier-free area in front of the stage, accessible from both sides
Specific setlist and encores will be announced on-site. Free admission.
Highlights Classic Open Air Kiel 2026
Prices Classic Open Air Kiel 2026
Practical information — Classic Open Air Kiel
Getting There
Rathausplatz Kiel, Fleethörn 9, 24103 Kiel. By train to Kiel Hauptbahnhof (5 min. walk). By car: B76 / B404. During the Kieler Woche, central city areas will be closed; parking garages at Sophienhof and the main station are recommended.
Admission
Free admission – no reservations possible. Those who want a good spot should arrive two to three hours before the concert begins. For deaf guests, there is a live sign language interpretation in front of the stage (supported by Deutsche Fernsehlotterie) and a barrier-free area.
Weather
Takes place in all weather conditions. Bring rain protection; umbrellas are usually not allowed – out of consideration for the rows of spectators behind.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Classic Open Air Kiel
Rathausbühne / Rathausplatz Kiel
Fleethörn 9, 24103 Kiel