Classic Open Air Kieler Woche

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.