Fête de la Musique Brandenburg an der Havel

Summer Solstice and City Music

The Fête de la Musique is a tradition invented in Paris in 1982: On June 21, the longest day of the year, musicians of all styles play for free and publicly – in courtyards, squares, cafes, churches. In Brandenburg an der Havel, the format has been successfully embraced since 2023. The 4th edition in 2026 will take place on Sunday, June 21, transforming the city center of the Havel metropolis into a continuous soundscape.

Over 15 Venues in the City Center

Brandenburg an der Havel, with its three historic city centers (Altstadt, Neustadt, Dominsel), provides a unique setting for a decentralized music festival. In 2026, bands and solo artists will perform at at least 15 venues, including:

• St. Catherine's Church – Classical and sacred music
• Brandenburg Theatre – Singer-songwriter, Indie
• St. Paul's Monastery – Jazz and chamber music
• Havelfest Stage – Rock and Pop
• Bollmann Fountain – Open-air stage in the city center
• Kunsthalle Brennabor – Electronic, Experimental
• Other courtyards, cafes, and squares in Altstadt and Neustadt

The range of styles extends from classical to techno: Salsa bands, singer-songwriters from Berlin, indie trios from the region, local rap acts, stoner rock formations, reggae sounds, house and techno DJs. The idea: no matter what music you like, you'll find it somewhere in the city center that evening.

Brandenburg an der Havel — Havel Metropolis

Brandenburg an der Havel is the independent city that gave the federal state its name. With its three historic city centers (Altstadt, Neustadt, Dominsel) and its location on the Havel River, it is one of the most fascinating medium-sized cities in Eastern Germany. In summer, the Havelsommer takes place here – a series of festivals with stages by the water, which includes the Fête de la Musique as a musical highlight.

Free Admission — Pass the Hat

All concerts are free, and the musicians play without charge. A donation in the hat is gladly accepted – and goes directly to the bands who otherwise work all year in small clubs and rehearsal rooms. Those who spend the evening in Brandenburg will wander from venue to venue, discovering a city often underestimated in the shadow of Potsdam.