Gmünder Sommer im Remspark

Open-Air Cultural Season Instead of a Single Festival

Schwäbisch Gmünd, with around 60,000 inhabitants, is one of the most important medium-sized cities in the eastern Stuttgart region and is considered Germany's oldest Staufer city — founded in the 12th century by the Staufers, long before Esslingen or Ulm. Located in the Ostalbkreis district (state of Baden-Württemberg), the city presents an unusual format every summer: The Gmünder Sommer is not a single festival week, but a three-month open-air cultural season from June 21 (start of summer) to September 21 (start of autumn), held on the central Remspark stage.

The Remspark Stage as the Centerpiece

The stage in the Stadtgarten at the city entrance (address: Am Stadtgarten 11) is the only open-air stage in the city center and is used throughout the season — from the first summer concert on June 21 to the big season-closing market on the third weekend of September. In front of the stage are benches and a lawn; the audience can relax on blankets in the park — a typically relaxed Swabian summer atmosphere.

Over 20 Events in Three Months

The program is deliberately designed to span multiple genres:

• Concerts of all genres: Classical, Pop, Jazz, Indie, Singer-Songwriter
• Cabaret and comedy with regional and national artists
• Children's programs: Fairy tale storytelling afternoons, children's theater, interactive programs
• Choir meetings: Gatherings of friendly choirs from the region and abroad
• European Church Music: Concerts in cooperation with the church music festival
• Open-air cinema on several evenings in the park

Garten, Gold und Gsälz — The Season Finale

The last weekend of September (in 2026: September 19–20) is dedicated to the Markt Garten, Gold und Gsälz, which officially concludes the Gmünder Sommer. The name refers to three pillars of Gmünd's identity: Garten (Stadtgarten, plants, homemade goods), Gold (Schwäbisch Gmünd has been a "Goldstadt" for centuries, with internationally recognized precious metal industry, a university of applied sciences for design, and a goldsmith school), and Gsälz (Swabian for jam — thus regional specialties and culinary delights).

Free Admission as a City Concept

Most Gmünder Sommer events are free of charge — a deliberate statement by the city to make cultural life accessible to everyone. Only occasional concerts with nationally known artists have a small admission fee. The series is financed by the city, sponsors, and local foundations.