Jeck im Sunnesching Aachen 2026 (2nd Edition)

Carnival leaves February

Jeck im Sunnesching is the festival that brings Rhenish carnival music out of the halls and into the open air — moving it from February to late summer. The concept, launched by Gaffel Kölsch, celebrates "Cologne joie de vivre under the sunshine" and has become an NRW-wide festival brand, with stops in several cities. In Aachen, 2026 marks the 2nd edition — following a premiere in 2025 that was an immediate success with around 12,000 visitors, establishing the format here permanently.

The Venue — CHIO Grounds in the Soers

The festival takes place on the CHIO grounds in Aachen's Soers, the legendary arena of the Aachen-Laurensberg Riding Club (ALRV) — the same place where the CHIO equestrian tournament gathers the world elite every summer. In September, the grandstand area transforms into a massive open-air dance floor. Albert-Servais-Allee 50, 52070 Aachen.

The 2026 Line-up — Ten Bands, One Stage

The 2nd edition brings a mix of established headliners and Cologne carnival aristocracy to the CHIO grounds:

• Kasalla — the soundtrack of Cologne carnival's younger generation
• Brings — a pillar of the scene for decades
• Cat Ballou — pop anthem producers ("Et jitt kei Wood")
• Höhner — premiere in Aachen, one of Germany's biggest carnival brands
• Bläck Fööss — the cult band, since 1970
• Kempes Feinest, Stadtrand, Planschemalöör, Druckluft, Hopfenkehlchen — the carnival newcomer ranks

Hosted by Lukas Wachten, with DJ Der Schöne Branko playing during set changes. The show is designed for continuous energy: no real breaks, seamless stage choreography, classic festival revolving stage.

Aftershow at NOX

If you haven't had enough by 7:30 PM, head over to NOX Aachen: the official aftershow party starts at 9:00 PM. Combo tickets (festival + aftershow) are discounted in advance.

What Makes Jeck im Sunnesching Special

Most carnival fans experience "their" bands in dark, crowded halls in February. Jeck im Sunnesching flips this: Open air, daylight, late summer, mixed audience, families. The concept works — the 2025 premiere sold out, and advance sales for 2026, which began in December 2025, are already well underway.