Concert series at the Karl May Games open-air stage — Rock, Schlager, Pop and Maffay at Bad Segeberger Kalkberg
The Freilichtbühne am Kalkberg in Bad Segeberg is one of Germany's most famous natural stages — nationally associated with the Karl May Games, which have been enchanting thousands of spectators every summer since 1952. The Kalkberg itself is a 91 m high gypsum peak of volcanic origin, in whose rock basin the stage is nestled, with seating for up to 10,000 spectators.
Before the Karl May Games take over the stage in the summer, Kalkberg Events GmbH hosts a concert series in May. The format has been successful for years: four to six major open-air concerts in the first half of the month, featuring clearly defined touring stars from rock, Schlager, and pop. Spring brings a different audience to Bad Segeberg than the Karl May season in midsummer — and the stage presents itself in an unusual, musical guise.
Bad Segeberg is a town with around 17,800 inhabitants in the Segeberg district (Schleswig-Holstein), strategically located between Hamburg and Kiel — about a 50-minute train ride from Hamburg-Altona. The Kalkberg is the town's landmark; the Karl May Games Museum and the historic market square complement the tourist offerings.
Kalkberg Events GmbH is a subsidiary of the Karl May Games organizer and manages the stage outside the Karl May season. It curates the spring concert series as well as other open-air events in late summer and autumn.
The 2026 concert series is concentrated in the first half of May and brings six touring stars to the same natural setting. The opening on May 1 features the Hanover rock institution Fury In The Slaughterhouse — nine years after their last Kalkberg concert, with classics and songs from their number-one album Hope.
On May 2, the Schlagernacht des Jahres follows with Kerstin Ott, Oli P., Ross Antony, and other German Schlager stars. On May 8, Sarah Connor brings her "Wilde Nächte" open-air tour to the Kalkberg — a continuation of her successful album Freigeistin. On May 9, Santiano, known for maritime themes and North German identity, return to their "home port" — with songs from Da braut sich was zusammen.
The finale consists of two evenings with Peter Maffay & Band on May 15 and 16. Maffay has repeatedly called the Freilichtbühne am Kalkberg his "living room" — no other stage where he has performed more frequently or intimately. The "Love Places" tour features Maffay's classic catalog and new songs.
Tickets available via Eventim and the official concert website of the Karl May Games.
Tickets available via Eventim and the official concert website — early booking recommended, major acts regularly sell out.
By car: A20/A21 exit Bad Segeberg, follow signs "Karl-May-Spiele / Freilichtbühne." Parking is signposted, about a 10-minute walk from there. By train: Bad Segeberg station, then approx. 20 minutes on foot or by shuttle (on event days).
Tickets available via Eventim, Ticketonline, Kölnticket. Early booking recommended — major acts (Maffay, Connor, Santiano) often sell out months in advance.
The weather in early May can be unpredictable. Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing; umbrellas are usually not allowed in the open-air theatre. In case of extreme weather, events may be postponed — information available at kalkberg-events.de.
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Freilichtbühne am Kalkberg
Kalkbergstraße, 23795 Bad Segeberg