52nd Maiwoche Osnabrück
Edition 2026 Music Rock Pop

52nd Maiwoche Osnabrück

Over 150 acts on 5 stages and 800,000 visitors – one of the largest open-air city festivals in Northwest Germany

Osnabrück — Kreisfreie Stadt Osnabrück (03404) Since 1974
Dates 08 May — 17 May 2026
Venue Osnabrück (03404)
Prices Free
Status

About Maiwoche Osnabrück

The Maiwoche Osnabrück is one of the largest open-air city festivals in Northwest Germany. For its 52nd edition, five stages in the city center will transform into venues for over 150 musical acts from May 8th to 17th, 2026. More than 800,000 visitors are expected. Free admission. Headliners for 2026 include Betterov, Callejon, and Van Holzen; other acts on stage will include Blackout Problems, RAUM27, Versengold, and ZSK. A street carousel in front of the cathedral and a dense supporting program round off the festival. Organized by the City of Osnabrück and Marketing Osnabrück.

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52 Years of Maiwoche

Since 1974, the Maiwoche has been a firm fixture in Osnabrück's city calendar and is one of the largest independent open-air city festivals in northwestern Germany. Over the decades, it has evolved from a local spring festival into a festival with supra-regional appeal, shaping the city center for ten days.

Five Stages, 150 Acts

On five stages in the city center, over 150 acts present a broad musical spectrum – from indie rock, folk, and singer-songwriter to punk, hardcore, electronic, and pop. This diversity allows it to appeal to a heterogeneous audience, comprising both Osnabrück residents and day-trippers from the wider region.

Headliners and Acts 2026

The 2026 lineup includes Betterov, whose indie pop has gained supra-regional recognition in recent years, metalcore pioneers Callejon, and the rock band Van Holzen as headliners. The program is complemented by other well-known acts such as Blackout Problems, RAUM27, Versengold, and ZSK – a mix that embraces both established and new voices in the German music scene.

Free Admission

As in previous years, the Maiwoche is free to attend – a remarkable feature for an event of this scale. This is made possible by funding from the City of Osnabrück, sponsors, and the commitment of Marketing Osnabrück. The street carousel in front of the cathedral adds a classic attraction for families to the program.

Maiwoche Osnabrück — edition 2026

The 52nd Maiwoche Osnabrück transforms the city center into a ten-day festival ground with five stages from May 8th to 17th, 2026. Over 150 acts will perform for an expected 800,000 visitors. Headliners for 2026: Betterov, Callejon, and Van Holzen. Other acts include Blackout Problems, RAUM27, Versengold, ZSK. Free admission. A street carousel in front of the cathedral complements the program.

The exact program for 2026 has been published by the organizer in the 2026 program guide. The structure follows the established cornerstones of previous years: opening evening on the first Friday, continuous stage program on all ten days, peak activity on the two weekends, and more relaxed weekdays focusing on singer-songwriter and indie programs.

With its size, the Maiwoche is one of the most significant independent city festivals in Northern Germany and is an economically and culturally defining factor for Osnabrück's city center.

Programme Maiwoche Osnabrück 2026

Headliners 2026

  • Betterov – Indie pop from Germany
  • Callejon – Metalcore pioneers
  • Van Holzen – Rock band from Southern Germany

Other Acts (Selection)

  • Blackout Problems
  • RAUM27
  • Versengold (Medieval/Folk Rock)
  • ZSK (Punk Rock)

Festival Structure

  • 5 stages in the city center
  • Over 150 acts in total
  • Accompanying street carousel in front of the cathedral
  • Free admission
  • 10 festival days from Friday to the following Sunday

Note

Detailed stage and time program in the official 2026 program guide and on erleben.osnabrueck.de.

Highlights Maiwoche Osnabrück 2026

  • 52nd edition of Maiwoche since 1974
  • 5 stages, over 150 acts
  • Headliners Betterov, Callejon, Van Holzen
  • Expected 800,000 visitors
  • Free admission

Prices Maiwoche Osnabrück 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks at stalls at event prices.

Practical information — Maiwoche Osnabrück

Festival Period 2026

Friday, May 8th, to Sunday, May 17th, 2026.

Venues

Osnabrück city center, 5 stages spread across the Market Square, Peace Square (Platz des Westfälischen Friedens), Cathedral Forecourt (Domvorplatz), and other central squares.

Getting There

By public transport: numerous bus lines stop in the city center. By car: parking garages in the city center; expect crowds on weekends. Osnabrück main train station is a 15-minute walk away.

Admission

Admission is free. Food and drinks available at stalls at event prices.

Program Guide

The current program guide and detailed information will be published on erleben.osnabrueck.de/maiwoche.

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Maiwoche Osnabrück at a glance

Music Rock Pop Metal Indie Kreisfreie Stadt Osnabrück