Marktplatz Open Air Balingen

Open Air with Class in the Zollernalb

When Balingen's market square becomes a concert arena for five days in early July, the program is always a highlight of the southern German open-air season. Organizer Vaddi Concerts — one of the more distinguished concert promoters in the Württemberg region — curates the series with the aim of bringing international stars and surprising acts to the intimate setting of a medium-sized market square stage. In 2026, the trend continues: Anastacia, Calum Scott, Montez, and a rock night make up a lineup that combines stylistic breadth and star power.

Lineup 2026 in Detail

The opening act on June 30, 2026, will be the American pop-soul diva Anastacia, one of the most successful female pop artists of the 2000s with hits like “I'm Outta Love,” “Left Outside Alone,” and “Heavy on My Heart.” On July 2, 2026, at 7 PM, British singer-songwriter Calum Scott, known for his emotional cover of Robyn's “Dancing on My Own” and hits like “You Are the Reason,” will follow. On July 3, 2026, the German-language pop artist Montez, one of the most successful newcomers of recent years (“Auf & Ab,” “Auf das, was da noch kommt”), will perform. The finale on July 4, 2026, will be the Rock Night featuring Danish metal legends Pretty Maids, Swedish hard rockers Eclipse, and the German cult rock band Axxis.

Balingen Market Square as a Concert Stage

Balingen's market square — framed by historic half-timbered houses, the town hall, and the city church — provides an extraordinary backdrop for open-air concerts. The stage will be set up in Friedrichstraße, with the audience spread across the market square area. The atmosphere is considerably more intimate than at large festivals — Anastacia performing in a town of 35,000 inhabitants has a different character than on a large festival stage. This mix of star power and manageable atmosphere makes the Marktplatz Open Air one of the well-attended concert series in the region.

Balingen — A Medium-Sized Center at the Foot of the Swabian Jura

Balingen is the district capital of the Zollernalb district in Baden-Württemberg, located on the southwestern edge of the Swabian Jura. The town, with its approximately 35,000 inhabitants, lies at the transition from the Black Forest to the Jura, in close proximity to the famous Hohenzollern Castle (ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty). Visitors to the Marktplatz Open Air can perfectly combine their day with a stroll through Balingen's old town, a hike along the Swabian Jura escarpment, or a visit to Hohenzollern Castle — a perfect concert weekend in the Zollernalb region.