Musik unter Kastanien

Open-Air Concerts at the Town Hall

Friedrichsthal, a town of around 9,500 inhabitants in the Saarbrücken district, has a remarkable mining past: until 2008, it was home to one of Saarland's last hard coal mining sites. Today, the town is primarily known for its active club culture and cultural events – including the summer concert series Musik unter Kastanien, which takes place under the old chestnut trees at the town hall.

Organizers: Foundation and Chamber of Labour

The organizers are an unusual combination: the Stiftung Rechtsschutzsaal (Legal Protection Hall Foundation) and the Arbeitskammer des Saarlandes (Chamber of Labour of Saarland). The Arbeitskammer is the Saarland's representative body for employees (comparable to the Austrian Chambers of Labour) and is traditionally involved in cultural education. The Stiftung Rechtsschutzsaal preserves the historical heritage of the trade union movement. The Musik unter Kastanien series is one of its cultural funding formats.

Two Concerts in Summer 2026

The 2026 annual program includes two concerts: On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the quartet LINDYANA will play swing and happy jazz – danceable music that revives the swing era of Lindy Hop. On Sunday, August 2, 2026, ESKELINA will follow with chanson-pop-folk – a French-Saarland crossover that fits the region particularly well due to its geographical proximity to Lorraine.

Concert Atmosphere

Both concerts begin at 5:00 PM and are designed as a family-friendly open-air event. The square in front of the town hall becomes the concert venue, where families, seniors, and music fans can find their spot under the shady chestnut trees. Admission is free – a classic community cultural offering that keeps the threshold to high culture low.

Friedrichsthal as a Mining Heritage Town

Visitors to Musik unter Kastanien can combine their stay in Friedrichsthal with a visit to former mining sites. The Bildstock district with its winding tower and the mining memorial project in the Maybach district offer insights into the 20th-century industrial history of the Saar region.