Open Air Sommer Rastatt 2026

Baroque Courtyard as Open-Air Stage

The Residenzschloss Rastatt is one of the most important baroque castles in Southern Germany — built from 1697 for Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm of Baden-Baden, known as "Türkenlouis" (Louis the Turk). The Ehrenhof (courtyard), a strictly geometric, magnificent courtyard between the central building and the side wings, has served as an open-air concert stage for several years. The organizer is the concert agency Provinztour in collaboration with the State Palaces and Gardens of Baden-Württemberg, which manages the castle.

Five Concert Evenings, Five Worlds

The 2026 program covers an exceptionally wide spectrum. Wednesday, July 1st: Anastacia, the US soul and pop voice ("I'm Outta Love", "Left Outside Alone"), brings her stadium tour to the Upper Rhine (doors open 6 PM, show 7:30 PM). Thursday, July 2nd: Saltatio Mortis, the Karlsruhe medieval metal heroes, play against the backdrop of the castle in their home region (doors open 6 PM, show 7:30 PM). Friday, July 3rd: Wincent Weiss, the German pop star from Hamburg ("Musik sein", "An Wunder"), with his summer tour (doors open 5:30 PM, show 7:00 PM). Saturday, July 4th: Marillion, the British progressive rock legend, one of the favorite bands of European rock fans (doors open 7:00 PM, show 8:30 PM). Sunday, July 5th: The Black Crowes, the revived Robinson brothers with Southern rock par excellence (doors open 5:30 PM, show 7:00 PM).

Format and Audience Size

Unlike very large open-air festivals, the Ehrenhof Rastatt remains intimate acoustically and visually — seating and standing areas limit the audience size to a few thousand per evening. This manageable size and the castle backdrop make the series attractive to artists: concerts without stadium anonymity, with exceptionally good visibility, and the opportunity to perceive the audience as an audience.

Weather and Access

"Concerts take place in the rain; cancellation only in case of storm warning with safety risk." The organizers' policy is explicitly designed for average South German July weather — rain ponchos and sturdy shoes are recommended. Bags larger than DIN A4 are expressly discouraged to speed up entry checks.