Open Flair Festival Eschwege

Since 1985 in Eschwege

Open Flair is one of the oldest and most atmospheric festivals in Central Germany. It has been organized purely on a voluntary basis by the Arbeitskreis Open Flair e.V. since 1985 – stemming from a citizens' initiative that aimed to establish a non-commercial festival in the North Hessian district town of Eschwege. What began as a small town festival has evolved over the decades into a five-day open-air event with around 20,000 visitors and multiple stages.

Festplatz am Werdchen and Werratal Scenery

The venue is the Festplatz am Werdchen, on the banks of the town lake directly within Eschwege. Camping, the Werratal valley, the castle park, and Eschwege's town center are all within walking distance – the Open Flair is therefore considered a "city festival" with an unusually short distance between the festival grounds, the city center, and the campsite. Eschwege itself, located at the intersection of Hesse, Lower Saxony, and Thuringia, is easily accessible via the A4, A38, and A7 motorways, as well as the train station.

A Festival, Not Just a Concert Venue

In addition to the main stages, fringe arts, poetry slams, children's programs, performances, and political discussions characterize the Open Flair – a concept that has made the festival special within the German festival landscape. Its voluntary nature, comparatively fair ticket prices, and connection to the city of Eschwege have earned Open Flair a loyal fan base.

Headliners 2026

For the 2026 edition, Biffy Clyro, Dropkick Murphys, Giant Rooks, SDP, Donots, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Feine Sahne Fischfilet, Bosse, Babyshambles, Less Than Jake, Gogol Bordello, Alien Ant Farm, and Jan Blomqvist are among those confirmed – a total of around 70 artists on several stages.

Voluntary and Non-Commercial

Open Flair is one of the few major festivals in Germany that is still organized entirely on a voluntary basis by the Arbeitskreis Open Flair e.V. This structure shapes the festival: fair ticket prices, a clear connection to the city of Eschwege, an independent program with fringe arts and discussion panels, and a fan base that has grown over four decades, visiting the festival every year from all over Germany.