Paul Kalkbrenner Open Air — Neues Palais Potsdam

Techno in front of the Neues Palais

When a DJ and live act plays in front of one of Europe's largest Prussian palace facades, it's more than a concert — it's a meeting of two worlds. On May 9, 2026, Paul Kalkbrenner will transform the "Mopke", the vast forecourt in front of the Neues Palais in Park Sanssouci, into an open-air electronic stage. The Berlin producer, one of the best-known names in the German techno scene, will play from 8:00 PM.

A Site of World Heritage Rank

The Neues Palais was built between 1763 and 1769 under Frederick the Great — as a statement, as a "fanfaronnade," as he himself called it: a demonstrative gesture of Prussian power after the costly Silesian Wars. The building is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin" and is one of the largest baroque palaces in Brandenburg. Concerts here are rare and only possible with special permission from the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation.

Paul Kalkbrenner and "The Essence"

Since the 2000s, Paul Kalkbrenner has been one of the defining figures of the Berlin techno scene. With albums like "Berlin Calling" (soundtrack), "Icke wieder," and most recently "The Essence," he has established a format that combines the dance floor, concert stage, and pop. Tickets for the 2026 Potsdam date have been sold out for weeks.

Park Sanssouci — UNESCO World Heritage

Park Sanssouci covers around 300 hectares of palace and park grounds with Sanssouci, Neues Palais, Orangerieschloss, Chinesisches Haus, and numerous other buildings. In summer, the park is a magnet for travelers from all over the world. The "Mopke" forecourt in front of the Neues Palais is an unusually large area that is rarely used as a concert stage — making the 2026 date an event that should be on your radar, even if you're not a concert enthusiast.