PollerWiesen Opening Köln — Electronic Music at Jugendpark

PollerWiesen — Cologne Institution of Electronic Music

PollerWiesen is one of Germany's oldest and most influential techno open-air series — founded in the 1990s as a Sunday dance event in the Poller Wiesen, which gave it its name, on the right bank of the Rhine in Köln-Poll. Today, the PollerWiesen series takes place on several dates per season — the opening edition at the end of April marks the official start of the electronic open-air season in Cologne's summer.

Jugendpark Köln as a Stage

The venue for the 2026 opening is not the historic Poller Wiesen location, but the Jugendpark Köln on the right bank of the Rhine at Sachsenbergstraße 10 — a green space between Mülheim and Deutz that has been used as a festival venue for years and further develops the PollerWiesen atmosphere. Two stages will be set up here, outdoors — the classic open-air setup that defines the PollerWiesen experience.

Lineup 2026 — International and Curated

The artist selection is programmatically important: the PollerWiesen curation stands for high-quality, ambitious techno and house beyond the mainstream. Confirmed for 2026:

• Ben Klock — Berghain resident, one of the world's most influential techno voices — headline slot
• Freddy K — Italian techno veteran, Klockworks label
• Chlär — Swiss techno DJ, one of the most exciting new voices
• FJAAK — Berlin techno duo, raw industrial style
• Lea Occhi — Swiss DJ, underground favorite
• Beste Hira — young voice of the Turkish-German scene

Aftershow at Bootshaus — The Hangover-Free Transition

After sunset, the party continues at Bootshaus Köln — the Cologne techno club that has been on the DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs list for years and is internationally one of Germany's most important techno venues. Bootshaus is located in Köln-Deutz at Auenweg 173, just under 2 kilometers from Jugendpark. Acts: additional DJ sets, often featuring artists not involved in the daytime program — extending the experience into the night.

Cashless and Awareness

As with most electronic festivals: the opening is cashless — no cash, no token system, everything via card or mobile payment. Power banks are available for rent at the festival. Awareness team on site — the PollerWiesen curation emphasizes a safe, inclusive atmosphere for all dancers, with a contact point for harassment cases and support needs.

Location and Travel

Jugendpark Köln is located at Sachsenbergstraße 10 in Köln-Mülheim/Deutz, on the right bank of the Rhine. By public transport: Tram line 8 or 3 from Köln Hbf to station Köln Mülheim/Deutz, then a 10-minute walk. Bootshaus: Auenweg 173, line 1 from Köln Hbf to Schönhauser Straße. By car: A 559 exit Köln-Mülheim, limited parking under the Zoobrücke. Recommended: public transport or bicycle.