Reitplatz Rodeo

Subculture in the Erzgebirge

The Reitplatz Rodeo is one of those small, tenacious DIY festivals that find their home off the beaten track — and precisely because of this, they retain their character. On the old riding ground in Crottendorf, a community of just under 3,000 inhabitants in the Erzgebirgskreis district, bands and fans of the German punk, hardcore, and powerpop scene meet for a weekend in August. It's not about sponsors, not about streaming reach — it's about the subculture as it has been cultivated for decades: loud, honest, without comfort, but with a lot of heart.

Punk, Hardcore, Powerpop — the Sound World

The 2026 lineup is broadly positioned within the DIY punk world: The Not Amused, Nierenstein, Jagdschein, Arte Bella & The Fellas, Bahnhof Motte, Jet8, Fight Against Monuments, The Roxies, Fede, and Auf der Gartenbank. A mix of established acts from the scene and regional newcomers, posted on the festival's Facebook page and Eventfrog. Anyone who likes punk, hardcore, and powerpop will find a concentrated weekend of honest music here.

Festival Rituals — Reggae Breakfast, Beer Pong, Raffle

The Reitplatz Rodeo thrives on its rituals: On Saturday morning, the Reggae breakfast — a chill and relaxed start after a hard punk night. Then the beer pong tournament, which almost inevitably leads to curious alliances and epic sayings. And in the evening, the raffle with "great prizes," as the organizer promises — from band shirts to record store vouchers to strange lottery items from the crew.

Camping, Catering, and Atmosphere

Camping is included: pitch your tent directly on the festival grounds — or sleep in your car, that's okay too. Parking is available next door. Food is available both vegan and non-vegan, along with cold drinks. The atmosphere is familiar: bands, crew, and audience mingle, everyone helps, no one pretends to be a star. After the end, everyone sweeps the riding ground together — DIY in every detail.

Crottendorf and the Western Erzgebirge

The municipality of Crottendorf is located in the Erzgebirgskreis district in the western Erzgebirge, near Annaberg-Buchholz. The small community — known primarily for its traditional incense cones ("Crottendorfer Räucherkerzen", Germany's most important incense cone manufacturer) — offers an unusual festival location with the old riding ground. Those who want to extend their weekend can explore the Erzgebirge — Fichtelberg, Annaberg-Buchholz, and Schwarzenberg Castle are nearby.