Rock am Kreis

Open-Air on the Meadow at the Roundabout

Anyone driving into Kranenburg from outside inevitably passes the roundabout – and every second year, on the second weekend in June, the festival stage of Rock am Kreis stands there. The festival is a local phenomenon on the Lower Rhine: down-to-earth, voluntary, with a clear commitment to regional and local rock music. The small community of Kranenburg (around 10,000 inhabitants) in the Kleve district, directly on the Dutch border, is not exactly known as a festival stronghold – but that's precisely the appeal: A dedicated crew of local rock fans sets up a lovingly curated open-air event on the meadow at the roundabout every two years.

Lineup 2026 — Four Dudes, Treams, and More

The 2026 lineup features a mix of regional rock acts and up-and-coming bands from the Kleve region and the neighboring Dutch border area: Four Dudes (Rock'n'Roll), 6/45 a day, Killjoy (Alternative Rock), Freezeland, Alfred Johnson, and Treams (a band from Kleve with jazz, alternative rock, country, and electronic influences, an international group with singer Hannah). A classic festival lineup for a Lower Rhine audience.

Biennial — Every Two Years

Rock am Kreis takes place biennially – every two years, so in 2024 and 2026. The break in between is not due to a lack of energy, but a strategic decision: organizing a full-fledged open-air event with a stage, technical equipment, booking, catering, and security is a huge undertaking for volunteers. Instead of putting on a mediocre annual event, the team builds something bigger every two years – and it proves to be effective.

Lower Rhine Spirit

Kranenburg is located on the Lower Rhine, directly on the Dutch border (Nijmegen is only about 12 km away). The region is characterized by the Lower Rhine lowlands, heathlands, forests, and farmsteads – ideal conditions for an open-air event with a campfire atmosphere. Those who last until the evening after the concerts will find the typical mix of beer, campfire conversations, and dancing under the open sky on the festival meadow. A true Lower Rhine experience away from the big festival brands.