Rock im Garten

A Festival with a Pitchfork Vibe

Rohrsheim is a village of 800 souls in the foothills of the Harz mountains, part of the municipality of Stadt Osterwieck (Harz district, AGS 15085). Here, at Westentor 126a, the association Rock im Garten e.V. has been organizing a small festival in a private garden since 2012. The name says it all: a stage is set up between apple trees, raised beds, and gooseberry bushes, a sound system is installed, and anyone who fancies it is invited. The 13th edition will take place in 2026.

Punk, Rock, Metal — and Coffee and Cake

What started as a backyard concert has grown over the years into a festival that attracts several hundred visitors. Six to eight bands from the punk, rock, and metal genres are typically on the program, with an after-show performance after midnight. Headliners often come from the supra-regional scene — previous editions featured trash rock bands from Rügen, punk acts from Berlin and Halberstadt, and heavy bands from the Harz region. Before that: a family afternoon with coffee, cake, and free face painting for children. Rock im Garten thus combines two worlds in one day.

Atmosphere and Meaning

The festival thrives on its DIY mentality. No sponsor logos at the entrance, no VIP area, but painted toilet doors and a soundboard operated by a club member. Children under 14 have free admission, and camping on site is free. The local Volksstimme reporter once described the festival as "punk music and village life combined." The appeal: you are part of something real — the state of Saxony-Anhalt at its best, far from the mainstream.