Schwanenteich Open Air Gießen

Open Air at the Swan Pond

Right by the water, under old trees, and with a view of the Schwanenteich (Swan Pond) – the Schwanenteich Open Air has established itself since 2022 as a relaxed May classic in Gießen's Wieseckaue city park. In 2026, the festival will run for five days for the first time in its 5th edition, from May 13th to 17th, 2026. The open-air event is organized by Strandbar Gießen, whose regular venue at Ringallee 54a borders directly on the Schwanenteich.

Concept: Free Entry, All Outdoors

Admission to the entire festival grounds is free on all five days. The spacious city park area features around 20 street food stalls, a large beer garden with wine service, a bouncy castle park for the little ones, and several stages. Drinks are served in the deposit-based Schwanenteich reusable cups (€4 deposit).

Five Days, Five Themes

Each festival day has its own musical character: from party hits with DJ sets and cover bands to family days with interactive programs and a country celebration on Sunday. The live bands play from late afternoon or evening, while the street food offerings are available continuously throughout the day.

Wieseckaue City Park – Gießen's Green Lung

With its water features, playgrounds, sunbathing lawns, and restaurants, the Wieseckaue is a popular recreational destination for the university city of Gießen even without a festival. During the open-air event, the area around the Schwanenteich becomes a compact festival city – with short distances between stages, street food, and the beer garden.

Organizer Strandbar Gießen

Strandbar Gießen is a year-round meeting point at the Schwanenteich and organizes the open-air event in cooperation with local restaurateurs, musicians, and the city of Gießen. Inquiries for stall space and events can be directed to Strandbar ([email protected]).

Gießen – University City with Summer Tradition

With the Justus Liebig University and the Technical University of Central Hesse, Gießen is one of the most densely populated student cities in Germany. This mix of young audiences and established citizens shapes the Schwanenteich Open Air: while the 90s party and the club night attract the student crowd, families from the entire Gießen district come on the family day and the country Sunday. The open-air event thus reflects city life in a compressed form over five days.