Picnic concert by the festival:philharmonie westfalen under Michael Zlabinger in front of the baroque backdrop of the "Westphalian Versailles"
Schloss Nordkirchen in the Coesfeld district is the largest preserved moated castle complex in Germany and is one of Westphalia's most important baroque castles. Built in the early 18th century by the von Plettenberg family, it is considered the "Westphalian Versailles" — with its symmetrical castle structure, extensive moats, a French park, and perfectly staged garden architecture. It is precisely this majestic setting that makes the castle the ideal venue for open-air classical concerts.
For over two decades, Musiklandschaft Westfalen has been organising the SOMMER.NACHT.MUSIK at Schloss Nordkirchen with its in-house festival:philharmonie westfalen. The concept: an open-air summer concert, combined with the elegance of a classical concert evening and the casualness of a summer picnic. Under the direction of chief conductor Michael Zlabinger, the orchestra plays a mixed programme of classical, romantic, and popular open-air hits — from Mozart and Tchaikovsky to film music and operetta highlights.
The special feature of SOMMER.NACHT.MUSIK: You can choose between classic seat reservations in categories A to C — with catering at your seat — or a picnic spot on the spacious castle meadow, where you are allowed to set up your own blankets, folding chairs, tables, candles, and fairy lights. Many guests turn it into a veritable summer ritual with champagne picnics, floral decorations, and family or friends. Admission is from 6 p.m. — so you can take your seat two hours before the concert begins, picnic, and enjoy the evening sun over the castle pond.
Tickets are available from €49 (picnic spot) or by category for numbered seats. Students and guests under 27 receive a 50% discount (show ID). There is a €6 surcharge at the box office, so online advance booking via musiklandschaftwestfalen.ticket.io is recommended. Those who regularly attend open-air classical concerts in Westphalia should mark this date as a must-see highlight of the summer — the atmosphere against the backdrop of the moated castle, the quality of the orchestra, and the mix of high culture and picnic feeling are unique in Germany.
In 2026, Schloss Nordkirchen will once again be transformed into an open-air classical concert hall on Saturday, August 22. The festival:philharmonie westfalen, conducted by Michael Zlabinger, will perform a summer programme of classical, romantic, and open-air hits. Admission is from 6 p.m. — giving you two hours to set up your picnic on the castle meadow, open a bottle of champagne with family or friends, and enjoy the evening sun over the moated castle. Those who have reserved a seat will be catered for at their place. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and lasts approximately 2.5 hours with an intermission.
The exact concert programme for 2026 will be announced before the event on musiklandschaft-westfalen.de.
Tickets from €49 (picnic meadow), tiered prices for seats in categories A to C. Students and guests under 27 receive a 50% discount (show ID). There is a €6 surcharge at the box office. Advance booking online via musiklandschaftwestfalen.ticket.io or ticket hotline +49 2861 703 85 86.
Schloss Nordkirchen is located in the Coesfeld district, approx. 30 km south of Münster and 25 km north of Hamm. By car: A1 exit Ascheberg, then country road to Nordkirchen. By public transport: Lüdinghausen or Capelle train station, then bus or taxi. Large car parks signposted at the castle.
Tickets from €49 (picnic meadow), tiered prices for seats Cat. A–C. Students and under 27s: 50% discount. Advance booking via musiklandschaftwestfalen.ticket.io recommended — Box office +€6 surcharge. Ticket hotline: +49 (0) 2861 703 85 86.
Picnic meadow: Own blankets, folding chairs, tables, fairy lights, candles, and picnic baskets allowed. Catering is provided at your seat in the seating area. Admission from 6 p.m., concert start 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 22, 2026, 8 p.m. The concert will take place even in case of rain (open-air event, rain ponchos recommended). In case of extreme weather, information is available at musiklandschaft-westfalen.de.
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Schloss Nordkirchen — „Westfälisches Versailles“
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