Sonntags ans Schloss

A Tradition for 35 Years

In 1989, the Saarbrücken regional association launched a concert series in the Schlossgarten that was intended to cost nothing – neither admission nor hidden fees. Today, almost 35 years later, 'Sonntags ans Schloss' is Saarbrücken's summer institution: Ten Sundays between June and August, always in the Schlossgarten, always free, always with high musical quality.

When Does the Festival Take Place?

Every year from early June to late August, on ten Sundays. The 2026 program will traditionally be published at the end of May – via the Tourist Info, Sparkasse branches, and the regional association's website.

Three Program Points Per Sunday

The concept is consistently divided into three parts – so that all generations have a reason to come by:

11:00 AM – Matinée Blues

Since 1995, the Matinée has been the blues hour of Saarland. Nationally and internationally renowned blues acts perform here: The Bluesanovas, Big Daddy Wilson Band, and many others have graced the stage. Early morning get-together atmosphere, picnic blanket, and coffee cup included.

3:00 PM – Children's Program

Theater, magic shows, interactive programs. Specially designed for families with children up to 10 years old. Those from the region traditionally bring their children to the palace on Sunday afternoons – sometimes even after a visit to the swimming pool next door.

6:00 PM – Soirée Acoustic

Singer-songwriters, folk, Americana, quiet tunes in the late sun. Anyone who wants to round off a summer Sunday with music stays for the Soirée.

The Venue – Saarbrücken Castle

The castle stands on a hill above the Saar River – at the very spot where the castle of the Counts of Saarbrücken stood in the Middle Ages. The current building is a mix: a Baroque central section by Friedrich Joachim Stengel (18th century), modern glass extensions by Gottfried Böhm (1989). In addition to the main stage, the Schlossgarten features a restaurant, the former riding stable, and the Schlosskeller. The acoustics in the garden are surprisingly good – the castle building gently reflects the sound.

Why It's Free

The regional association's Kulturforum mandate is: Culture for everyone, not just for those who can afford tickets. The festival is financed by public funds, sponsorship, and local gastronomy. Bringing a picnic is explicitly allowed – the restaurant operators support this.

What 'Sonntags ans Schloss' Means for Saarbrücken

It's not the most spectacular festival in the city – that would be the Max Ophüls Film Festival or the Altstadtfest. But it is the most democratic. Here, the retiree sits next to the student, the child dances in front of the stage, the visitor from out of town asks about the next concert. For many Saarbrücken residents, the series is what makes the summer.