Summer Soundz am Kesselbrink

Bielefeld Summer at Kesselbrink

Kesselbrink in the heart of Bielefeld — once a grey parking lot, since 2013 a redesigned square with a skate park, children's play areas, and the angular pavilion Grüner Würfel (Green Cube) — is now one of the liveliest city squares in East Westphalia-Lippe. In the middle of the summer holidays, it becomes an open-air stage: The free concert series Summer Soundz brings three bands to the square each of the four Wednesday evenings. Free admission, starting at 6:45 PM, usually ending around 10:30 PM.

Newcomers from Bielefeld and the Region

Unlike a classic open-air festival with a headliner policy, the focus is on young and moderately known bands from Bielefeld, East Westphalia-Lippe, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The series is curated by the concert agency Newtone and Auftakt e.V. — two players who have been promoting the city's alternative music scene for years. Stylistically, the spectrum ranges from Indie Rock and Indie Pop to Singer/Songwriter, energetic Garage, and Punk.

The Concept: One Place, One Day, Three Bands

Each evening follows the same pattern: three bands in chronological order, short changeovers, a relaxed atmosphere between the audience and the artists. Those who come mingle with families from the city center, skaters, students from the University of Bielefeld, and regulars who have been returning for years. Drinks and small snacks are sold on-site — a local food truck mix complements the pavilion's offerings.

More Than a Concert

Summer Soundz is part of a broader strategy by the city to culturally enliven public spaces and make emerging musical talent visible. Offering free admission is a political statement — especially at a time when many open-air series are suffering from rising costs. This is made possible by the sponsorship of Bielefeld Marketing GmbH and the city's funding within the context of the Bielefeld cultural summer, as well as thanks to the volunteer support of Auftakt e.V.

Bielefeld, the Ruhr Area of OWL

With around 340,000 inhabitants, Bielefeld is the largest city in East Westphalia-Lippe and part of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Even if the city is less internationally perceived than Cologne or Düsseldorf, it is an important hub for the East Westphalian alternative music scene — and Summer Soundz is one of the most visible stages on which this scene becomes public each summer.