SWK Open-Air-Kino Krefeld

Krefeld — The Velvet and Silk City on the Lower Rhine

Krefeld, with around 230,000 inhabitants on the western Lower Rhine, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is the largest city between Düsseldorf and the Dutch border. Traditionally known as the Velvet and Silk City, today a mix of industry and service sectors shapes the cityscape. The Krefeld city forest in the south of the city is a local recreation area with a racecourse, lake, paths, and event spaces — home to the SWK Open-Air-Kino.

Racecourse in the City Forest

The Krefeld racecourse is one of the few surviving racecourses in North Rhine-Westphalia. While races take place there in the summer, the grounds are used for events outside of the racing calendar — the open-air cinema optimally utilizes the large open space, the sightlines, and the atmosphere of the city forest. The screen is set up on the grandstand, with a covered seating area for over 800 people in front of it, supplemented by a beer garden with high tables and additional seating.

5 Weeks of Programming — July 17 to August 23, 2026

The 2026 Open-Air-Kino runs for five weeks from July 17 to August 23, with daily screenings (with a break on some days). The 2026 program mixes current cinema hits, late-summer comedies, and family slots. Confirmed highlights: the preview of "The Devil Wears Prada 2", as well as German and international comedies of the 2026 cinema summer. The main program is supplemented by original version (OV) and original version with subtitles (OmU) screenings for films shown in 3D or subtitled versions — good for anglophone Krefeld residents and for accessible viewing.

Seating and Comfort

Over 800 covered seats offer protection from unpredictable weather — an important factor on the Lower Rhine, where summer rain showers are common. Additionally, 600 seats in the beer garden are available — with views of the screen and their own drink and snack service. Public viewing atmosphere without stadium noise: that's the concept. Express tickets allow for expedited entry, and seat reservations are possible.

Accessibility

The Open-Air-Kino emphasizes accessibility: Closed Captions (CC) for selected films, Audio Description (AD) for films with audio description, and a hearing loop for hearing aid users. Disabled parking spaces directly at the entrance, accessible path to the seating area. Families with children benefit from family slots in the late afternoon or early evening.

Tickets and Atmosphere

Tickets from €14 online via the booking system at swk-openairkino.de. Online gift vouchers are also available as summer gifts. Admission from 8:00 PM, film start at dusk — around 9:30 PM / 10:00 PM depending on sunset. Visitors to the Krefeld Open-Air-Kino mingle with a regular audience from Krefeld, Mönchengladbach, Duisburg, and Düsseldorf — a summer ritual on the Lower Rhine.