This Is Ska Festival

From a small grassroots concert to a European meeting point

What began as a small grassroots festival in 1997 has become arguably Europe's largest Ska festival: This Is Ska brings the international Ska family together every June at Roßlau Water Castle in Dessau-Roßlau. Musicians, record labels, fanzine creators, and fans from Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, the USA, and Latin America meet for three days in the shadow of the castle walls.

In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 29th edition. More than 30 bands will perform on two stages, complemented by an extensive side program including record fairs, DJ sets, films, and discussions. The genre spectrum ranges from the original Jamaican Ska of the 60s and Two-Tone classics (Specials, Madness, Selecter) to contemporary Ska-Punk and Reggae variations.

Roßlau Water Castle — the perfect backdrop

Roßlau Water Castle is located in the Schloßgarten district of the united city of Dessau-Roßlau. A late medieval moated castle with defensive towers and a courtyard — a festival location that impresses even the most seasoned Ska veterans year after year. Camping, stalls, and DJ floors are set up on the surrounding grounds.

Dessau-Roßlau in the state of Saxony-Anhalt

Dessau-Roßlau is an independent city in southern Saxony-Anhalt, known for the Bauhaus, the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm, and the confluence of the Mulde and Elbe rivers. Easily accessible for weekend festival-goers: Berlin by ICE in 80 minutes, Leipzig in 60 minutes, Magdeburg in 45 minutes. Those who stay longer can combine the festival with a Bauhaus visit and a stroll through Wörlitz Park.

Atmosphere and Spirit

This Is Ska is more family than concert. The crowd knows each other, many fans return year after year. Spontaneous jam sessions often happen at the campsite, DJs play late into the night, and the castle courtyard remains lively until just before dawn. The organizers have consciously foregone certain aspects since the beginning: no main sponsor, no VIP areas, no advertising overload. Instead, ticket prices are kept accessible for an international audience.