45th Umsonst & Draußen Stuttgart

45 Years of Alternative Festival Culture in Stuttgart

Since 1982, Umsonst & Draußen has been Stuttgart's most important alternative and non-commercial festival. It emerged from the youth and squatting scene of the early 1980s — and has maintained its anti-commercial ethos throughout the decades. Organized voluntarily by the association Umsonst & Draußen Stuttgart e.V., financed by donations, by the sale of food and drinks at the festival, and by small grants — never by major sponsors, never by admission fees. This consistency makes U&D unique in the German festival landscape.

45th Edition 2026 — Three Days in Vaihingen's Krehlstraße

From Friday, August 7th, to Sunday, August 9th, 2026, the festival will take over the traditional Festplatz Krehlstraße in Stuttgart-Vaihingen. Three days of programming comprising several key elements that make U&D unmistakable:

• Stage Program — Live bands on two main stages, concerts almost non-stop from afternoon until midnight
• Political Forum — Lectures, discussion rounds, workshops on current socio-political issues (climate protection, antifascism, housing, queer politics, anti-racism, migration)
• Info Village — Stalls of local and supra-regional clubs, initiatives, parties (left-wing and alternative), NGOs, self-help groups
• Children's Program — Own children's stage, craft stations, bouncy castles, interactive activities — one of the most well-thought-out children's programs in the German festival summer
• Workshops — From political topics to DIY repair, screen printing, veganism, to creative workshops

Musical Profile — Punk, Indie, World Music, and More

The musical program of U&D is deliberately broad: Punk and Hardcore (from the Stuttgart and supra-regional scene), Indie and Rock, Hip-Hop and Political Rap, Reggae and Dub, World Music (Klezmer, Balkan Brass, Kurdish music), Electronic Music, and occasionally Folk. Bands come from all over the German-speaking world, many local emerging acts perform alongside established stars — the latter often at significantly reduced fees because the concept is based on solidarity.

The Political Forum

A significant pillar of U&D is the Political Forum: During the day, lectures, readings, and discussion rounds take place — on current topics, but also on historical contexts (e.g., history of the squatting movement, nuclear power plant resistance, peace movement). The topics change over the years, but the left-alternative orientation remains constant. Workshops on collective organization, crisis communication, and repair cafés complement the forum.

"Lovingly Organized Chaos"

What distinguishes U&D from commercial festivals is the atmosphere. There are no fancy backstage areas, no VIP lounges, no sponsor banners. Catering is run by the association itself — veggie burgers, vegan curries, fair prices. Waste is consistently separated, deposit systems are used. The atmosphere is familial — everyone takes responsibility, helps with setup and teardown. The phrase "lovingly organized chaos" describes this mix of improvisation, care, and solidarity that makes U&D so special.

Stuttgart-Vaihingen and the Festplatz Krehlstraße

Stuttgart-Vaihingen is the southwestern district of Stuttgart, home to the university (University of Stuttgart, main campus), a student village, and a vibrant alternative scene. The Festplatz Krehlstraße is located at the entrance to Vaihingen and has been the home of U&D for years — an open festival ground with trees, grass, a stage area, and catering zones. Reachable by S-Bahn lines S1/S2/S3 (stop Vaihingen) and a short walk.