Volksbank OpenAir Meschede

Six Wednesdays, Six Bands, One Square

The Volksbank OpenAir Meschede transforms the historic Stiftsplatz in Meschede's city centre into a free open-air stage for six weeks. Every Wednesday during the North Rhine-Westphalia summer holidays, a different band plays from 7:30 PM — from rock to pop to cover songs. The concept is wonderfully simple and precisely why it's so successful: free, central, summery, good.

No Admission Fee — But a Chip System

The organisers — 3HundertSechzig° Event and Stadtmarketing Meschede e.V. — deliberately forgo admission fees. Instead, sponsors like Volksbank im Hochsauerland and beverage sales finance the series. Bringing your own drinks is prohibited for safety reasons. A chip payment system is used at the stands: You purchase a reusable festival cup and chips, which remain valid on all six concert evenings. A starter package with a cup and five chips will be available at a reduced price from early July at the branches of Volksbank Sauerland.

Weatherproof and Relaxed

The concerts take place in all weather conditions — umbrellas are left at home, as the stage is covered, and the audience stands together relaxed under the open sky and some sun/rain umbrellas. The atmosphere is family-friendly: young and old, families, groups of friends, after-work gatherings — everyone finds their place.

Meschede's Summer Classic

The series has been a firm fixture in the cultural summer calendar of the Hochsauerlandkreis in North Rhine-Westphalia for years. It is integrated with other Meschede events — city marketing promotions, morning pint gatherings, small events at the Hennesee. Anyone travelling in the Sauerland during the summer should plan for a Wednesday evening in Meschede.

Stiftsplatz — Meschede's Historic Heart

The Stiftsplatz is located directly next to the old Walburga Abbey, Meschede's spiritual founding core. The historic backdrop with the mighty St. Walburga parish church behind it makes every concert special. During the day, it's a quiet place to linger; on Wednesday summer evenings, it becomes a small, charming open-air stage.