Poolside Open Air Festival in the Hannover Region – three stages, 25 international and national DJs, Techno and House by the poolside
The Mellendorf leisure pool is located about 25 kilometers north of Hanover's city center in the municipality of Wedemark, which belongs to the Hannover Region. During the summer months, it is a classic family pool with an outdoor pool, water slides, and sunbathing lawns. Once per season, the area is transformed into a festival location: Pool decks become DJ booths, sunbathing areas become dance floors, and swimming pools become floating lounge areas. Waves Open Air combines swimming activities and electronic music in a way that can only be experienced in a few places in Germany.
The musical focus is between Techno and House. Around 25 DJs play on three stages, featuring international and regional acts, from melodic House by the poolside to harder Techno on the main stage. The programming emphasizes a mix of established headliners and emerging talents from the German and European scene. The bookings vary from year to year and are gradually released in the weeks leading up to the festival.
In addition to the main date in June, Waves traditionally hosts a closing event in early September to round off the season on the grounds. The closing event is designed as a one-day event and is particularly aimed at the loyal regular audience from the region.
Wedemark is directly accessible via S-Bahn line 4 from Hanover Central Station. A short walk from Mellendorf station leads to the leisure pool. Shuttle buses are organized between the station and the event grounds for festival visitors. A limited number of parking spaces are available; travel by public transport is recommended.
Waves Open Air continues its proven concept from previous years: poolside dancing, three musically distinct stages, and a carefully curated mix of established acts and newcomers. The lineup is usually communicated in waves: headliner announcements come first, followed by the complete stage splits.
The setting at the Mellendorf leisure pool remains the central point of identity for the festival. The combination of swimming, electronic music, and summer atmosphere makes Waves a category of its own among festivals in the Hannover Region.
The exact 2026 lineup will be published gradually by the organizer in spring and early summer. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
The closing event repeats the concept of the main event in a more compact form: one day, two to three stages, selected acts. It is particularly aimed at the regular audience from Hanover and the region.
Start usually in the late morning, continuous operation until late evening. The exact stage slots will be published before the date.
Main Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026. Closing Event: September 5, 2026.
Mellendorf Leisure Pool, Bürgermeister-Wehrmann-Straße 14, 30900 Mellendorf. S-Bahn S4 from Hanover Central Station to Mellendorf, approx. 25 minutes travel time. Shuttle buses from the station to the grounds.
Tickets via the official website. Day tickets and combination tickets for the main event and closing event are offered. Early booking recommended.
Swimwear is explicitly recommended, change of clothes is practical. Glass bottles are forbidden. Catering and bar are available on site. Lockers with locks can be used on site.
No photos yet. Share yours!
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Waves Open Air Mellendorf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link