Rockin' the Fjord: Over Three Million Anticipated for Kiel Week 2025
Three million plus visitors anticipated for the Kiel Week celebration - Anticipated Attendance of Over Three Million Individuals for Kiel Week Celebrations
Get ready for an explosion of music, sailing, and good vibes as Schleswig-Holstein's state capital prepares to host its grand annual event - the Kiel Week 2025 (June 21st - June 29th). And the excitement doesn't stop at the shore - there's plenty happening on the water, too.
With a whopping 400 concerts, thrilling sailing regattas, and a vibrant landside program, an estimated three million visitors are expected to flock to the city. So buckle up, folks, as Kiel gears up to welcome music lovers and adrenaline junkies from all corners of the globe.
"There's no denying it, I'm the mayor during Kiel Week," said Kiel's outgoing Mayor Ulf Kaempfer (SPD) to the German Press Agency. As he prepares to step down, Kaempfer is eager to relish his final Kiel Week with extra enthusiasm. "Whether it's the play line on the Krusenkoppel, the Windjammer parade, the International City Forum, the Young Stage, or the International Market, our Kiel Week embodies openness, equality, participation, and understanding - qualities we've proudly nurtured and preserved."
Two prominent figures, Federal Council President Anke Rehlinger and Minister President Daniel Günther (CDU), are scheduled to attend the official opening on June 21st. Rehlinger and handball star Rune Dahmke (THW Kiel) will signal the start of the regattas with a traditional ship's horn salute, while Günther will sound the ship's bell.
Music lovers, you're in for a real treat! At the core of Kiel Week’s music program is the Alter Markt stage, offering a diverse range of performers and genres to cater to every taste. The schedule is jam-packed, with artists like Aretha - the Queen of Soul, ALBA, unique duo TALES & TROUBLE, and pop sensations Tiffany gracing the stage. For a full rundown of the Alter Markt lineup, check out the schedule below.
But let's not forget the main attraction - the sailing regattas! Over 4,000 athletes from 60+ nations will take to the water, battling it out in 1,500 boats and various watercraft. Kiel Week will also feature competitions on 14 regatta courses, with a new location alongside Kiel-Schilksee in Stein (Plön district) on the fjord’s other side. More than 50 nations are anticipated to join in this maritime extravaganza.
For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, security measures will be stepped up, with increased police presence and designated areas for cutting and stabbing weapons to ensure a secure environment for everyone. A live traffic monitoring system, featuring a green, orange, and red light indication, will also be put in place to help visitors navigate the crowds and stay informed about the event's status.
The naval spectacle begins on June 26th, as the sail training ship "Gorch Fock" returns to Kiel, and concludes on June 29th with a breathtaking fireworks display featuring drones over the fjord. Be sure to catch the Windjammer Parade on June 28th, with the sailing school ship "Gorch Fock" leading the fleet.
In addition, music enthusiasts can look forward to live concerts by Men Without Hats in September, although they aren't part of the core Kiel Week program. The core musical offerings at Kiel Week take place primarily on the Alter Markt stage, featuring a mix of soul, pop, local emerging artists, open-air classics, DJ sets, and cultural music showcases.
So pack your bags, grab your dancing shoes, and join in the fun at the Kiel Week 2025 - it's going to be a blast!
Kieler Woche 2025* Alter Markt Stage Schedule: - June 20, Friday: Showtanz, Sika Afrofit, Soundcheck with DJ Gary - June 21, Saturday: Lucie Glang, Smokin Boots, Lotsengesangverein Knurrhahn, Abenteuerland, Aretha – the Queen of Soul - June 25, Wednesday: Ed Bennett, Bingo mit Maschine, ALBA, Deine Cousine, DJ Ballroom - June 26, Thursday: Sunday Factory, Vertical Blinds, Bingo oder Quiz mit Nori..., United4 + DJ Ralf Burnett, on.feyr - June 27, Friday: Local Hero – Jasmin Pape, TALES & TROUBLE, Classic-Open Air with Fünf Sterne Deluxe, Feuershow Flamba, The Dan MCBrides - June 28, Saturday: Local Hero – Rock- und Popschule Kiel, Local Hero – Stranger Cats, Leo in The Lioncage, Tiffany - June 29, Sunday: Local Hero – Lisa Stammer, Marinemusikkorps Kiel featuring Stefan Gwildis
Alter Markt is just one stop on the musical tour – make sure to catch other exciting events around Kiel during the Kiel Week!
"The Commission, amid the anticipation of Kiel Week 2025, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as sailors and spectators prepare for the event."
"While immersed in the electrifying atmosphere of Kiel Week 2025, sports enthusiasts can still find time for some friendly competition, as they might participate in a lively game of handball or even cheer on the returning sail training ship 'Gorch Fock' during the naval spectacle."
