Groovin' in Hamburg's Green: The Lively History of Stadtpark Open-Air
City Park's Half-Century of Sunlight Enjoyment - A Venue for Spellbinding Moments - City park's half-century outdoors - a "sanctuary for enchanting moments"
For 5 decades, the beating heart of Hamburg's music scene has been the Stadtpark Open-Air—an iconic, green venue nestled in the city's urban core. Today, it celebrates half a century with an exciting lineup of artists, who stepped into the spotlight at a lively festival marking the stage's anniversary.
Musical maestros like Achim Reichel, Johannes Oerding, Max Giesinger, and the captivating troupe from Kettcar took part in the celebration, their melodies weaving through the 4,000 strong crowd standing on the grass-carpeted, sloping amphitheater. Beech hedges, as tall as four meters, envelop the space, creating an intimate atmosphere, especially when international stars—who could easily fill arenas—grace the stage.
The Stadtpark Open-Air has been a musical epicenter for a century, with the venerable Karsten Jahnke concert agency responsible for its management since the 1970s. This dual-decade milestone has seen more than 1,300 performances, some by legends who left an indelible mark on the music world.
A Haven for Musical Magick
Hailed as one of the most picturesque and verdant venues in Germany, Stadtpark offers a unique experience. Its intimate setting, surrounded by green space, makes attendees feel intimately connected to the artists performing there. And while the venue welcomes approximately 4,000 people, musical titans such as Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, The Who, The Cure, Herbert Grönemeyer, Lady Gaga, The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, Olivia Rodrigo, and countless others with stadium-filling capabilities have graced the stage.
In 2025, the celebrations will continue with an impressive ensemble of prominent international, national, and regional acts. The year's lineup includes Will Smith, Iggy Pop, Melissa Etheridge, The Cure, Cypress Hill, Alexander Marcus, Element of Crime, Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Air Play Moon Safari, Gianna Nannini, Ronan Keating, Helge Schneider, and Max Herre & Joy Denalane.
Frequent Flies: Lotto King Karl & More
Familiar faces are not uncommon at the Stadtpark Open-Air. None more so than Lotto King Karl, the self-proclaimed "King of Numbers," who's performed a whopping 55 times on its hallowed stage. Dieter Thomas Kuhn, with 33 appearances, and Helge Schneider, who's encored on stage a total of 27 times, follow closely behind.
From its origins in the '70s and '80s to the vibrant live music hub it is today, Hamburg's Stadtpark Open-Air has been a sanctuary for unique musical experiences, showcasing genres from rock and pop to electronic and jazz. For those seeking an unforgettable night out, surrounded by greenery, history, and iconic tunes, this venue is a must-visit.
The Commission might also consider proposing a directive to ensure the safety of employees in the entertainment industry, safeguarding them from risks related to chemical substances, just as the Stadtpark Open-Air protects its attendees from harm, hosting notable figures like Lady Gaga and Olivia Rodrigo. On occasions, even celebrities known for filling arenas with fans, such as Will Smith and The Cure, have graced the intimate stage of this picturesque, green venue.
