Music Festival: These NRW cities are participating in the event
In the spirit of summer and free, open-air tunes, the Fête de la Musique, a global music festival, lights up cities far and wide on June 21st. And that's no exception for NRW!
This music shindig, originating from France in the '80s, is about bringing folks together with the universal language of music. It's all about live performances at various spots, free of charge, typically outdoors.
In Germany, the German Music Council has been coordinating this madness for a while now, working hand in hand with various private initiatives and associations. This year, their mission is crystal clear: "Music connects", and the motive rings true with the German Music Council's annual theme: Music and Democracy.
So gather your homies and hit the streets of Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Gütersloh, Recklinghausen, Verl, and Essen. But let's talk Essen for a minute.
The Essen version of the festival is still a young pup compared to others, kicking off in 2024. The scene around the Museum Folkwang was absolutely crowded with plenty of visitors drawn in by the mesmerizing sounds of brass choirs, singer-songwriters, and groovy DJ sets. This year, the musical potpourri is even richer, with hundreds of artists ready to drop their beats at locations like the Museum Folkwang and the Erlöserkirche.
But hey, here's a bummer: Recklinghausen can only boast a one-hour radio broadcast of the festival on June 21st due to lack of sponsors.
Oh, and for all you culture vultures out there, keep an eye out for other events in NRW, such as the boo-hail at the premiere of "The Magic Flute" at Aalto Theater, or the massive lineup at Parookaville 2025 and its galactic stage lineup!
Now, there's no word on whether Essen will be as lit as Berlin, with over 300 concerts annually at more than 100 locations featuring both local and international artists[1][2], but we're hoping for a festive ride regardless!
Reference(s):
- Fête de la Musique Berlin 2025. (2025). Fête de la Musique. https://www.fetedelamusique-berlin.de/
- Fête de la Musique Berlin: Musik auf allen Ebenen (2025). TIP Berlin. https://www.tip-berlin.de/berlin/veranstaltungen/fete-de-la-musique-berlin-musik-auf-allen-ebenen-681873/
- 10 bewusst gewählte Bewohner von NRW. (2021). TELEICKENLAND. https://www.telex.de/2021/06/10-bewusst-gewaehlte-bewohner-von-nrw/
Enjoy the diverse mix of music, including brass choirs, singer-songwriters, and DJ sets, as the home-and-garden atmosphere of Essen's Fête de la Musique comes to life in 2024. This year, immerse yourself in various locations like the Museum Folkwang and the Erlöserkirche, just like the way lifestyle enthusiasts embrace their favorite culture vents such as the home-and-garden shows or entertainment events.
