Kiesgrube Celebrates 30 Years

In 2026, Kiesgrube celebrates 30 years as one of Europe’s longest-standing open-air electronic music venues. Since 1996, it has operated as a weekly open-air event, a format that has allowed it to remain a constant presence on the European circuit. Three decades on, the venue has been reimagined and rebuilt, with a brand-new L-Acoustics sound system and expanded dance areas for 2026 season.

“Over the last three decades, Kiesgrube has remained independent, defined by its raw, unfiltered connection between artist and audience. For the 30th anniversary, our intention is to protect this spirit while preparing it for the decades ahead. Not only for Düsseldorf, but for the wider European dance music community.” – Tom Preuss (founder)

There is hardly a global electronic music heavyweight who has not played Kiesgrube over the years, but the venue has never been about names alone. It’s about the feeling that has always brought like-minded people together from around the world to gather each Sunday. That is reflected in this special season to mark its 30-year anniversary from April through August, culminating in a landmark closing celebration.

The 30th anniversary season kicks off on Sunday April 19, with a Pre-Opening Open Air led by Maceo Plex. The official Opening on Friday May 01 sees global icon Peggy Gou headline alongside Dennis Cruz, while May continues at full intensity with and WhoMadeWho on May 14, followed by a heavyweight pairing of Pawsa on May 25. Early summer reaches another peak on June 14 as Black Coffee returns, joined by, before techno takes centre stage on June 21 with Amelie Lens. Late June delivers one of the most anticipated highlights of the season on June 28, as Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers lead an all-star showcase alongside Vintage Culture and Paco Osuna. July continues with a landmark appearance from Cocoon legend Sven Väth on July 12, and he shares the bill with Dixon B2B Jimi Jules. The early August Weekender brings Mahmut Orhan across both outdoor and indoor formats while mid-August welcomes Boris Brejcha and Andrea Oliva. The 30-year celebrations culminate on Sunday August 30 with a monumental Season Closing featuring Joseph Capriati b2b Mau P.

Located in western Germany and within reach of Cologne, Düsseldorf and the wider NRW region, it has become a cornerstone of European club culture and a place of musical immersion set within raw, natural surroundings. As part of the 30-year renovations, the venue is planning a brand new restaurant concept, a dedicated food area and upgraded digital infrastructure improvements designed to elevate the experience while keeping the club’s spirit intact. The sprawling site delivers Ibiza-inspired open-air energy with sand underfoot, green trees overhead and a dance floor to remove the usual barriers between headliner and crowd. The audio-visual setup is high-spec and high impact, and the closeness of DJ and dancers creates an intensity rarely found elsewhere.

Thirty years on, Kiesgrube remains what it has always been: a sanctuary for electronic music lovers under the sun and the stars. 

For tickets and more information head to; http://kiesgrube.net