Welcome to the musical side of Hamburg where the beat is always unstoppable and the melodies are always in full swing.
Hamburg and music are the perfect… duet. From world-famous concert halls to cozy live music venues, Hamburg is a city that truly knows how to celebrate music and entertainment. Are you a music enthusiast? A devoted concert goer or musical theater buff? Or you just want to dance? Well, Hamburg has it all. With a vibrant music scene that includes festivals, concerts, open-air events and musicals, you’ll have fun dancing to the rhythm of Hamburg whether you’re a fan of Mozart or Metallica!
So, tune up your guitar, put on your dancing shoes, and let’s dive into Hamburg’s world of music together. 🎸🩰
🎼 Get your groove on | Music festivals in Hamburg
Hamburg lives and breathes festivals. The list is endless, but we’ve chosen some of our absolute favorites just for you.
#1 MS DOCKVILLE
The MS DOCKVILLE is a three-day festival for music and art in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg. Along with around 60,000 visitors and almost 10,000 campers, you can explore a unique area with over 12 stages, countless works of art and a harbour setting with the Elbe as a backdrop. An exciting line-up that is open to any genre (but focuses on indie, hip-hop and electronic music) brings together newcomers, favourite artists, workshops, readings, games as well as loads of inspiration.
When: 18–20 August 2023
#2 ELBJAZZ
Calling all jazz lovers! The ELBJAZZ hosts popular artists and up-and-comers in about 50 musical acts of many jazz varieties and related genres in multiple stages in the Hamburg harbor. And since 2017, a new venue has been added, the famous Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, a unique cultural landmark with impressive glass-wave architecture.
When: 9–10 June 2023
#3 Reeperbahn Festival
Brace yourselves because the Reeperbahn Festival is here. Experience and listen to music in new ways through a diverse line-up of international musicians, performances from the fields of visual arts/virtual reality as well as a cool film and literature program. Discover one of the most important get-togethers for the music world.
When: 20–23 September 2023
#4 Stadtpark Open Air
The Stadtpark Open Air is a summer concert held in the city’s largest park with past performers including super famous artists like Coldplay, Foo Fighters and The Killers. Enjoy an incredible atmosphere with plenty of food, drinks, and purely good vibes. Grab your friends and go straight to the Stadtpark Open Air!
#5 Hamburg Metal Dayz
Hey, metalheads! The Hamburg Metal Dayz is a two-day festival that’s just perfect for you. At the Markthalle Hamburg, it features lives from some of the best metal bands in the world, so get ready to headbang and mosh.
When: 6–7 October 2023
#6 Beatles Festival
Did you know that the Beatles had their very 1st concert in Hamburg in 1961? It’s true! And now, this year, the city’s celebrating this anniversary with the Beatles Festival. Various cover bands and young artists are going to sing the Beatles’ famous songs in music venues where the Beatles themselves performed in Hamburg like the Musikclub Indra, Kaiserkeller and Grosse Freiheit 36. Ready for some time traveling back to the colorful ‘60s?
When: from 30 June to 1 July 2023
#7 International Music Festival Hamburg
There’s also the International Music Festival Hamburg during which you can see various live concerts at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laieszhalle. The festival’s motto? Love. We think you’re going to… love it.
When: from 28 April to 7 June 2023
#8 Vogelball
Another one of our top festivals in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg is the Vogelball which takes place right after the CSD and is a cross-genre festival, a mask-and-costume ball as well as a fun, playful and safe space for the local queer scene. Definitely the most beautiful and glittering feather spectacle of the year!
When: 5 August 2023
🎶 The hottest concerts go to Hamburg
Hamburg is a hotspot for music lovers with numerous venues hosting concerts throughout the year.
One of the most popular venues is the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg which is a gorgeous concert hall in the heart of Hamburg. With a capacity of over 2,000 people, this venue hosts world-famous musicians and orchestras from around the world. For those of you who love cozier settings, there are also smaller venues in Hamburg like the Molotow, the Knust, Uebel & Gefährlich and the Mojo Club which promote new artists and offer you a more laid-back concert experience.
So, from international superstars to local talents, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more. Now, let’s take a look at some of the top music concerts happening in Hamburg in 2023.
Elton John
When: 19 May 2023
Get ready to sing along to classics like “Rocket Man” and “Your Song” as the legendary Elton John takes the stage at the Barclaycard Arena Hamburg. 100% unmissable!
Billie Eilish
When: 24 June 2023
What can we say about Billie Eilish? She’s already said it all through her haunting vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. She’s performing at the Sporthalle Hamburg this year, and you know you want to go.
The Weeknd
When: 15 July 2023
With ultimate hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face”, The Weeknd has become one of the most popular artists in the world. Enjoy his electrifying show at the Volksparkstadion Hamburg.
Ed Sheeran
When: 9–10 September 2023
Ed Sheeran’s soulful voice and heartfelt vibes have made him one of the most beloved artists in the world. Join his performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena Hamburg, and be prepared to get emotional.
🎭 Free your inner… drama queen
Hamburg’s reputation as Germany’s musical capital got established after the German premiere of CATS back in 1986. And the rest was history.
Hamburg now has an impressive musical scene with many long-running productions among which are Disney’s must-sees “The Lion King” and “Frozen” at the iconic Stage Theater im Hafen: spectacular costumes, inspirational music and amazing acting.
Also, find the world-famous and iconic MAMMA MIA! at the Stage Theater Neue Flora Hamburg as well as the revolutionary and multi-awarded “Hamilton” telling the life story of US founding father Alexander Hamilton through quick-witted rap, pop, R&B and powerful choreography at the Stage Operettenhaus.
Other popular musicals you’ll want to check out are “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” at the Stage Apollo Theater and, of course, the 8th part of the Harry Potter saga, the magical play “Harry Potter & the Cursed Child” at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt. Are you ready?
📍 Hamburg is a city…
…that knows how to party on many levels.
With its festivals, concerts, shows and musicals, something’s happening in this vibrant city 24/7: from classical concerts at the prestigious Elbphilharmonie to the thumping beats of the city’s nightclubs, you’ll always find a tune in the air and unlimited music experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned music lover or just want to explore something new, quickly add Hamburg to your list of must-visit destinations.
Wondering if you can see the best of Hamburg in one day? Read more!
🛎️ Best hotel in Hamburg
While planning your music-themed trip, book your stay at the MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Center. We’re near the most popular music venues in Hamburg, such as the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and close by the Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Hamburg Central Station). So, mark your calendars and get ready to dance, sing, and rock out in Germany’s music capital!
Address: Goetheallee 11, 22765 Hamburg
