German Festival Takes a Break in 2027
Germany`s Kessel Festival in Stuttgart will not take place in 2027, with organiser C2 Concerts, part of the DEAG group, citing increasingly challenging economic and organisational conditions.
The festival is scheduled to return to the Cannstatter Wasen on 30 June and 1 July 2028.
The decision was announced on 6 November, following a difficult 2026 edition in which the second festival day was cancelled due to extreme heat.
In an official statement, the organisers said:
“The economic and organisational conditions for festivals have become significantly more challenging in recent years. After careful consideration, we have therefore made a difficult decision: Kessel Festival will take a break in 2027.”
The organisers added that the pause would allow them to prepare the festival`s next steps and ensure its long-term future.
Heat cancellation and artist availability
According to managing director Christian Doll, the decision was also influenced by difficulties in securing suitable headliners for 2027 and the ongoing consequences of this year`s festival.
Speaking to German public broadcaster SWR, Doll explained that relatively few suitable headline artists were available for 2027, with some taking breaks from touring and others already booked.
The festival is also still dealing with contractual and insurance matters following the cancellation of its second day in June 2026 due to extreme temperatures. According to Doll, resolving these issues has required resources that would otherwise have been used to prepare the 2027 event.
Doll also told German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung that Kessel Festival`s concept presents particular economic challenges. Around two-thirds of the festival site is dedicated to activities other than concerts, while the music programme must appeal to the event`s specific audience.
Return confirmed for 2028
Launched in 2019, Kessel Festival combines live music with sports, food, cultural activities and sustainability initiatives. According to the organisers, the event has attracted more than 300,000 visitors since its launch.
Festival managing directors Christian Doll and Tobias Reisenhofer highlighted the positive response to the first day of the 2026 edition.
“Friday 2026 showed us how much enthusiasm, joy and uniqueness there is in Kessel Festival. We take these special moments with us and look forward to celebrating together with our audience again at the Cannstatter Wasen in 2028,” they said in a joint statement.
The organisers confirmed that the 2028 dates have already been secured, with discussions involving artists and partners underway.
C2 Concerts, which organises the festival, is part of German live entertainment group DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG.