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!
Dive deeper into the rhythm of the continent’s music scene after exploring Hamburg’s vibrant beats by checking out our curated list of the Unmissable concerts in Europe 2024.
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: 16–18 August 2024
#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: 7–8 June 2024
#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: 18–21 September 2024
#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 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 23 April to 16 June 2024
#6 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: 3 August 2024
🎶 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 2024.
Depeche Mode
When: 17 February 2024
Get ready to vibe with the electrifying beats of Depeche Mode at Hamburg’s Barclays Arena; a night where iconic tunes meet MEININGER Hotels’ cozy comfort, just a heartbeat away from the pulsating rhythm of the city!
James Blunt
When: 22 March 2024
Relax while listening to the heartfelt tunes of James Blunt and make your concert night unforgettable.
30 Seconds to Mars
When: 15 May 2024
Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a 30 Seconds to Mars concert at Hamburg’s Barclays Arena, where every note promises to take your breath away.
Taylor Swift with Paramore
When: 23–24 July 2024
Get ready for a fantastic night, Swifties, as Taylor Swift and Paramore light up the stage at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, promising a concert brimming with energy and mega hits.
🎭 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.
2024 in Hamburg shines with must-see performances, from the heroic tales of “Disney’s Hercules” at Stage Theater Neue Flora to the thrilling “Dance of the Vampires” at Stage Operettenhaus, each offering a unique blend of spectacle and storytelling.
Another popular musical you’ll want to check out is 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!
Musicals & concerts in Hamburg 2024: FAQs
What makes Hamburg a special destination for music lovers?
Hamburg is a city where music takes center stage. From iconic concert halls to intimate live music venues, it's a paradise for music enthusiasts of all genres, offering a diverse mix of festivals, concerts, and musical theater experiences.
Can you tell me more about the MS DOCKVILLE festival?
MS DOCKVILLE is a three-day music and art festival set in the scenic area of Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg. It boasts 12 stages, art installations, and a harbor backdrop, featuring a diverse lineup that spans indie, hip-hop, and electronic music genres.
What is ELBJAZZ all about?
ELBJAZZ is a jazz lover's dream, hosting around 50 musical acts across various stages in Hamburg's harbor area, including the iconic Elbphilharmonie. It's a fusion of jazz varieties and related genres, offering a unique cultural experience.
What can I expect at the Reeperbahn Festival?
The Reeperbahn Festival is a diverse cultural event, offering a wide range of international musicians, visual arts, virtual reality experiences, and a film and literature program. It's a significant gathering for the music industry and art enthusiasts alike.
What's special about Stadtpark Open Air?
Stadtpark Open Air is held in Hamburg's largest park and is known for its incredible atmosphere and lineup, which has included famous artists like Coldplay and The Killers. It's a perfect blend of music, food, drinks, and good vibes.
What does the International Music Festival Hamburg offer?
The festival presents live concerts at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laieszhalle, focusing on the theme of love. It's an opportunity to enjoy various live performances in some of Hamburg's most prestigious venues.
Can you describe the vibe of Vogelball?
Vogelball is a unique festival celebrated after CSD, known for its mask-and-costume ball and being a playful, safe space for the local queer scene. It's known as the most beautiful and glittering feather spectacle of the year.
What are some of the top music concerts happening in Hamburg in 2024?
Hamburg is hosting several top artists in 2024, including Depeche Mode, James Blunt, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Taylor Swift with Paramore. These concerts promise electrifying performances in some of the city's best venues.
What kind of musical theater experiences does Hamburg offer?
Hamburg is Germany’s musical capital, featuring iconic productions like "The Lion King" and "Frozen" at the Stage Theater im Hafen. It also offers a range of other must-see performances like "Disney's HERCULES" and "Harry Potter & the Cursed Child."
How can I make the most out of my visit to Hamburg's musical scene?
Dive into the vibrant musical scene by attending the festivals, concerts, and musicals. Plan ahead by checking the schedules and booking your tickets in advance. And for a truly memorable stay, book your accommodation at a MEININGER Hotel, located conveniently close to the major event venues.
🛎️ 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
