Classic Open Air 2027 – Classical Music Festival Germany

What to expect in 2027

Classic Open Air 2027 returns to Berlin’s historic Gendarmenmarkt from 7–11 July 2027 for a series of summer concerts combining classical music, orchestral performance, crossover, pop, and Italian music. The festival is entering its 33rd edition and will once again use the redesigned Gendarmenmarkt as its spectacular open-air setting in the heart of Berlin. The official programme currently confirms performances from the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Antonello Manacorda, pianist Lukas Sternath, Joana Mallwitz, Howard Carpendale and Italian trio Il Volo, while further artists for some evenings are still to be announced.

The opening concert on 7 July is particularly focused on major orchestral repertoire. The Konzerthausorchester Berlin will perform under conductor Antonello Manacorda, with Lukas Sternath as piano soloist. The programme includes works by Claude Debussy, Ludwig van Beethoven and Maurice Ravel, creating a distinctly classical opening to the 2027 festival.

The following evenings broaden the musical range. The official festival programme lists Joana Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester on 8 July, Howard Carpendale on 9 July, an artist still to be announced for 10 July, and Il Volo on 11 July. All currently announced concerts are scheduled to begin at 19:30, with admission from 17:30.

The final evening will bring an Italian character to the festival as Il Volo performs at the Gendarmenmarkt. Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto are known for combining classical bel canto traditions with contemporary pop influences, making the closing concert a crossover event rather than a purely traditional classical performance.

Event dates

Classic Open Air 2027 takes place from Wednesday, 7 July through Sunday, 11 July 2027 at the Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin.

The currently announced schedule is:

• 7 July 2027: Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Antonello Manacorda and Lukas Sternath
• 8 July 2027: Joana Mallwitz & Konzerthausorchester
• 9 July 2027: Howard Carpendale
• 10 July 2027: Artist to be announced
• 11 July 2027: Il Volo – World Tour 2027

The published performance time for each currently announced evening is 19:30, with doors scheduled to open at 17:30. Programme details remain subject to change, so visitors should check the official festival information before travelling.

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Venue & festival site

Classic Open Air takes place at Gendarmenmarkt, 10117 Berlin, in the central Berlin-Mitte district. The square is one of Berlin’s best-known historic urban spaces and is framed by the Konzerthaus Berlin and the German and French Cathedrals.

The outdoor concert setting gives the festival a different atmosphere from a conventional concert hall. The audience watches performances against the architectural backdrop of Gendarmenmarkt, with the historic buildings forming an important part of the visual experience.

The festival has a long association with the location and returned to the renovated Gendarmenmarkt in 2025 after a renovation-related break. The organisers describe the event as a more than 30-year tradition, while the 2027 edition is promoted as the festival’s 33rd edition.

The site is arranged primarily around a large concert stage and audience seating rather than a multi-stage festival village. This means the focus is on the concert programme, the historic setting and the individual evening performances.

Full lineup

The confirmed 2027 lineup currently includes:

• Konzerthausorchester Berlin
• Antonello Manacorda
• Lukas Sternath
• Joana Mallwitz
• Howard Carpendale
• Il Volo
• One additional artist or programme for 10 July, currently listed as TBA

The opening-night programme is the most detailed programme currently available. The Konzerthausorchester Berlin will perform under Antonello Manacorda, with Lukas Sternath on piano. The repertoire includes Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune,” Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Debussy’s “La Mer” and Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye” Suite.

The 8 July concert features Joana Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester, while the official programme currently provides fewer details about the complete repertoire for this evening. The 9 July performance is dedicated to Howard Carpendale. The 10 July programme remains open, with the official website currently displaying the artist as TBA.

The festival concludes on 11 July with Il Volo, whose programme is expected to combine Italian classical vocal traditions, bel canto influences and contemporary crossover material.

Headliners & featured artists

Konzerthausorchester Berlin

The Konzerthausorchester Berlin opens the 2027 festival on 7 July. The orchestra is based at the Konzerthaus Berlin, which stands directly on Gendarmenmarkt, giving the opening concert a particularly strong connection to the venue.

Antonello Manacorda

Antonello Manacorda conducts the opening-night performance. His programme brings together major works from Beethoven, Debussy and Ravel, providing a broad representation of European orchestral music. The festival’s official biography notes his experience with major opera productions and leading orchestras and his long connection with Berlin.

Lukas Sternath

Pianist Lukas Sternath appears as soloist on 7 July for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. His appearance forms the principal soloist element of the opening orchestral programme.

Joana Mallwitz

Joana Mallwitz returns to the Classic Open Air programme on 8 July with the Konzerthausorchester. She previously opened the festival’s 2025 return at the renovated Gendarmenmarkt and was also part of the 2026 programme.

Howard Carpendale

Howard Carpendale is currently listed for 9 July. His appearance broadens the festival’s programme beyond orchestral classical music and adds a major German-language popular music performance to the five-day schedule.

Il Volo

Il Volo closes Classic Open Air 2027 on 11 July. The trio consists of Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto and is known internationally for its blend of Italian bel canto, classical crossover and pop. Their Berlin appearance is presented as part of their World Tour 2027.

Stages & performance areas

Classic Open Air is designed primarily as a single-stage concert festival rather than a multi-stage music festival. The central performance area is located on Gendarmenmarkt, with the historic Konzerthaus and surrounding architecture creating the backdrop for the concerts.

This format means visitors do not have to choose between simultaneous performances. Instead, each evening centres on one main programme and a continuous concert experience.

The seating arrangement is divided into different ticket categories, allowing visitors to select their preferred position within the festival’s audience area. Higher categories generally provide closer or more advantageous seating positions, while lower categories provide more economical ways to experience the same performance.

Stage-by-stage schedule

Because Classic Open Air uses one principal concert stage, the 2027 schedule can be understood as an evening-by-evening programme:

7 July – Opening concert

The festival opens at 19:30 with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin under Antonello Manacorda, featuring Lukas Sternath on piano. The announced programme moves from Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune” to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and then to Debussy’s “La Mer” and Ravel’s “Ma mère l’Oye.”

8 July – Joana Mallwitz & Konzerthausorchester

Joana Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester take over the main stage for the second evening. The performance is scheduled for 19:30, with admission from 17:30.

9 July – Howard Carpendale

Howard Carpendale is scheduled to perform on Friday evening. The programme provides a change of musical style after the two orchestral-led opening nights.

10 July – Programme TBA

The 10 July artist is currently listed as TBA on the official festival website. Visitors planning around this evening should check the festival’s programme updates before purchasing or finalising travel plans.

11 July – Il Volo

The festival closes with Il Volo at 19:30. The evening is expected to focus on the trio’s Italian crossover repertoire and World Tour 2027 programme.

Set times

The currently published schedule gives a consistent evening timetable:

• 17:30: Festival admission opens
• 19:30: Concert begins
• Concert end: Varies according to the evening’s programme

The exact running time for each concert may differ because the artists and programmes are not identical. Visitors should allow additional time for security checks, finding their seats and settling into the venue before the performance starts.

Ticket types

Tickets for Classic Open Air 2027 are currently being sold, with the official ticket listing advertising tickets from €65, which is approximately $74.49 using an indicative EUR/USD rate of €1 = $1.146. The final amount charged can vary because ticketing fees and exchange rates may change.

The festival uses several seating categories. Since complete 2027 category pricing has not yet been published in the available official material, the following prices use the 2026 official category prices as a reference and convert them to approximate US dollars:

• Golden Circle: approximately $71.03–$207.43
• PK1: approximately $104.29–$177.63
• PK2: approximately $92.89–$177.63
• PK3: approximately $76.90–$137.16
• PK4: approximately $71.03–$106.58
• PK6: approximately $65.32–$83.66

These figures are based on the official 2026 published category prices and are provided as a guide because 2027 category prices can change. The 2026 official ticket information listed different prices by concert date and category.

The currently advertised 2027 starting price is therefore the most relevant confirmed 2027 figure, while the category amounts above should be treated as previous-edition reference prices rather than guaranteed 2027 prices.

VIP & premium options

Classic Open Air offers a VIP upgrade that can be added to a concert ticket. The official VIP arrangement has included a welcome from hosts, access to a VIP area, a laminated VIP pass, food and a selection of drinks, a programme booklet, a seat cushion, a rain cape or fan, limited parking availability, fast-lane access and a post-concert goodie bag.

The 2026 official VIP upgrade price was $171.90 based on the published €150 price. This is a previous-edition reference price and should not be treated as the final 2027 VIP price unless confirmed for the 2027 season.

The VIP upgrade does not replace the concert admission ticket. Visitors need a valid concert ticket as well as the applicable VIP upgrade. The official information also notes limited parking availability for VIP guests, subject to advance arrangements.

Event rules

Visitors should bring a valid ticket to gain admission. The festival’s terms state that admission requires a valid ticket and that a ticket is validated when entering the event area. A ticket that has already been validated cannot be used again.

Mobile tickets and print-at-home tickets can be presented on a smartphone, so printing is not necessary when using a valid mobile ticket. Visitors should ensure that the barcode or ticket information can be displayed clearly at the entrance.

Ticket holders should also allow sufficient time for entry procedures. The event is an outdoor seated concert, so checking the weather forecast and preparing suitable clothing is advisable for July evenings in Berlin.

How to get there

Gendarmenmarkt is located in central Berlin-Mitte and is straightforward to reach from other parts of Berlin.

The closest underground stations include Hausvogteiplatz, served by U2, and Stadtmitte, served by U2 and U6. Both stations are only around 0.2–0.3 km from the Gendarmenmarkt. Unter den Linden station, served by U5 and U6, is also within walking distance.

Visitors arriving by S-Bahn can use central connections such as Brandenburger Tor and continue on foot or transfer to the U-Bahn. Berlin’s extensive public transport network makes it practical to reach the festival without driving into the city centre.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is particularly useful for Classic Open Air because Gendarmenmarkt is centrally located and close to several U-Bahn stations. Stadtmitte and Hausvogteiplatz are among the nearest stations, while Unter den Linden provides another convenient connection.

Parking directly around the festival site can be limited because of the central location and event arrangements. Visitors arriving by car should consider using a nearby public car park and walking to the square rather than relying on street parking.

The festival’s VIP information notes that parking can be included as part of the VIP upgrade, but availability is limited and advance registration is requested.

Accommodation areas

The most convenient accommodation areas are Berlin-Mitte, Friedrichstraße, Unter den Linden, Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz. Staying in Mitte is particularly useful because visitors can walk to Gendarmenmarkt and combine the concert with sightseeing.

Hotels around Friedrichstraße and Unter den Linden provide easy access to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn network. The area also puts visitors close to attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral and Checkpoint Charlie.

For visitors staying farther from central Berlin, choosing accommodation near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station can make the journey to Gendarmenmarkt simple. Stadtmitte, Hausvogteiplatz and Unter den Linden provide particularly convenient connections to the venue.

Food & drink

Food and drinks are part of the broader Classic Open Air experience, particularly for visitors using the VIP facilities. The official VIP arrangement includes food and a selection of drinks in the VIP area.

For standard ticket holders, Gendarmenmarkt’s central Berlin location means there are numerous restaurants, cafés and bars within walking distance. Visitors can have dinner before the concert or arrange a meal after the performance.

Because the concerts begin at 19:30 and admission starts at 17:30, arriving early provides an opportunity to eat nearby and reach the venue before the performance begins.

Accessibility

Classic Open Air provides dedicated ticket arrangements for visitors with severe disabilities and wheelchair users with the applicable B entitlement. The official ticket information states that eligible visitors pay the normal ticket price and receive a free accompanying ticket. Such tickets are handled through the festival’s designated accessibility ticket contact.

Visitors who require accessible seating or assistance should arrange their tickets in advance rather than waiting until the event date. Accessibility arrangements can depend on the specific seating configuration and should therefore be confirmed with the official ticket provider.

Best days to attend

The best day to attend depends on the type of music you want to hear rather than on a single overall choice.

For traditional classical music: 7 July is the clearest option because the opening programme is built around the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Antonello Manacorda and Lukas Sternath, with Beethoven, Debussy and Ravel on the announced programme.

For orchestral performance: 8 July is the relevant evening because Joana Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester are scheduled to perform.

For German popular music: 9 July features Howard Carpendale.

For Italian classical crossover: 11 July is the closing concert with Il Volo, combining Italian vocal traditions with contemporary crossover music.

For programme variety: 10 July may become particularly interesting once the TBA artist is officially announced.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2026 edition brought together six evenings of music and attracted more than 30,000 visitors, according to the official festival website. The programme included Joana Mallwitz with the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Giovanni Zarrella, Joja Wendt, Jodok Cello, Naturally 7, the Bigband der Bundeswehr, David Garrett, HAEVN, Niklas Paschburg and Alphaville with Suena.

The 2025 edition marked the festival’s return to the renovated Gendarmenmarkt after a renovation-related break. It featured Joana Mallwitz and the Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Giovanni Zarrella, Joja Wendt, Sasha, Nigel Kennedy, Tom Gaebel, Gregory Porter, Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov. The official festival reported approximately 28,000 visitors across the five evenings.

The 2025 opening concert demonstrated the festival’s combination of orchestral music and outdoor spectacle, while later evenings expanded into Italian pop, jazz, piano performance, soul, crossover and opera. The final concert with Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov was postponed by one day because of weather but still brought the 2025 edition to a successful conclusion.

These previous editions show the broad musical direction that visitors can expect from Classic Open Air: the festival is rooted in classical music but regularly includes jazz, pop, schlager and crossover performances.

Official tickets

Tickets for Classic Open Air 2027 are currently available through the official ticketing channel, with the published 2027 listing showing tickets from $74.49 approximately, converted from the advertised starting price of €65. The official festival website also lists the programme and ticket purchasing information.

Visitors should use the official ticket provider for current availability, seating categories, final fees and the latest 2027 prices because the programme and ticket details can be updated as additional artists are announced.

Official festival website: Classic Open Air official website (https://classicopenair.de/)

Official ticket listing: Classic Open Air 2027 tickets (https://www.myticket.de/de/classic-open-air-berlin-tickets)