Tollwood Summer Festival 2027 – Cultural & Music Germany

What to expect in 2027

Tollwood Summer Festival 2027 is expected to return to Olympiapark Süd in Munich during June–July 2027 (Dates TBD). The festival combines international music, theatre, circus, visual art, environmental projects, cultural activities, organic food and an international arts-and-crafts market. The festival grounds are free to enter, while selected concerts and performances require tickets. Tollwood states that more than 70 percent of its cultural activities are presented with free admission.

The summer festival is designed as more than a conventional concert event. Visitors can spend time exploring the Market of Ideas, discover international food and handicrafts, watch walk-acts and outdoor performances, visit artistic installations, participate in environmental activities and attend concerts in the large Music Arena.

Music remains one of the central attractions. Tollwood presents established international artists, German-speaking performers, newcomers, regional musicians and music legends. The festival’s Music Arena is a large tent where concerts form the principal ticketed music programme.

The cultural programme also includes theatre, physical theatre, Nouveau Cirque, dance, children’s activities and artistic installations. Tollwood describes its summer programme as a combination of culture, environmental commitment and social engagement.

For 2027, the official Music Arena programme already lists artists including Kool Savas, Heavysaurus, Saltatio Mortis, Simply Red, Danger Dan, dicht & ergreifend, Querbeat, Zartmann, Sarah Connor, Joe Bonamassa & Marc Broussard, Matthias Reim and MEUTE. The wider 2027 programme is still developing, so additional cultural events and performances may be announced later.

Event dates

Tollwood Summer Festival 2027 is scheduled for June–July 2027 (Dates TBD).

Specific 2027 festival dates are not included here, as requested. Visitors should consult the official Tollwood website when the complete summer programme and final calendar are published.

The summer festival traditionally operates over an extended period rather than being limited to one weekend. This gives visitors opportunities to return several times for different concerts, theatre performances, cultural activities and food experiences.

The exact opening hours, performance schedule and individual event times for 2027 should be checked on the official programme once released.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venues & festival locations

The main location for Tollwood Summer Festival is Olympiapark Süd in Munich. The festival grounds are transformed into a temporary cultural village containing tents, performance spaces, food areas, market stalls, artistic installations and activity zones.

Music Arena: The large concert tent hosts national and international artists, newcomers and music legends. It is the principal ticketed concert venue of the summer festival.

Amphitheatre: The Amphitheatre provides an open performance setting for theatre, music, group activities and other cultural events. Previous programmes have included free performances and participatory events here.

Market of Ideas: This is one of the defining areas of Tollwood, combining international handicrafts with organic food from around the world. Tollwood states that around 200 exhibitors participate in the market and more than 50 restaurateurs offer organic food.

Marrakesch Tent: This area has hosted free live music and other entertainment during previous summer editions.

Andechser Tent: The Andechser area has traditionally combined food, music and cultural entertainment.

Festival entrance areas: The main entrance can also host performances, workshops and artistic activities, allowing visitors to encounter culture immediately after arriving.

Full cultural programme

The complete Tollwood Summer Festival 2027 cultural programme has not yet been published.

The festival’s summer concept normally includes several interconnected areas:

Music: International stars, German-speaking artists, newcomers, local bands and music legends perform across the festival.

Theatre: Tollwood has a strong tradition of physical theatre, action theatre and Nouveau Cirque.

Art: Sculptures, installations and interactive artworks are placed throughout the festival grounds.

Walk-Acts: Free roaming performances move around the festival site and can be encountered without advance booking.

Market of Ideas: International handicrafts, fair-trade products and organic cuisine form an important part of the cultural experience.

Environmental activities: Sustainability and ecological awareness are integrated into the festival through installations, information projects and participatory activities.

Children and youth: Tollwood provides free programmes for children and young people, including creative and cultural activities.

Social and cultural discussions: Tollwood’s wider programme connects cultural experiences with environmental and social topics.

Featured traditions & performances

Tollwood is not a traditional heritage festival centered on one regional culture. Instead, its cultural identity is based on internationality, multicultural exchange, artistic experimentation and environmental awareness.

The festival’s Market of Ideas is an important expression of this approach. International craftspeople and independent exhibitors bring products and traditions from different parts of the world to Munich, while the food programme introduces visitors to international cuisines.

The performing-arts programme is particularly distinctive. Tollwood is known for Action Theatre, Physical Theatre and Nouveau Cirque, bringing together acrobatics, visual storytelling, movement and theatrical performance.

Walk-Acts are another recurring feature. Rather than staying on one stage, performers move through the festival grounds, creating spontaneous encounters between artists and visitors. These performances are free and do not normally require reservations.

Music also reflects the festival’s international approach, with artists from different countries and musical traditions appearing alongside German and regional performers.

Historical & heritage highlights

Tollwood’s history reaches back to 1988, when founders Uwe Kleinschmidt and Rita Rottenwallner developed the idea of transforming the programme of the cabaret stage Musikalisches Unterholz into an eco-cultural festival. The first Tollwood Festival was held at Olympiapark Süd.

The festival’s identity developed around the combination of culture and environmental commitment. Rather than separating entertainment from ecological and social issues, Tollwood built these themes directly into its programme.

The first Winter Festival followed later, creating a year-round festival organization. Today, the summer and winter editions use different locations and seasonal concepts while retaining the wider Tollwood philosophy.

The festival has welcomed major international performers over the years. Tollwood’s Music Arena history includes artists such as Billy Idol, Sting, Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, ZAZ, Patti Smith and Norah Jones, alongside major German-speaking performers.

This history gives the summer festival a distinctive combination of large-scale concerts, experimental performance, international food, arts and environmental engagement.

Events & activities schedule

The detailed 2027 activity schedule has not yet been released.

Based on the established Tollwood format, visitors can expect the programme to include:

Concert evenings: Ticketed performances in the Music Arena form the main large-scale music programme.

Free live music: Smaller festival areas regularly present musicians without an additional entrance fee.

Theatre and circus: International theatre companies and contemporary circus performers use dedicated performance spaces.

Walk-Acts: Roaming performers move through the grounds and provide spontaneous entertainment.

Art installations: Large sculptures and temporary installations create visual experiences throughout the festival.

Market activities: Visitors can browse international handicrafts and fair-trade products.

Children’s activities: The children’s and youth areas provide free creative experiences.

Environmental activities: Installations and projects encourage visitors to engage with ecological themes.

Food and cultural experiences: Restaurants and food stalls remain an important part of the daily festival atmosphere.

Tollwood’s programme can change from one edition to another, so the final 2027 schedule should be used when planning specific activities.

Ticket types & entry options

The festival grounds and Market of Ideas are free to enter. Tollwood states that more than 70 percent of its cultural activities are freely accessible. Ticketed activities include selected concerts, theatre productions and other special performances.

Festival-ground entry: Free.

Market of Ideas: Free admission.

Walk-Acts: Free admission.

Children’s programme: The children’s and youth programme is free according to Tollwood’s visitor information.

Music Arena concerts: Ticket required.

Selected theatre and performance productions: Ticket required where indicated in the programme.

2027 ticket prices for individual paid events have not yet been fully published. Previous editions used individual event pricing rather than a universal festival admission ticket, meaning the cost depended on the artist or production.

Tollwood’s ticket information states that visitors can purchase tickets through the official Tollwood ticket system, München Ticket and Eventim.

Guided tours & cultural experiences

Tollwood is not primarily organized around conventional guided tours. Instead, cultural discovery is built into the festival grounds.

Visitors can explore the Market of Ideas, discover international crafts, sample organic cuisine, watch street performances and encounter artworks while moving through the festival.

The festival’s environmental installations can also function as educational experiences. Tollwood regularly uses art and interactive projects to encourage visitors to consider environmental and social questions.

Walk-Acts are particularly suitable for spontaneous cultural discovery because they move around the festival rather than remaining on a fixed stage. Information about their locations and starting points is provided at the festival information area.

The Market of Ideas also offers a cultural shopping experience, with exhibitors presenting handmade products and international crafts.

Special ceremonies & celebrations

Tollwood’s summer programme does not follow a fixed traditional ceremony calendar. Instead, special celebrations are created around artistic themes, concerts, installations and community activities.

Large Music Arena concerts can become major evening events, while free performances and installations provide more informal celebrations across the grounds.

The festival frequently develops a central theme for each edition. In 2026, the theme focused on empathy, with installations and activities designed around human connection, shared experiences and emotional engagement. The programme included the Herzkammer installation, group singing, meditation, laughter yoga and other participatory activities.

For 2027, the exact artistic theme and related special celebrations should be confirmed through the official festival programme.

Festival rules

Visitors should follow the current Tollwood visitor regulations and any instructions issued by venue staff, security personnel and authorities.

Admission: Entry to the festival grounds is generally free, while selected performances require tickets.

Bags: Large bags and backpacks may be restricted, particularly at the Music Arena. Previous concert rules permitted bags up to DIN A4 size.

Security checks: Bag inspections and security checks may take place at concert entrances.

Bottles: Music Arena rules have permitted PET plastic bottles up to 0.5 litres but prohibited larger containers, glass, cans, metal bottles and other unsuitable containers. The final 2027 rules should be checked before attending.

Smoking: Smoking, including e-cigarettes, has been prohibited inside Tollwood tents such as the Music Arena.

Children: Age restrictions depend on individual events. The Music Arena has historically applied age restrictions and required younger children to attend with an accompanying adult.

Photography: Personal photography is generally allowed where permitted by the event, while professional equipment may require accreditation.

Visitors should always check the specific rules attached to their concert or performance.

How to get there

Tollwood strongly recommends public transportation for reaching the Summer Festival at Olympiapark Süd. The festival does not provide regular visitor parking on the festival grounds.

By public transport: Munich’s extensive U-Bahn, tram and bus network provides connections to the Olympic Park area.

By bicycle: Cycling is another practical option for visitors staying in Munich.

By car: Visitors travelling by car should use Park & Ride facilities rather than trying to park at the festival site.

By taxi or drop-off: Visitors who need to be dropped off should check the latest traffic and accessibility arrangements before travelling.

Because Tollwood attracts large crowds, public transport is generally the most practical option for visitors staying elsewhere in Munich.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is the recommended way to reach the summer festival.

The Olympiapark area is served by Munich’s public transport system, allowing visitors to connect from central Munich and other parts of the city.

U-Bahn: Munich’s underground network provides access toward the Olympic Park area.

Bus: Bus services provide additional connections around Olympiapark.

Tram: Tram connections can also be used for reaching the surrounding Olympic Park area.

Bicycle: Visitors can cycle to the festival and use designated bicycle parking arrangements.

Parking: Tollwood states that there are no regular visitor parking spaces at the Summer Festival and recommends public transport or bicycles.

Accessible parking: Designated parking is available on the festival grounds for visitors with the appropriate blue disability parking permit, subject to limited capacity. Access is via Ackermannstraße at the corner of Spiridon-Louis-Ring.

Accommodation areas

Visitors can choose accommodation in central Munich or closer to the Olympiapark area.

Olympiapark and surrounding districts: Staying near the festival reduces travel time and can be useful for visitors attending multiple performances.

Schwabing: This area provides convenient access toward Olympiapark while offering restaurants, cafés and accommodation.

Munich city centre: Central Munich has a broad range of hotels and provides excellent public transport connections to the festival.

Hauptbahnhof area: Accommodation around Munich Central Station can be convenient for visitors arriving by train and connecting to Olympiapark by public transportation.

Maxvorstadt: This central district is popular with visitors interested in museums, galleries, restaurants and cultural attractions as well as the festival.

Visitors staying farther from Olympiapark should allow extra time for evening travel after concerts.

Food & traditional specialties

Food is one of Tollwood’s central attractions. The Market of Ideas includes more than 50 restaurateurs offering organic food from around the world, making the culinary programme an international part of the festival rather than simply conventional festival catering.

The festival places particular emphasis on organic food and sustainability.

International cuisine: Visitors can sample dishes inspired by cuisines from different regions of the world.

Organic food: Tollwood’s food programme places organic ingredients at the center of its culinary concept.

Vegetarian and vegan choices: Plant-based dishes are an important part of the festival’s food selection.

International specialties: Food stalls can range from street-food style dishes to more elaborate meals.

Drinks: The festival grounds include bars and refreshment areas associated with the restaurants and tents.

Visitors with allergies or food intolerances can ask individual food stalls directly about ingredients and suitability. Tollwood’s FAQ specifically advises visitors to obtain allergy information directly from the relevant food stand.

Accessibility

Tollwood makes efforts to make its festival grounds accessible, including pathways, entrances, toilets, movement areas and food stalls. The organizer states that all tents, restrooms and many food stalls are accessible to wheelchair users, although some restrictions can apply because of safety requirements and venue capacity.

Wheelchair access: Festival tents and many facilities are designed for wheelchair access.

Accessible toilets: Accessible sanitary facilities are available.

Music Arena: Wheelchair users require a designated wheelchair ticket because the number of approved wheelchair positions is limited. The wheelchair ticket includes space for one accompanying person.

Accessible parking: Limited accessible parking is available for visitors with the required blue parking permit.

Food areas: Many food stalls are accessible, although individual layouts can differ.

Visitors with specific requirements should contact Tollwood before booking a concert so that the correct ticket and seating arrangements can be confirmed.

Best cultural experiences

The best way to experience Tollwood is to combine several parts of the programme rather than focusing exclusively on the headline concerts.

Music Arena: Choose a ticketed concert by one of the international or German-speaking artists appearing in the 2027 programme.

Market of Ideas: Spend time exploring the international crafts, handmade goods and fair-trade products.

Food: Try different organic dishes from the international restaurant selection.

Walk-Acts: Watch roaming performances as they move through the festival grounds.

Theatre and circus: Attend a Nouveau Cirque, physical theatre or other performance for a different cultural experience from the music programme.

Art installations: Explore the temporary sculptures and installations positioned around the festival site.

Children’s programme: Families can visit the free children’s and youth activities.

Environmental projects: Spend time at installations and activities dealing with ecological and social issues.

This combination reflects Tollwood’s broader identity as a culture and environmental festival rather than a conventional music-only event.

Previous year’s highlights

The most recent completed summer festival demonstrated the scale and variety of Tollwood’s programme.

The 2026 edition presented a major Music Arena programme featuring artists from rock, pop, soul, folk, electronic and German-speaking music. The lineup included Deep Purple, Foreigner, Joss Stone, Emeli Sandé, ZAZ, Rick Astley, Anastacia, LP, Asaf Avidan and numerous other performers.

The festival also included a substantial free cultural programme. Visitors could encounter art installations, free live music, children’s activities, workshops, walk-acts and performances across the festival grounds.

The Herzkammer was one of the central artistic projects, built around a large anatomical heart installation and the festival’s 2026 theme concerning empathy. The programme also included Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, environmental installations and other artworks.

The Amphitheatre hosted performances and participatory events, including group singing. Other festival areas provided free music, food and cultural activities.

The 2026 Music Arena programme also featured major rock performances, including Deep Purple and Foreigner, while the festival presented German-language artists and international performers across its broader music programme.

Official tickets

Tollwood Summer Festival 2027 ticket information should be checked through the official Tollwood ticket system once the full programme is available.

The festival grounds themselves are free to enter, so visitors do not need a general festival admission ticket to explore the Market of Ideas, outdoor areas and the majority of free cultural activities.

Paid concerts and selected performances require individual tickets. Tollwood’s official information states that tickets can be purchased through its ticket hotline, online ticket shop and official partners including München Ticket and Eventim.

Previous-edition prices are not presented here as confirmed 2027 prices because Tollwood uses event-specific pricing and the final 2027 prices depend on the individual performance. Where historical pricing is required for planning, the official ticket page for each previous performance should be used as the reference point.

The official Tollwood Summer Festival website remains the best source for the 2027 programme, concert announcements, ticket releases, venue information and visitor guidance.