DAS FEST in Karlsruhe, Germany, has taken place every year since it started in 1985. It is one of the largest open-air festivals in Germany with approximately 212,000 visitors last year.

Different than many other festivals, DAS FEST was established with the aim to offer something for every age class despite their socioeconomic background, which is why it has always been free to attend. Only recently was it forced to charge an admission of a 5€ per day for the main stage, but other attractions and music stages are still free. The official festival takes place July 20-22, but there are many smaller attractions and regional artists the week prior to the festival.

What does the festival offer? On a Sunday morning you can have your breakfast while listening to the sound of classical music. Classical music not your cup of tea? How about dancing away to electronic sounds in front of the DJ stage? A wallflower? What about watching sports competitions, such as skating, beach volleyball and freestyle frisbee contests?Otherwise, you can take your time and collect as many freebies as possible, get your make-up and hair done by dm Drogeriemarkt (you guessed it, for free!), and best of all, watch famous artists and bands perform while sitting on a hill with with an excellent view of the stage.


View from the hill onto the main stage


Eat your breakfast while listening to classical music.


Sports competitions


Many activities for adults and kids!

Many of the artists for 2012 are German such as Culcha Candela, Maximo Park, Deichkind, Jupiter Jones, Casper and the Curbside Prophets, and many others. Smaller artists and DJs have not yet been announced but can be found via this link as soon as it is updated. Tickets may be ordered online or picked up in many stores in Karlsruhe (see the full list here).

Accommodation during DAS FEST:

Unfortunately there is no camping space close by, but there are a couple of other possibilities:

– Private and shared accommodations via housetrip, wimdu, 9flats and gloveler.

– Youth Hostel

– Couchsurfing

– Camping site (a bit remote)

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All pictures via dasfest.net

Tags DAS FEST, festival, Karlsruhe