It all started in 2001: 13 bands, a homemade mini stage, and just under 150 visitors – the Dong Open Air was born.
A lot has happened since then: we moved from a cow pasture to the mighty Dongberg, grew steadily, and eventually transformed the tent stage into a real open-air stage. Along the way, we’ve met many new friends and discovered countless great bands. To date, 336 bands have rocked our stage with 446 shows!
Everything should have been smooth sailing: a festival every year and then the big 25th anniversary in 2025! But as life would have it, it’s never that simple.
In 2020 and 2021, the big hustle and bustle came to an end. No stage, no party, no mosh pit on the hill. But we didn’t go in complete hibernation: We still managed to put together two small open-air festivals – out of passion, defiance, and love for music.
Of course, these two small festivals were no Dong Open Airs, which means that, mathematically speaking, the anniversary has been postponed to 2027. But the thing is, this doesn’t feel right to us. Celebrating the 25th anniversary 27 years after the first Dong Open Air is… somehow wrong.
So what to do?
It is simple: We’re not celebrating a date, a milestone anniversary, or a numerical trick.
We’re celebrating what has kept us together since 2001: the music, the people, and all the stories that have been written at Dong Open Air.
Over the years, hundreds of bands have rocked the Halde, and many more continue to inspire us with their releases and applications. Far more than we could bring together in a single anniversary festival. That’s why, in addition to Dong Open Air, we will be organizing a series of smaller club shows and concerts to give selected bands a stage to showcase their development and strengthen their place in the scene. So instead of one big bash, there will be several shows with a special character around the festival.
We are bringing back groups that have shaped Mount Moshmore and giving space to new bands whose music fits perfectly into the overall picture – bringing together what belongs together.
We can already announce the first show: Khirki – our personal favorite from the last festival – will be playing at the Kulturrampe in Krefeld on April 25, 2026! Tickets will be available soon in our shop!
Until then, keep an eye on our social media channels, because we will be announcing the first bands for Dong Open Air 2026 starting tomorrow!
So stay tuned. It’s going to be really good.
Your Dong Team
Dong Open Air 2026: July 16-18, .2026