OpenAir St. Gallen

What began as a modest event in 1977 on the Aetschberg in Abtwil near St. Gallen, has developed into one of the biggest and most important music events in Switzerland. The summer happening with its unique tent village, the incomparable campfire romantic and the special geographical location in the unspoiled natural setting of the Sitter river loop, attracts music fans from all over Europe every year to the capital city of eastern Switzerland.

2500 people made it to the first edition of the festival in 1977. In 1981 the 10,000-mark was passed, and the festival was held for the first time at its present location in the Sitter valley in St. Gallen. 30,000 tickets per day were on sale for the 25th Anniversary in 2001.

The festival in 2012 ended with an unforgettable highlight that may well go down in history. Mumford & Sons are united on the stage with musicians of Wolfmother, Paolo Nutini and The Kooks to play a cover of The Band’s “The Weight” as their last encore – conjuring up goose bumps, tears and a touch of Woodstock.

The attractive and young international line-up guarantees a balanced music program and attracts audiences from the neighbouring countries. The musical style is widely varied, which also contributes to the special character of the festival. The various stages present a young alternative and indie rock program – as well as rock, pop, comedy, hip hop, electronica, reggae, world and folk music and a large percentage of Swiss artists, which all contribute to enrapture the audience.