Evenitto's guide · Live music in Germany
Live music: questions and answers
What people ask most about going to a concert in the Ruhr area, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, Leipzig and Dresden.
Finding a show
Where can I find concerts in my city?
In the calendar on this page. We collect the programmes of venues in the Ruhr area, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, Leipzig and Dresden every day and sort the shows by day and genre.
Are there concerts tonight?
Most nights, yes, from small pubs to big halls, and Friday and Saturday are the busiest. The tonight page lists the shows we know of in the order they start.
Tickets
Where do I buy tickets?
From the link the venue gives: its own box office or the ticket company it works with, usually Eventim, Reservix or Ticketmaster. Every show on Evenitto links to the page where the organizer sells tickets. Many clubs also sell tickets at the door (Abendkasse).
What if the show is sold out?
Ask at the door (Abendkasse) on the night if the venue has one: leftover or returned tickets sometimes appear. Otherwise use the official resale of the ticket companies, where tickets are checked. Avoid buying from strangers online.
Why is the ticket price higher at checkout?
On top of the ticket price there is usually a presale fee (Vorverkaufsgebühr) and a service fee from the seller. Compare the final total, not the price without fees. At the venue's own box office or at the door you sometimes pay less.
Age limits and ID
What do 'ab 16' and 'ab 18' mean?
Every show has an age limit, such as all ages, 16+ (ab 16) or 18+ (ab 18), and the listing says which. The limit is often set by the artist, so it can change from show to show at the same venue.
Do I need an ID?
Yes, bring an ID card or passport: shows for 16+ or 18+ and the bar ask for it. Under German youth protection law beer and wine can be bought from 16, spirits only from 18.
Can children come along?
At all-ages shows, yes. Children and teenagers fall under the German youth protection law (Jugendschutzgesetz), and many organizers ask for an adult to come along with younger ones. Check the listing before you buy.
At the show
When should I arrive?
Tickets show two times: Einlass (doors), when the venue opens, and Beginn (start), when the first act starts. A support act usually plays first, and the headliner often goes on an hour or more after the start time. Want the front? Be there at doors.
Do I need earplugs?
Yes, if you stand near the stage. Concerts are loud, and a pair of earplugs lowers the volume without ruining the music. Pack a pair before you leave.
Can I bring a bag?
As little as you can. Many halls do not allow large backpacks and bags, or send them to the cloakroom (Garderobe). Each venue posts its bag policy on its site.
Can I take photos?
Check the venue's rules. Phones are normally fine for a photo or a short clip; professional cameras and recording gear usually are not allowed without permission.
Festivals
When are the big festivals?
In summer. Summerjam at the Fühlinger See in Cologne is in early July, Juicy Beats in Dortmund's Westfalenpark in late July, the Zeltfestival Ruhr at the Kemnader See from late August into early September, and the Wave-Gotik-Treffen fills Leipzig at Whitsun.