Each summer, the historic Spandau Citadel is transformed into a musical hotbed, with legendary acts taking to the stage beneath the imposing backdrop of the 16th Century fortress.
Don’t expect a festival in the traditional sense – Citadel isn’t a two or three day affair but rather a multi-week concert series attracting the biggest names in the world. It’s one of the most popular open-air events in the city and is a musical highlight of Berlin’s summer every year.
In the past, legends such as Bob Dylan, Marianne Faithfull and Neil Young as well as iconic bands such as Queens of the Stone Age and Rage Against the Machine have played here.
Their 2025 season is no exception, attracting talent from rising stars to rock legends. Find out what to expect here.
Smashing Pumpkins
In an interview with ‘Visions’, Smashing Pumpkins’ singer and frontman Billy Corgan said: ‘For every old fan we lose, we gain two young ones.’ And it’s true. The Smashing Pumpkins have never been complacent, never predictable – and yet the alternative rock band from Chicago is one of the world’s most successful music groups. They still inspire many bands today with their emotional and orchestral songs.
- August 6, details
Queens of the Stone Age
There is no longer any doubt about it: Queens of the Stone Age are one of the best live bands in the world. Complicated rhythms, daring tempo changes and finger-breaking riffs suddenly sound so simple in the hands of Josh Homme and co. The group brings hard stoner rock and danceable pop together as a matter of course – experiencing their biggest hit ‘No One Knows’ live is unmissable. It’s not the first time the group has played at the Zitadelle – the singer repeatedly emphasises that the Spandau fortress is one of his favourite venues. After their 2024 concert had to be cancelled for health reasons, it will be great to see them in the city again.
- August 12, details
OFF DAYS with Nelly Furtado
New concert series OFF DAYS celebrates its second year in Berlin with a mega booking: Nelly Furtado will be taking to the stage with her first headline show in more than eleven years. Look forward to hearing mega hits such as ‘Maneater’, ‘I’m Like a Bird’ and ‘Say It Right’. As in the previous year, two OFF DAYS concert days are planned in Berlin and Hamburg. In addition to Nelly Furtado, several artists will perform on the same day in the Spandau Citadel and in Hamburg’s Stadtpark, with more names announced soon.
- August 28, details
OFF DAYS with 070 Shake and Saint Levant
The second day of OFF DAYS features two exciting diverse acts. The US singer, rapper and songwriter 070 Shake combines hip-hop, alternative and electronic sounds. Saint Levant is a Palestinian-French-Algerian musician who fuses R&B and Arabic poetry. More artists for the second day of the festival will be announced soon.
- August 30, details
