SonneMondSterne

SonneMondSterne is a major open-air electronic dance music event held annually in Thuringia, Germany. Taking place over three days during the second August weekend, it draws tens of thousands of fans to the Bleilochtalsperre reservoir for continuous beats and lakeside camping.

• Held at the Bleilochtalsperre reservoir in Thuringia, Germany.
• Grew from 2,500 attendees in 1997 to 35,000 by its fifteenth edition.
• Features a pair of primary stages, four club tents, and a party boat.
• On-site camping is included in the ticket price for all visitors.

What it is

SonneMondSterne, often abbreviated as SMS, is a prominent open-air electronic dance music gathering in Germany. It transforms the shores of the Bleilochtalsperre reservoir into a lively hub for club culture and community. For attendees, it represents a summer destination where tens of thousands come together to experience continuous beats, dance until morning, and enjoy the scenic lakeside setting. The event has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from a modest initial gathering into a large celebration that anchors the German electronic music scene for a long weekend every August.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1997, welcoming a modest crowd of 2,500 people to the Thuringian countryside. Over the years, its popularity surged, with the fifteenth edition in 2011 attracting 35,000 visitors. To keep the community engaged between the main summer events, the organizers launched a winter edition called Wintercircus in the early 2000s. This winter event eventually shifted to the spring and was rebranded as Camp Music, though it concluded in 2004. Since 2007, the main summer festival has incorporated a Roman numeral ten into its title, marking its editions with a unique numerical naming convention.

How it is celebrated

The celebration centers around non-stop electronic dance music across a pair of primary stages and four dedicated club tents. Beyond the dance floors, the expansive grounds feature numerous bars, restaurants, and retail markets, alongside a unique party boat moored on the water. Attendees fully embrace the festival lifestyle by camping directly on-site, with the admission ticket conveniently covering all accommodation costs. Visitors can select their preferred environment, choosing between a tranquil resting zone or a lively area situated closer to the continuous music. The programming consistently features top-tier international and local DJs, creating an immersive atmosphere where fans dance from daylight into darkness.

Joining in

To join the gathering, travelers head to the Bleilochtalsperre reservoir near Saalburg-Ebersdorf in Thuringia during the second August weekend. As a newcomer, you can expect a welcoming environment where your entry pass grants you both festival access and a spot for your tent. The site is well-equipped with supermarkets and dining options, ensuring you have everything needed for a comfortable lakeside stay. Simply pack your camping gear and prepare to immerse yourself in three days of relentless electronic rhythms.

Sources and attribution

This page is EveryMela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article SonneMondSterne, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• SonneMondSterne on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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