Southside Festival

Southside Festival is an annual open-air music festival held near Tuttlingen, Germany, each June. Known for its focus on alternative rock, the event draws tens of thousands of music fans for three days of performances on four stages at the Neuhausen ob Eck Airfield.

• Held annually at Neuhausen ob Eck Airfield since 2002
• Four main stages host dozens of acts over three days
• Attendance has reached up to 60,000 visitors
• Known for its alternative rock and electronic lineups
• Sister festival to Hurricane, held simultaneously in northern Germany

What it is

Southside Festival is one of Germany’s major music festivals, celebrated each June in the south of the country. It brings together a diverse crowd of music lovers and features a lineup centered on alternative rock, with performances from both international and German artists. The festival is known for its energetic atmosphere, large crowds, and a sense of community among attendees who camp on-site for the weekend. For many, Southside is not just about the music but also about sharing the experience with friends, rain or shine.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1999 as a southern counterpart to the Hurricane Festival in northern Germany. Initially held at the former military airport of Neubiberg near Munich, it moved to Neuhausen ob Eck in 2000. Over the years, Southside has grown from 15,000 visitors to crowds of up to 60,000, becoming a staple of the German summer festival scene. Its history includes memorable performances and challenges, such as severe weather incidents and efforts to protect and restore the festival grounds.

How it is celebrated

Southside unfolds over three days, with music from afternoon until late at night across four stages: the Green, Blue, Red, and White stages. The lineup features a mix of alternative, rock, and electronic acts, with past performers including Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Talent, and Florence + the Machine. Festivalgoers camp on the expansive airfield, creating a temporary city of tents and camaraderie. Food stalls, big screens for major sports events, and environmental initiatives like 'Green Camping' add to the experience. Despite unpredictable weather—sometimes hot, sometimes muddy—attendees embrace the elements, often coming prepared for rain and chilly nights.

Joining in

Visitors can join the festivities at Neuhausen ob Eck Airfield, near Tuttlingen in southern Germany. Expect large crowds, lively campsites, and a packed schedule of live music. Tickets typically sell out in advance, so planning ahead is wise. The festival is well-organized, with security, medical services, and amenities for campers. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning fan, Southside offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to immerse yourself in Germany’s alternative music scene.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Southside Festival, 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

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

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