FRANKFURT AM MAIN - Europa Open Air returns to Frankfurt on 20 August 2026 with a major free concert dedicated to European culture and diversity. Organised by the ECB and Hessischer Rundfunk, the event will take place at Weseler Werft, on the banks of the Main. The Frankfurt Radio Symphony and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band will perform on stage, together with international guests such as Kurt Elling and Richard Galliano. The evening will also offer the public the opportunity to view the ten proposals for the design of future euro banknotes.
The Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony
The ECB and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony invite the public to Europa Open Air on 20 August 2026. Free open-air concert in Frankfurt to celebrate the diversity of Europe. The Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony will perform. The ten selected designs for future euro banknotes will be on display at the ECB stand. On Thursday 20 August 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) and broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) will once again organise the Europa Open Air concert at Weseler Werft in Frankfurt. The free event brings together music, culture and community in an evocative setting along the river and reflects the ECB’s commitment to maintaining a direct relationship with the city that hosts it. The theme of the event will be "celebrating Europe". This year’s programme will feature the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony and internationally renowned artists, including Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling and accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano.
Opportunities to interact and share views on the design of future euro banknotes
Further details on the programme and performances are available on the Hessischer Rundfunk website. «Europa Open Air celebrates the richness of European cultural life and the ties that unite us», said ECB President, Christine Lagarde. «Music creates a shared experience that transcends borders and reminds us of what unites us as Europeans. This year, visitors will also have the opportunity to interact with us and share their views on the design of future euro banknotes». As in previous years, the ECB will have an information stand where visitors can meet ECB experts and learn more about the institution’s work. This year, the stand will be dedicated to the design of future euro banknotes.
"European culture" and "Rivers and birds"
Visitors will be able to examine the ten selected design proposals currently under consideration and take part in the ECB’s public survey. The proposals are based on two possible themes: "European culture" and "Rivers and birds". Visitors will be able to discover how these themes could shape the next series of euro banknotes, discuss the proposals with ECB experts and share their views directly at the event. Admission is free. The gates at Weseler Werft will open at 16:00. Further information on the programme is available on the Frankfurt Radio Symphony and Frankfurt Radio Big Band websites. Further information on the proposals for the design of future euro banknotes is available on the ECB website.
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