XX. AMPHI FESTIVAL, Cologne, Germany

25 – 26 July 2026

Festival Preview

by Malice F.

A date we all dark people are longing for each year! Near the end of July, Cologne and Tanzbrunnen venues by Rhein river will once again be painted black and host a fabulous goth and alternative music celebration and gathering.

Amphi festival started back in 2005 as The Orkus open air, a two-day music event in Gelsenkirchen, before settling down the next year in beautiful Cologne and Tanzbrunnen. We as Electrowelt.com had the privilege and joy to be part of this wonderful Amphi journey since 2008, we have been part of the celebrations with our dj sets and enjoyed all bands performing, having the opportunity to check out big names of the scene, as well as newcomers who they have become well-known since then.

An awesome and killer line-up this year too! Organizers never seize to amaze us with the bands announced each year and the surprises they prepare for us. Headliners for the 2026 celebrative edition for the 20 years of AMPHI are the beloved VNV NATION at the main stage, who didn’t make it as headliners last year, my absolute favorites CALVA Y NADA at the Theater stage and PINK TURNS BLUE at the orbit stage for Saturday, On Sunday, we have EIBRECHER at the main stage, WELLE:ERDBALL at the theater and ROTERSAND at the orbit stage.

And of course, once again, many first time Amphi performances too, as well as big names are part of the festival’s roster, as you will see below. Here are the confirmed artists and bands for the Amphi Festival 2026 in alphabetical order, for each festival day, the bands marked with a small star {*} are performing for the first time at Amphi Festival:

Saturday, 25th of July 2026

Florian Grey * – Harpyie – Soulbound – Silent Runners * – Echoberyl * – Heldmaschine – Escape with Romeo – Dina Summer * – Das Ich – TWIN NOIR * – Soror Dolorosa * – Solar Fake – Whispers in the Shadow – Selofan – Mono Inc. – The Exploding Boy – Rue Oberkampf – VNV Nation – Calva Y Nada – PINK TURNS BLUE

Sunday, 26th of July 2026

Motel Transylvania * – Chrom – Schattenmann – Kllsignl * – Extize – Solitary Experiments – EMMON * – The Sweet Kill * – Lebanon Hanover – SIIE * – Assemblage 23 * – Diary Of Dreams – Potochkine – Empathy Test – Joachim Witt – Paradox Obscur * – Clan of Xymox – Eisbrecher – Welle – Rotersand.

Exact running times will be announced in time, we will be updating all relative info, so stay tuned!

Now let’s share some inside experience info for the newcomers, to help decide on definitely visiting Amphi this year: Amphi is held at a wonderful location by the river in summertime, Performances take place at two stages, we have the amphitheatrical Main Stage, the indoor venue of Theater, where pre-festival and after parties are also being held there, and during recent years, we also have the additional great party and concert onboard choice of RheinEnergie. During the festivities, visitors have the chance to hand at the beach club KM 689 and enjoy a cold beer, a drink or food looking over a breathtaking view of the river and the Cologne cathedral, a really fantastic way to get some rest and continue with the gigs. You can also explore the beautiful city of Cologne and its landmarks. For all of you who like to indulge in some goth shopping, don’t worry, organizers have taken that care too! Many gothic stores, a super outdoor and indoor, under a tent, stores.

After arriving on Friday, first job we have to take care of is to get our wristbands, so we head to the amphi stands at the main entrance to do so and after that, with the party ticket at hand, we dive in to the opening events!

The special opening concert of “Call The Ship To Port” is taking place for the ninth time this year. On Friday July 24, the MS RheinEnergie, will take 1,333 festival goers on a boat trip across the Rhine and on stage three exclusive power live-acts will set the pulse and give the best send off for the Amphi-weekend: HOCICO, GRENDEL and ALIENARE.

Afterwards, if you are up to it, it’s time again for the official Amphi Pre-Party at the Theater am Tanzbrunnen, that starts at 10pm. This year Sven Friedrich from SOLAR FAKE and Bruno Kramm from DAS ICH, as well as German djs who collaborate with Amphi will be starting off the festivities with electro, ebm, synth pop timeless dancefloor hits!

Tickets for the official Amphi Pre-Party 2026 (pre-sale 12,5 €) are, as always, required in addition to the festival ticket and are available at the AMPHI SHOP at www.amphi-shop.de as well as at www.eventim.de and at all known CTS/EVENTIM advance booking offices.

Tickets

Weekend tickets are available for 132.50€ (plus shipping cost) at www.amphi-shop.de (worldwide shipping).

General Info

Doors open: 10:00 am

Beginning: 11:00 am

Festival websites: www.amphi-festival.de

Facebook Event Amphi Festival 2025: https://www.facebook.com/events/721669245594891/

You can check the amphi website, we will be publishing further news and updates at Electrowelt.com too (www.electrowelt.com )

You will also find tips for reaching Cologne and the venue, as well as finding accommodation, general conditions and many more.

Make sure you get your tickets asap! Organizers have announced that the presale is almost sold out, pre-sale contingent for the Amphi Festival 2026 is already 95% exhausted!

UPDATE: For the first time, coinciding with Amphi’s 20-year anniversary, the festival is SOLD OUT! Sooner than ever before!

See you all at Amphi Festival in Cologne for a unique dark concert and celebrative memorable 20-year festival experience for 2026!