SonneMondSterne (SMS) Festival, 7th - 9th August 2026

SonneMondSterne Festival, also known as SMS Festival, is one of Europe’s leading electronic music events, uniting world-class DJs and thousands of ravers on the shores of Lake Saalburg.

📅 WHEN: 7th – 9th August 2026

📍 LOCATION: Saalburg Beach, Bleiloch Reservoir, Saalburg-Ebersdorf, Germany

🎤 SonneMondSterne Festival Lineup

Main Stage:
Skrillex ● Scooter ● SDP ● BUNT. ● Cloudy ● Fantasm ● Filow ● Funk Tribu ● Holy Priest ● Ikkimel ● Klangkuenstler ● Nico Moreno ● A.N.I. ● Davyboi B2B Mika Heggemann ● Die Gebrüder Brett ● Jowi ● KAACEE KomaCasper ● LEVT ● NIKOLINA ● Paraçek ● Pegassi ● Rewi ● Schrotthagen ● Shoki 287

Main Circus – 44 LABEL TAKEOVER:
Kobosil ● Somewhen ● Clara Cuvé ● Ueberrest B2B Azzle ● PRADA2000 ● In Verruf B2B Aiden ● Rikhter ● B2B2B2B

+ Many More to be Announced!

🎶 The SonneMondSterne Festival Experience: What It’s All About

The SonneMondSterne Festival is a celebration of music under the open sky, literally from sunset to sunrise. Each year, thousands of festival-goers dance through a full day-and-night cycle, guided by the celestial trio: the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.

Once a year, the scenic shores of the Bleiloch reservoir near Saalburg-Ebersdorf transform into a vibrant electronic playground. The lakeside setting comes alive with neon lights, glittered faces, and themed party zones, all pulsing to the rhythm of electronic music. Beyond the main stages, the campsite turns into a creative wonderland filled with fantasy gardens and fairy-tale setups.

A peaceful Buddha statue overlooks the area, symbolizing harmony amid the chaos. With a party boat floating nearby and chilled summer beats echoing across the water, the idyllic lake view completes the experience.

A Festival Legacy

Founded in 1997 by techno pioneers Dr. Motte and Westbam, SonneMondSterne began as a small three-day gathering of 2,500 fans. Over the years, it has evolved into one of Europe’s biggest open-air electronic festivals, welcoming more than 40,000 visitors each day. Today, it remains a symbol of freedom, unity, and nonstop energy, a true celebration by the water.

Festival Rhythms: From Chill House to Hardcore Techno

The massive main stage delivers big-room EDM, house, and techno, featuring some of the world’s top headliners. But the experience doesn’t end there! Smaller stages across the site offer everything from deep bass and psytrance to groovy beachside beats. Whether you’re into laid-back daytime vibes or intense late-night sets, SonneMondSterne offers the perfect soundtrack for every moment.

🗺️ How to Get to SonneMondSterne Festival

If you’re arriving by car, set your GPS to: Festivalwiese, Wetteraweg, 07929 Saalburg-Ebersdorf. This will take you directly to the official SonneMondSterne Festival parking area. All guests with a day ticket should follow the signs for “Tagesparkplatz” (day parking area). Note that camping is not allowed there, parking only.

For those choosing sustainable travel, arrive by train to Bad Lobenstein station. From there, hop on the official charge-free shuttle bus, which will take you straight to the entrance of the SonneMondSterne Festival.

🛏️ Where to Stay During SMS Festival: Top Picks for Every Budget

Budget-Friendly:

Gasthof Zur Goldenen Sonne: Just a 15-minute drive from the SMS Festival venue. Crossing the scenic Saalburger Brücke at Bleilochtalsperre, you’ll find clean, comfortable accommodation with nostalgic charm. Guests highly praise the food and give it a big thumbs up!
Pension am Teich Schleiz: During a festival break, it’s a relief to have hosts you can rely on. Friendly and always available, they make you feel like royalty—and you’ll eat like one too! This is the kind of accommodation you’ll want to return to again and again.

Mid-Range:

Hotel Luginsland: This retro-style hotel is conveniently located near the motorway and right next to the historic Schleiz Triangle racetrack. With a long history and authentic atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee before heading to the SMS Festival.

Luxury:

Bio-Seehotel Zeulenroda: Though located a bit farther from the festival grounds, this lakeside accommodation is well worth the extra distance. Prepare for your SMS Festival day in a luxurious bathroom with ambient RGB lighting. Then sleep in comfort with soft bedding and cozy rooms overlooking stunning lake views. The fantastic on-site wellness center offers complete relaxation before the wild party begins!

🎒 What to Pack for SonneMondSterne Festival

Comfy shoes are essential
For an elevated experience, grab the magical Royal Box! Now available in the sleek S-Line edition, perfectly sized to fit any pocket or wallet!

Get ready for the ultimate summer rave – check out ticket info and join the celebration!

BUY TICKETS