c/o pop Festival, 23rd – 27th April 2025

🎶 c/o pop Festival Lineup:

Apsilon ● Alli Neumann ● Astral Bakers ● Boko Yout ● Die Nerven ● eat-girls ● Emma Rose ● futurebae ● Jassin ● Kapa Tult ● Lena&Linus ● lucidbeatz ● MilleniumKid ● Nils Keppel ● PA69 ● Sachsentrance ● skuth ● THÉA ● Yaeger ● Zsá Zsá & more – be sure to check out the official website for the full c/o pop Festival lineup!

Discover the Essence: What the Festival is All About

The c/o pop Festival transforms Cologne into a pop culture hotspot, with concerts in unique venues like Sparkasse KölnBonn (home to the Red Stage) and Artheater, both located near each other. It showcases emerging artists and promotes diversity, featuring FLINTA* and queer talent. Instead of focusing on big headliners, c/o pop Festival embraces newcomers, providing them a platform that often propels them into the spotlight as they gain recognition in the music scene. The c/o pop Convention also offers industry talks and workshops, fostering creative exchange.

🌱 Where It All Began: The Roots of C/O Festival

The c/o pop Festival, held annually in Cologne since 2004, was founded in 2004 by Ralph H. Christoph, former SPEX editor and cultural visionary. Together with cultural event manager Norbert Oberhaus, he shaped its early direction as program director until 2007. Early editions were notable for utilizing unconventional venues, such as repurposed spaces along the Rhine, before eventually moving to the Belgian Quarter with Stadtgarten as its hub.

🎵 Blending Beats and Breakthroughs

The c/o pop Festival celebrates a dynamic mix of electro, indie, hip hop, and rap music. It showcases both established artists and emerging national talents, emphasizing its role in propelling new acts toward international success. Over the years, many national artists — Whitest Boy Alive, AnnenMayKantereit, and Brandt Brauer Frick, for example — have graced its stages before achieving widespread acclaim, highlighting the festival’s forward-thinking approach.

🏆 Honoring Excellence: The pop-NRW Award and Beyond

Events at the festival include the prestigious pop-NRW Award, which honors the best acts from North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as label evenings, showcases, and networking events designed for performers and industry professionals.

🤝 Music Industry Insights at the c/o pop Convention

Running concurrently with the festival is the c/o pop Convention, the first major industry gathering of the year. This convention provides a platform for industry insiders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new trends in music and entertainment.

🏨 Convenient Places to Stay for Easy Access

Based on reviews and location, the following accommodations are a great fit for festival-goers looking for easy access to c/o pop venues and a comfortable stay in the heart of Cologne.

Budget-Friendly Hostels and Youth Accommodations:​

• A&O Köln Neumarkt: Centrally located near Neumarkt, offering both private rooms and dormitories. ​
• Black Sheep Hostel Cologne: Situated close to Barbarossaplatz, known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to public transport. ​
• Hostel die Wohngemeinschaft: Uniquely themed rooms and a central location make this hostel a fun, social base for c/o pop festival-goers.

Mid-Range:

• Meininger Hotel Cologne:​ Offers a blend of hotel and hostel facilities, located near the city center with easy access to festival venues. ​

Luxury:

• Pullman Cologne:​ An upscale hotel in the heart of the city, providing luxurious rooms and amenities, within walking distance to major attractions and festival sites. ​
• Excelsior Hotel Ernst: A historic five-star hotel in the heart of Cologne, offering timeless luxury, gourmet dining, and unparalleled views of the iconic Cologne Cathedral.

🚋 Cruise Cologne with Public Transport During c/o pop

Getting around Cologne during c/o pop is a breeze thanks to the city’s reliable and easy-to-use public transport. Hop on a tram, bus, or train—Ehrenfeld Station is your go-to hub for reaching festival venues. Just a heads-up: festival tickets don’t cover transport, so grab your ride pass via a ticket machine or the KVB app. Most stations are wheelchair accessible, and everything’s super walkable if you’re up for it. For smooth travels, use Google Maps or the KVB app to plan your festival route like a pro. Want the full scoop? Head to the festival’s Accessibility page for all the handy info!

🌮 Tasty Stops: Where to Eat

• Street Food Festival Ehrenfeld: Running from 25 to 27 April, is the perfect spot for festival-goers to grab a bite. With everything from vegan treats to international street eats, it’s a delicious break between c/o pop gigs and good vibes.
• Meet & Eat Market at Rudolfplatz: Every Thursday evening, this market offers a variety of street food and local products.
• Bambule’s Chili: Claims the best chili in town—vegan, gluten-free options, and full of flavor. Festival-goers love the comfort food and friendly staff.

Experience the Magic of c/o pop in Cologne!

The c/o pop Festival takes over unique venues across Cologne, from churches to pop-up stages, creating an unforgettable experience. It’s a must for anyone eager to dive into the future of music and culture. Don’t miss out—this is where the magic happens!

🎁 Bonus tip: Grab a Secret Stash perfume bottle — it’s tiny, stylish, fits in any bag, and keeps your little secrets out of sight! 😉

📅 WHEN: 23rd – 27th April 2025

📍 LOCATION: Cologne/Köln, Germany

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