Spring in Kempten: Excursions, Festivals, and the First Open-Airs (Preview of the Upcoming Season)

Kempten Jazz Spring: Festival Feeling in the City Center

For the upcoming spring season, the Kempten Jazz Spring is once again considered one of the most important cultural highlights in the city center. A typical feature of the festival is that concerts are spread over several days and various venues, making it possible to "wander the city" between locations.

If you want to schedule your trip to Kempten in the spring, this event is a good anchor point: The festival phase usually takes place from late April to early May. The exact dates, venues, and acts are published in the official program each year.

What You Can Expect Musically

• Variety of Styles: From classic jazz to swing/blues to modern, cross-genre projects (depending on the line-up).
• Short Distances: Many venues are in and around the city center, allowing you to combine several concerts in one evening.
• Mix of Large and Small Settings: Open-air flair, stage programs, and club nights provide variety.

Open-Air Kickoff: How to Plan a Day Around Rathausplatz & City

For the upcoming festival kickoff, open-air program highlights are again expected in the city center – often with a focus around Rathausplatz and nearby squares. This is ideal, especially for first-time visitors: You quickly get a feel for the city without long distances or complicated day planning.

Suggestion for a Harmonious Spring Day (Flexibly Adaptable)

1. Morning: City center walk (old town/city) and a break in a café.
2. Lunch: Light meal in the city center – preferably close to the later venues.
3. Afternoon: Time window for an exhibition, a museum, or simply a stroll through the shopping streets.
4. Early Evening: Open-air program around central squares (check program times in advance).
5. Late Evening: Follow-up concert in an indoor location (hall/club) – ideal if it gets cooler.

jazzNight & Club Concerts: How to Get the Most Out of an Evening

For the next season, it's worth taking a closer look at the jazzNight (if it is included in the program again): The concept is often designed so that you can visit several venues with one ticket. This makes an evening in the city center very dynamic – perfect if you want to hear different styles and get to know various locations.

How to Plan Your Route (Without Stress)

• Prioritize: Mark 1–2 "must-see" concerts and deliberately leave buffer time in between.
• Keep Distances Short: Choose venues that are easily walkable from each other.
• Mind the Timing: Allow for admission times, queues, and location changes.
• Acoustics & Atmosphere: Clubs are often more intense and up close – if you prefer it quieter, opt for hall formats.

“Spring in the Allgäu”: Concert Series with a Regional Focus

In addition to the major city center events, the concert series “Spring in the Allgäu” can also be a good addition in the coming spring season. Such series are particularly attractive if you want to experience regional music culture in a concentrated setting – often in smaller halls with direct proximity to the stage.

For your planning, it is advisable to check the program early: Series events can be more punctual in terms of dates than a multi-day festival, and individual evenings can sell out more quickly.

Excursions & City Moments: Ideas Between Culture and Nature

Those who visit Kempten in spring can combine cultural events very well with short excursions. The advantage: You remain flexible without feeling "too far away" from the city center when concerts start in the late afternoon or evening.

3 Simple Building Blocks for a Successful Stay

• City First: Start with a city tour to get your bearings for later venues.
• Green In Between: Consciously take a break outdoors (park/walking path) before the evening program begins.
• Fix the Evening: Decide early whether you prefer open-air or choose an indoor event as a weatherproof option.

Additionally, it is worth taking a look at the city event calendar for the coming season: There, not only major festivals but also markets, tours, theater, and smaller music events are usually announced together.

Practical Planning: Tickets, Times, Arrival, Weather

Tickets & Program

• For the upcoming season, use only the official program pages of the organizers to check dates, admission, age rules, and ticket models.
• If several venues are involved, plan extra time for each location change.

Arrival & Routes

• For an evening with several stops, accommodation near the city center (or with good public transport connections) is practical.
• If you combine open-air and club concerts, it helps to mark the routes on a map in advance.

Clothing & Weather Strategy

• In spring, temperatures can drop significantly in the evening: Layered clothing and a light rain option are advisable.
• Have a plan A (open-air) plus plan B (indoor) if you only have one evening in Kempten.

Sources & Further Links

1. City of Kempten (Allgäu) – official website / event information — for date and program research (accessed 2026-08-12)
2. City of Kempten (Allgäu) – event calendar — ongoing overviews of concerts, markets, tours (accessed 2026-08-12)
3. Wikipedia – Kempten Jazz Spring — overview & classification (as a secondary source; please verify details in the official program) (accessed 2026-08-12)