The ECB and Hessischer Rundfunk radio are organising the Europa Open Air in Frankfurt on August 20, with free entry and performances by the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the Symphony.
The European Central Bank (ECB) and the public broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk (hr) will celebrate a new edition of the Europa Open Air concert on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Weseler Werft dock in Frankfurt. The event, which is free to access, will combine music, culture, and community in a riverside setting and will serve to strengthen the institution's relationship with the city that hosts it, under the motto “Celebrating Europe”.
The programme will include performances by the Frankfurt Radio Big Band and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony, accompanied by internationally renowned artists such as Grammy-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling and accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano. The full details of the performances can be found on the Hessischer Rundfunk website.
ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted that this event “celebrates the richness of European cultural life and the connections that unite us”. In her words, “music creates a shared experience that transcends borders and reminds us of what connects us as Europeans”. She also announced that this year attendees will be able to participate in the public consultation on the design of future euro banknotes.
As in previous editions, the ECB will set up an information stand where its experts will address questions about the institution and its work. This year, the space will focus on the redesign process of the banknotes: visitors will be able to see the ten finalist proposals that the central bank is considering and provide their opinions on them. The designs are grouped into two possible themes: “European Culture” and “Rivers and Birds”.
Entry is free and the venue will open its doors at 16:00 hours. Interested parties will be able to discuss the proposals directly with ECB specialists and leave their opinions at the event. All information about the designs is available on the institution's website.
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