In Short
- Event: UNHEILIG – Open Air 2026
- Date: May 30, 2026
- Location: Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, Jena
- Special Feature: The band’s only concert in Thuringia this year
- Tickets: Pre-sale has started immediately
Jena (11.02.2026) – A musical highlight is announced for late spring in the Saale city. As revealed today, ANTENNE THÜRINGEN and the organizer elf5 are bringing the successful band UNHEILIG to Jena for an exclusive guest performance. The concert on May 30 at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld marks the group’s only open-air appearance in the Free State this year.
Unique Concert Experience in the Paradies
For fans of the German-language music scene, this is a significant announcement. UNHEILIG, who have secured a firm place in the German music landscape with their style-defining mix of pop, Schlager, independent, and alternative rock elements, will make the “ad hoc arena” at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld shake. The band is known for their profound lyrics and emotional live performances that regularly captivate thousands of spectators.
The choice of Jena as the venue highlights the growing importance of Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld as a multifunctional event location. While FC Carl Zeiss Jena normally battles for points here, the modernized stadium also provides an impressive backdrop for major concerts. Its location in the “Paradies,” directly on the Saale and nestled in the Kernberge, promises a special atmosphere for the evening of May 30.
Ticket Sales Have Started
Experience shows that those wishing to attend this event should hurry. Since it is the only concert in Thuringia, supra-regional demand from neighboring federal states is expected. Official ticket pre-sales started this Wednesday. Tickets are available, among other places, via the ANTENNE THÜRINGEN website.
Traffic and Logistics: Tips for Visitors
Major events at the Sportfeld regularly pose challenges for Jena’s infrastructure. Visitors not coming directly from Jena should note the following information for the concert day:
- Use public transport: For such large-scale events, tickets often double as transit passes for Jena local transport (please check current notes on the ticket). The “Sportforum” tram stop and “Jena Paradies” train station are within walking distance in just a few minutes. This is often the most stress-free way to arrive.
- Parking: Parking spaces directly at the stadium are often reserved for VIP guests or logistics during concerts. It is recommended to use the Park-and-Ride lots on the outskirts of the city or switch to parking garages in the city center and walk the remaining distance through the Volkspark Oberaue.
- Admission times: To avoid long queues shortly before the concert starts, arriving early is worthwhile. Exact admission times are usually announced by the organizer shortly before the event.
Context: Jena as a Cultural Location
The concert joins a packed event calendar for the year 2026. Alongside the Kulturarena in summer, the booking of UNHEILIG shows that Jena remains attractive for major stadium acts. The combination of modern arena infrastructure and its central location in Central Germany makes the city a magnet for cultural tourists.
Musically, visitors can look forward to a journey through the band’s history. The unmistakable sound, which combines electronic elements with rocking guitars and catchy melodies, works particularly well under the open sky. When the lights go up in the wide round of the stadium on May 30, Jena will undoubtedly experience one of the emotional highlights of the year.
We will keep you updated on further details regarding travel and the supporting program as they become available.