The Regional Association Saarbrücken and Lindy Hop Saarbrücken are once again inviting to the Velo-Swing Festival from September 9th to 11th. The proven combination of the two themes, swing dancing and cycling, will bring new energy to and around Saarbrücken Castle after two years of COVID-related restrictions. Highlights include the two Velo-Swing parties with a big band as well as the bike ride on Sunday. In addition, there will be a colorful festival atmosphere all day Saturday and Sunday at the castle square, featuring a bike market, Lindy Hop dance performances, trial sessions and beginner workshops, as well as food and drink stands and top entertainment offerings for the whole family.
Many activities and family offers at the castle square
On Saturday and Sunday, the German Bicycle Museum once again offers numerous quirky fun bikes for both young and old visitors at Schlossplatz to try out. From 9:30 AM onwards, visitors can browse the vintage bicycle market. In the afternoon, clownish entertainment is provided for the little ones. The event is completed by culinary stands, outdoor massages, and a portrait artist. Traditionally, a bicycle ride is also part of the festival: older bicycles and the appropriate retro outfits mingle with historical originals. The approximately 10-kilometer tour starts on Sunday, September 11th, at 3 PM at Schlossplatz.
Lindy Hop to Watch and Try Yourself
On both festival days, visitors can get to know Lindy Hop at the Swing Pavilion to the sound of grooving swing music: the original swing dance from New York City's Harlem neighborhood in the 1920s and 30s. On Sunday, there will be free taster sessions at 12 and 2 pm on the stage in the castle garden. Those looking to get into swing culture should sign up for the beginner swing dance workshop, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm in the castle. No fixed dance partner is needed here; the aim is to dance with as many different people as possible and get to know new people. There are also numerous workshops for advanced dancers. In addition to the instructors from the Lindy Hop Saarbrücken team, Carlos and Isa from the Lindy Hop scene in Albacete, Spain, will also travel to the festival.
Velo-Swing parties with large big bands and concert in the castle garden
At the height of the swing era in the great nightclubs of Harlem, ensembles with twenty musicians on stage were common. This tradition is revived by the Velo-Swing Festival: On Friday, September 9th, the Big Band of the Saarland Police will perform at the VHS Center from 8 p.m. On Saturday, the Gramophoniacs will be joined by the hr-bigband, which is considered one of the best ensembles of its kind in the world. Together, they will fill the Great Hall of Saarbrücken Castle with music from 8 p.m. To conclude, there will be a free swing concert on Sunday from 5:30 p.m. with Gajos Dance Orchestra on the outdoor stage in the castle garden.
The bike ride, workshops, and swing parties require registration and a fee. The full program with times is available at
