Eutin loses Blues Challenge: move to Freiburg causes excitement!

Eutin loses Blues Challenge: move to Freiburg causes excitement!

The music scene in Eutin is facing a profound change: the popular Blues Challenge, which took place in the Baltic Sea city for many years, is moving to Freiburg in 2025. The reason for this change is obvious - financial difficulties and a broken relationship of trust between the city of Eutin and the organizer, Baltic Blues e.V., made the decision necessary. According to a report in the district newspaper, attendance at the Bluesfest in May was only two-thirds of the usual level, which was already a warning sign.

The city of Eutin originally provided 22,500 euros for the Bluesfest, but this support did not apply to the challenge. The high cost and financing problem - from hotel accommodation to electricity for the stage - weighs heavily on the organizer's shoulders. Particularly painful for Eutin is the complete cancellation of financial aid by Eutin GmbH since 2024, which puts the annual loss at around 10,000 euros, as stated District newspaper reported.

However, the move to Freiburg could bring a positive turnaround for the Baltic Blues e.V. The costs are lower there and financing can be secured through donations. The organizing team has already announced that the challenge will take place again in 2026 in the form of a blues festival in Eutin, despite the change to this year's event.

Eutin and the Blues Challenge – A look back

The history of the Blues Challenge in Eutin is closely linked to the city. The first Challenge took place in the city in 2008, and over the years it has become an integral part of cultural life. The origins go back a long way and show how valuable this event was for the region. An event that brought much joy to all Blues fans will now be moved to another location.

For many, the question remains: How will the move affect the future cost structure of the Bluesfest in Eutin? Some discounts for providers could be eliminated, which could potentially lead to an increase in ticket prices.

European Blues Festivals 2025

But blues is not only important in Eutin. There are a number of festivals coming up in Europe in 2025 that will delight music lovers. Here is a brief overview:

• Ziegelei Open Air – Niedersachsen, 27.06. – 29.06. – 1500 Besucher
• Bluesfasching Apolda – Thüringen, 28.02. – 01.03. – 1000 Besucher
• Blues Festival Basel – Schweiz, 04.04. – 06.04.
• Mühlhäuser Bluestage – Thüringen, 04.04. – 05.04. – 350 Besucher
• Internationales Blues & Rock Festival Altzella – Sachsen, 29.05. – 30.05.
• Jeinser Bluesfestival – Niedersachsen, 25.06. – 28.06. – 700 Besucher
• Inninger Bluestage – Bayern, 09.05. – 17.05. – 1200 Besucher
• Blues In The Garden Festival – Rumänien, 22.08. – 24.08.
• Blues Schmus & Apfelmus Festival – Hessen, 22.08. – 24.08. – 10000 Besucher
• TexelBlues – Niederlande, 10.10. – 12.10.
• Blues in Lehrte – Niedersachsen, 06.09. – 1500 Besucher

For further information about the planned Blues events in 2025, those interested can visit Festival alert take a look.

The local music scene around the Baltic Blues e.V. remains alive - even if the challenge finds a new location, the Bluesfest in Eutin will continue to be a highlight for fans of the music genre. For the city of Eutin, this means a painful but necessary step in order to position itself stronger again in the future. It remains to be seen how developments will develop in the coming years.