Since 2004, the c/o pop Festival has transformed Cologne into an urban pop culture mecca every year. With hundreds of program items – from concerts in unusual locations to surprising experiential formats – the streets and stages of Cologne's Ehrenfeld district transform into a vibrant festival center. Parallel to this, the c/o pop Convention offers a central meeting place for the music industry, with space for creative exchange on equal terms. What makes c/o pop special? The tireless desire to discover new things and experience unforgettable highlights together. Artists such as Moderat, Giant Rooks, Ski Aggu, Bilderbuch, and AnnenMayKantereit have performed here long before they celebrated their big breakthroughs. Instead of major headliners, the festival consciously focuses on diversity and brings current pop culture directly to the heart of the city. Open spaces, DIY events, performances, and a lively market in Ehrenfeld make c/o pop special. With a clear focus on Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI), it promotes FLINTA* and queer artists, as well as other underrepresented groups. Everyone is welcome here! At the same time, the c/o pop Convention offers practical keynotes, inspiring talks, and workshops that address the current challenges and future questions of the music industry. During the day, it is a place for valuable inspiration and networking, before celebrating the diversity of pop culture together in the evening. The c/o pop Festival and the c/o pop Convention are supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Initiative Musik, the City of Cologne, and the Ministries of Culture and Science, Economics, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Next date: April 23–27, 2025, in Cologne.
