Openair Gampel 2027
“Iischi Party. Now even more!»
In 2027, Openair Gampel will take “Iischi Party” to the next level. Familiar songs, singing along together, nights spent dancing the night away, and a variety of themed areas take center stage. Under the motto “Iischi Party. Now even more!” the festival combines its familiar strengths with new experiences. A large main stage and uniquely designed areas invite visitors to celebrate and explore together. Advance ticket sales begin on November 12 on Ticketcorner.
In 2027, Openair Gampel will further develop its unmistakable festival atmosphere. The focus is on its special strength: bringing people together and celebrating an unforgettable party with them. The new direction builds on what Generations of guests have come to associate with the festival. Friendships. Familiar songs. Nights spent together. And the feeling of being exactly where you need to be for a few days. Add to that new favorite spots and even more opportunities to celebrate together, sing along, and experience Gampel. The guiding motto is: “Iischi Party. Now even more!”
A party promise for the entire festival
“Iischi Party” becomes the unifying theme for the entire open-air festival. Every aspect is designed to contribute to this: the music program as well as the layout of the grounds, the food and drink offerings, the activities between concerts, and the communication. At the heart of it all is a festival that’s approachable, uncomplicated, and full of joie de vivre—with a Valaisan spirit, its own unique character, and open arms for guests from everywhere. The sense of regional connection should be strongly felt—in the atmosphere, in the hospitality, and in the shared celebration. A more compact venue and a large main stage bring the audience closer together. The various offerings will be more closely coordinated. Themed areas invite visitors to rediscover the festival. In this way, the individual experiences come together to form one big party.
Know the Songs and Celebrate Together
In 2027, Gampel will focus on well-known songs, catchy choruses, and artists who connect directly with their audience. Singing along and dancing take center stage. The repertoire and the impact a show has on the people in front of the stage are crucial. Swiss hits and dialect, contemporary pop and rap, dance and electronic music, rock classics, and the greatest hits of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s all come together under this promise of a party. Exuberant schlager and party music also have their place. Musical diversity remains an integral part of Gampel. The shared party experience unites the various musical genres. On the main stage, the spotlight is on established acts with high name recognition. Whether a song has just been released or has been a favorite for decades is of secondary importance. What matters is the joy of experiencing it together. A large main stage becomes the festival’s central gathering place. This is where the highlights unfold—moments when the whole crowd comes together, thousands sing the same chorus, and hands are raised all the way to the back rows. Even the early performances are designed to get people in the mood to celebrate. The program is structured throughout the day so that individual concerts come together to form a shared festival evening.
Various themed areas, each with its own atmosphere
The new Gampel extends beyond the main stage. Themed areas, each designed differently, feature their own musical character, a fitting atmosphere, and culinary offerings tailored to the theme.
In one area, familiar songs and memories take center stage. Elsewhere, regional camaraderie blends with an intimate musical experience. Other areas invite guests to join in lively sing-alongs or enjoy long nights of electronic beats. This allows guests to discover their own favorite spots while still coming together time and again for the big shared moments. The design supports this experience. Music, decor, food, and drinks are meant to complement one another within each individual area. Transitions, pathways, and operating hours are also being better coordinated. The grounds are designed to invite exploration while remaining clear and straightforward. Participation is also part of the concept. Activities such as karaoke and group events give guests the opportunity to become part of the party themselves. Gathering spots and places to linger complement the musical offerings. This keeps Gampel alive even in the hours between concerts.
A mini-vacation with your friends
Camping and spending time with your friends remain key elements of Openair Gampel. Arriving together, staying for several days, and leaving everyday life behind: this feeling will be further enhanced. This includes activities for the time before the concerts, as well as shade, seating, and quiet spots to retreat to. Reliable amenities—such as water, showers, restrooms, and shopping options—enhance the festival experience. Gampel aims to be a place where guests—both young and young at heart—feel equally welcome. Whether for a few hours or several days together in the heart of Valais.
Restructured and anchored in Upper Valais
Openair Gampel is also being restructured in terms of personnel and its shareholder base. Shareholders Olivier Imboden, Mike Schälchli, Damian Schnydrig, Mathias Studer, and Martin Zengaffinen are working together with the organizing team to ensure the festival’s consistent further development. Joel Meier is joining the shareholder group. He knows from experience how to throw a party and has been familiar with Gampel for decades: he has already brought events like RockBlock, Bravo, and Escalade to the festival. In the new distribution of shares, care was taken to ensure that the majority of shares remain in the Upper Valais. The festival thus combines its regional roots with additional experience and fresh ideas. Olivier Imboden and Mike Schälchli will take on the role of co-managing directors.
Roman Pfammatter Steps Down
Meanwhile, Roman Pfammatter has stepped down from OpenAir Gampel AG and the organizing Rock Hock Association. He relinquished his stake and his seat on the board of directors and ended his role as managing director as well as his membership on the executive board and in the association. This move came as part of a fundamental realignment of Openair Gampel and due to differing views on its future direction. The parting of ways is taking place respectfully and with mutual recognition of his contributions.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Roman for his nearly 30 years of dedication to Openair Gampel,” says Olivier Imboden. “Since 1997/98, he has been responsible for the festival’s musical program as well as artist and stage production. Starting in 2019, he also took on the leadership of the organizing committee, initially as head of the organizing committee and team leader, later as chief operating officer, and most recently as managing director. He has played a key role in shaping the festival over many years. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Advance ticket sales begin November 12
Openair Gampel 2027 will take place from Wednesday, August 18, through Saturday,
August 21, 2027. Advance ticket sales begin on November 12, 2026, on Ticketcorner. Currently, 1,000 one-day tickets are available for CHF 99. They can be used on any day of the festival. Discounted multi-day tickets are also available. A three-day pass (Thu–Sat) costs CHF 279, and a four-day pass costs CHF 299. A VIP four-day pass is also available for CHF 399. VIP day passes will be available once the program is released. The program will be released in January 2027. Until then, the focus is on our shared promise: the anticipation of familiar songs, new favorite spots, and unforgettable days with your friends and family.
Translated with DeepL
