On September 6th, the pulse of Cologne beats at Niehler Docks as ‘cologne is for lovers – open air’ takes over the city’s industrial waterfront for a day into night celebration. Tucked away at Lagerhauskai 1A, this hidden spot channels the spirit of the underground, offering panoramic views across the Rhine and a stripped-down canvas for pure techno hedonism. Locals and likeminded travelers converge in the shadow of cranes and silos, where shifting daylight dissolves into strobing urban twilight.

Headlining the proceedings is Tom Kutsche, known for hypnotic sets that blur the line between fluid minimalism and raw, percussive energy. Joining him is Diskohengst, whose sound rides the edges between retro-futurist house and industrial-tinged techno, building connective bridges between dancers and dancefloor. Merlin Monroe completes the lineup, weaving in emotive melodies and playful, leftfield selections to keep the collective heartbeat moving until the final fadeout.

Drawing on the unique architecture and atmosphere of the Niehler Docks, ‘cologne is for lovers’ promises an event where sound and setting become inseparable. Expect low ceilings, exposed steel and that distinctive Cologne grit, all amplified by a thoughtfully tuned system. With a focus on community, inclusivity and open-air euphoria, this gathering is a reminder that in 50735, love and techno are one and the same.