Guitar Summit 2026: Europe's Premier Guitar Show in Mannheim
Guitar Summit 2026 returns to Mannheim Sept 25–27 with 600+ exhibitors, 100+ workshops, and a star-studded artist lineup including Jared James Nichols
Mannheim, Germany – If you live, breathe, and sleep six (or four) strings, clear your calendar. Europe’s most prominent and eagerly anticipated guitar celebration, the Guitar Summit, is returning to the Mannheim Rosengarten from September 25–27, 2026.
Guitar Summit 2026: Europe’s Biggest Guitar Show Returns to Mannheim
Now in its massive eighth edition, the Guitar Summit is firmly cemented as the premier annual destination for guitarists, bassists, builders, and tone chasers from across the globe. Following a record-shattering 2025 event that drew 14,600 visitors—with international attendance surging and nearly a third of the crowd experiencing the show for the very first time—the 2026 installment is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
Spread across four sprawling floors of the Rosengarten, here is everything you need to know about what’s waiting for you at Europe’s ultimate guitar hub this September.
The Expo Floor: Over 600 Exhibitors to See, Touch, and Play
For three days, the Mannheim Rosengarten transforms into a playground where gear acquisition syndrome isn't just accepted—it’s encouraged.
More than 600 exhibitors will be on-site, representing the absolute pinnacle of the guitar and bass world. Whether you're hunting for the latest innovations from legendary global powerhouses or hunting down holy-grail tones from bespoke boutique builders and exquisite custom shops, everything is out on the floor for you to see, touch, and play.
Heavy-hitting industry titans confirmed for the 2026 floor include:
- Duesenberg
- ESP Guitars
- Ibanez
- D’Addario
- Yamaha
- Schecter
- Eventide
- Blackstar Amplification
- Hagstrom
- ...and hundreds more.
The Workshops: Over 100 Sessions Across 7 Stages
Want to level up your playing, dial in your rig, or learn the inner workings of the industry from the people who live it? The Guitar Summit workshop program is second to none.
Attendees can dive into over 100 workshops across 7 dedicated stages, translating to more than 5,000 minutes of expert knowledge. Whether you are a bedroom beginner or a seasoned pro looking for fresh inspiration, these sessions offer direct insight from world-renowned musicians and creators who know exactly how to set a fretboard on fire.
Star-Studded Artist Lineup & Special Guests
The sheer density of talent walking the halls of the Rosengarten is staggering. This year’s artist roster features some of the most dynamic players and influential voices in modern music.
Catch performances, clinics, and interactions with artists including:
- Jared James Nichols
- Matteo Mancuso
- Andy McKee
- Darryl Jones
- Rabea Massaad
- Julie Malia
- Devin Townsend
- Greg Koch
- ...and many more.
Special Guest: Glenn Fricker (Spectre Sound Studios)
Making a massive statement for the bedroom producer and tone-tweaker community, Glenn Fricker of Spectre Sound Studios is heading to Guitar Summit 2026.
After more than a decade of telling guitarists to stop blaming their gear and start changing their strings, the outspoken producer, engineer, and mythbuster will be bringing his brutally honest perspective to Mannheim.
Be sure to check out our article on his new free Eye Scream Man Early EVH-style amp plugin.
With over 150 million views, Fricker's presence highlights how modern home studio recording, budget-friendly gear, and pure player skill have leveled the playing field for the next generation of music makers.
The Concerts: Friday & Saturday Night in Concert
When the exhibition doors close, the real noise begins. The “Friday & Saturday Night In Concert” series serves as the musical heart of the Guitar Summit.
Unpredictable, electrifying, and entirely unique, these evening shows deliver everything from breathtaking acoustic fingerstyle fireworks to high-octane, spontaneous all-star jams featuring international top players in exclusive, one-night-only lineups. It’s the kind of musical magic you simply cannot experience anywhere else.
Event Details & Ticketing
- What: Guitar Summit 2026 (8th Edition)
- When: September 25–27, 2026
- Where: Mannheim Rosengarten, Mannheim, Germany
- Official Website & Tickets: www.guitarsummit.com
- Artist & Exhibitor Schedules: app.guitarsummit.de | Exhibitor List
Whether you’re hunting for boutique pedals, rare custom-shop axes, masterclass education, or just a weekend surrounded by fellow gear nerds, Guitar Summit 2026 is the absolute must-attend event of the musical calendar.
Secure your advance tickets now and get ready for Europe's ultimate celebration of all things guitar and bass.
What is Guitar Summit 2026 and where is it held?
Guitar Summit 2026 is Europe's premier guitar and bass event returning for its eighth edition at the Mannheim Rosengarten in Mannheim, Germany, from September 25–27, 2026. The show features over 600 exhibitors, 100+ workshops, and performances from world-renowned musicians.
How many exhibitors and what brands will be at Guitar Summit 2026?
Over 600 exhibitors will attend, including major brands like Duesenberg, ESP Guitars, Ibanez, D'Addario, Yamaha, Schecter, Eventide, and Blackstar Amplification, plus hundreds of boutique builders and custom shops.
What workshop and educational opportunities are available?
Attendees can access over 100 workshops across 7 dedicated stages, totaling more than 5,000 minutes of expert instruction. Sessions cover playing techniques, rig optimization, and industry insights led by world-renowned musicians and creators.
Which artists will perform at Guitar Summit 2026?
The lineup includes Jared James Nichols, Matteo Mancuso, Andy McKee, Darryl Jones, Rabea Massaad, Julie Malia, Devin Townsend, Greg Koch, and Glenn Fricker of Spectre Sound Studios, with exclusive Friday and Saturday night concert jams.
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