Altensteig Musiksommer & Altstadtfest 2.0 2026

The City is the Stage

With its motto “Our City is the Stage,” the medieval old town of Altensteig transforms into a venue from July 10 to 25, 2026: Concert halls, the castle courtyard, churches, squares, alleys, and even the town hall serve as stages. The Altensteig Musiksommer is one of the most charming summer festivals in the Northern Black Forest — and in 2026, it will be complemented for the first time by the new Altstadtfest 2.0.

Star Pianist Florian Uhlig Opens

The musical highlight is provided by star pianist Florian Uhlig, one of the most distinguished German piano interpreters of his generation. With the Musiksommer Orchestra, he presents Beethoven and Schumann — a program that foregrounds the romantic piano tradition. Uhlig has made a name for himself internationally with recordings of all piano works by Schumann and Beethoven.

Die Helle Kapelle Explores Jazz

Under the direction of Moritz von Woellwarth, “Die Helle Kapelle” presents a different musical approach: jazz standards, big band sound, and improvised pieces. A concert for everyone who wants to experience the freer, swingier side of music after the classical pieces of the Musiksommer Orchestra.

City Band, School, and Walking Concerts

Local ensembles make a significant contribution to the Musiksommer: the Altensteig city band plays traditional brass music, the ensemble from the Friedrich-Boysen-Realschule brings young musicians to the stage. The “Wandelkonzerte” (walking concerts) are a specialty — visitors walk between different concert venues in the old town, listening to short programs at various locations and on castle steps. A walking chamber music journey through the city.

Altstadtfest 2.0 — New in 2026

In 2026, the Altstadtfest 2.0 complements the Musiksommer: an after-work party with a DJ from the town hall balcony, multiple stages in the alleys, street food stalls, and bar walks between the traditional Altensteig gastronomy establishments. The new program element combines the classical-concert tradition of the Musiksommer with a modern street festival format.

Altensteig — The Medieval Gem of the Black Forest

The town of Altensteig, with around 11,000 inhabitants, is located in the district of Calw, at the transition between the Northern Black Forest and the Heckengäu. The medieval old town with its half-timbered houses, Altensteig Castle, and historical town fortifications is one of the most beautiful townscapes in the Black Forest. The Musiksommer uses this unique setting as its greatest asset.