Filmnächte am Elbufer Dresden
Over 60 summer evenings of open-air cinema and concerts directly on the Elbe — June 25 to August 30, 2026
About Filmnächte am Elbufer
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More than Open-Air Cinema: A Summer Ritual
Anyone who knows the Dresden summer knows Filmnächte am Elbufer. Since 1991 — the first summer after reunification, as the city was reinventing itself — a huge open-air cinema has been set up on the Old Town riverbank between Augustusbrücke and Carolabrücke. A 360 m² screen stands against the backdrop of Brühl's Terrace, the Frauenkirche, and the Hofkirche. Those watching a film or attending a concert there late in the evening simultaneously gaze upon one of Europe's most famous city silhouettes.
Program: 100 Films and Over a Dozen Concerts
The festival runs for about nine to ten weeks each year — from the last weekend in June to the end of August. During this time, Filmnächte shows almost 100 films: summer blockbusters, festival hits from Cannes and Venice, children's matinees on Sunday afternoons, the annual Dresden Short Film Night, and occasional open-air opera galas with the Semperoper. This is complemented by a top-class concert program: 12 to 14 concerts per summer, with ticket prices between €50 and €150, many of which sell out weeks or months in advance.
KAISERMANIA — The Roland Kaiser Phenomenon
KAISERMANIA with Schlager star Roland Kaiser is a phenomenon in itself. Since 2003, Kaiser has performed annually at Filmnächte — in recent years, on four consecutive evenings for 12,500 fans each time. In addition, thousands of «Schwarzhörer» (listeners from afar) gather on the surrounding Elbe meadows to experience the concert from a distance without a ticket. In 2025, all four KAISERMANIA dates sold out within 20 minutes — a total of 50,000 fans. Four dates are planned for 2026 (July 31, August 1, 7, and 8).
Location, Getting There, Atmosphere
The festival grounds are located directly on Königsufer in the Innere Neustadt district, opposite the Old Town. Easy access by S-Bahn and several tram lines — Carolaplatz and Albertplatz stops are just a few minutes away. Those arriving by car should park in the north of Dresden and take the tram. During the festival, Königsufer is fenced off as an event area — but the view from the Old Town to the happenings remains unobstructed. Admission for films is typically €12.50, family ticket €7.50, concert tickets range from €50 to €150 depending on the artist and seating.
Filmnächte am Elbufer — edition 2026
Season 2026 — 67 Days of Open Air on the Elbe
From June 25 to August 30, 2026, Dresden's Königsufer will once again transform into the city's largest open-air festival venue. The season kicks off with the City Pop Festival on June 25, which has established itself as the musical opening in recent years. Afterwards, cinema screenings and concert evenings alternate daily.
The highlight of the season, as every year, is KAISERMANIA with Roland Kaiser: July 31, August 1, 7, and 8 — four concert evenings for a total of around 50,000 fans. Ticket sales for 2026 also sold out quickly. Other concert highlights: Mark Forster on June 26, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on August 2, Moby on August 11. ABBAMANIA — THE SHOW on July 30 is billed as «the biggest ABBA party of the year». For families: herrH Children's Sing-Along Concert on July 18. Film highlights: the 31st Dresden Short Film Night on July 16.
Programme Filmnächte am Elbufer 2026
Season June 25 – August 30, 2026 — Confirmed Concerts and Special Events
June
- June 25 — City Pop Festival (Season Opening)
- June 26 — Mark Forster — Concert
July
- July 16 — 31st Dresden Short Film Night
- July 18 — herrH is here! — Children's Sing-Along Concert
- July 30 — ABBAMANIA — THE SHOW
- July 31 — KAISERMANIA with Roland Kaiser (Night 1)
August
- August 1 — KAISERMANIA (Night 2)
- August 2 — Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
- August 7 — KAISERMANIA (Night 3)
- August 8 — KAISERMANIA (Night 4)
- August 11 — Moby
- Further concert and comedy dates in July/August (incl. Clueso sold out, Comedy Slam Battle Royal)
Cinema Program
Almost 100 films throughout the season: summer blockbusters, festival hits, family Sundays, open-air opera galas (cooperation with Semperoper).
Detailed film program will be released at the end of May 2026. Tickets via filmnaechte.de, Eventim, Etix.
Highlights Filmnächte am Elbufer 2026
- KAISERMANIA with Roland Kaiser on 4 evenings (July 31, Aug 1, Aug 7, Aug 8) — Cult summer highlight
- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on August 2
- Mark Forster during the season opening week
- Moby on August 11
- City Pop Festival as the season opener
- 31st Dresden Short Film Night on July 16
- ABBAMANIA — THE SHOW on July 30
- Almost 100 open-air films over 67 days
- Spectacular backdrop: Elbe riverbank with a view of the Dresden Old Town silhouette
Prices Filmnächte am Elbufer 2026
Cinema tickets approx. €12.50 regular, €7.50 family ticket. Concert tickets €50–€150 depending on artist and seat. Advance sales via filmnaechte.de, Eventim, Etix, Landstreicher Konzerte. Experience shows that many concerts sell out weeks before the festival starts — secure tickets early.
Practical information — Filmnächte am Elbufer
Date 2026
Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, August 30, 2026 (approx. 67 days festival season).
Location
Königsufer on the Old Town riverbank, between Augustusbrücke and Carolabrücke, 01067 Dresden (Innere Neustadt district).
Admission / Tickets
Cinema: regular approx. €12.50, family ticket €7.50. Concerts: €50–€150 depending on the artist. Tickets via filmnaechte.de, Eventim, Etix, and Landstreicher Konzerte. Program tickets available from the end of May 2026.
Getting There
By train: to Dresden Hauptbahnhof or Dresden-Neustadt station. Tram lines 4, 9, 11 (stops Carolaplatz, Albertplatz, Sächsischer Landtag). By bike: via the Elbe Cycle Route. By car: parking available north of the Old Town, difficult in the city center.
Organizer
PAN Veranstaltungslogistik und Kulturgastronomie GmbH; Exclusive partner: Radeberger.
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Travel to this festival
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Sponsored link
Where it takes place Filmnächte am Elbufer
Königsufer am Elbufer Dresden (Altstadtufer)
Königsufer, Dresden-Altstadt, 01067 Dresden