17. Freiberger Sommernächte 2026

Schloss Freudenstein as a Summer Stage

Freiberg — the silver city in Saxony's Erzgebirge foothills, a UNESCO World Heritage site — transforms its Renaissance Schloss Freudenstein into an open stage for culture every year for three summer months. From Sunday, May 31, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, the 17th edition of Freiberger Sommernächte will take place: over 90 events spread across the castle courtyard, west wing, and open-air stage, ranging from theatre to concerts and comedy to open-air cinema.

Concerts for All Generations

The musical spectrum in 2026 ranges from rock and pop to Schlager and brass band music. Highlights include: The Firebirds with their 50s rock & roll show, Heinz Rudolf Kunze with «Deutsch und farbig» (his classic «Dein ist mein ganzes Herz» and new songs), Karat — the GDR rock legend with «Über sieben Brücken musst du gehn» — and two tribute acts: the ABBA Revival Show «ABBA for You» and a Metallica Night. Plus, Saxon brass band evenings with regional ensembles and family concerts for the little ones.

Comedy and Cabaret from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt

The comedy and cabaret lineup of the Sommernächte is legendary. In 2026, performers include: the Leipziger Pfeffermühle with Hans Dieter Richter, the Dresdner Herkuleskeule, comedian Erik Lehmann, Jule, Mandy Partzsch, Tom Pauls (legendary Saxon cabaret artist, creator of «Olga»), and Erzgebirge storyteller Peter Ufer. Anyone wanting to experience Saxon humor at its finest will find a long summer night of cabaret stages here.

Film Nights and 2026 World Cup

Starting July 16, the film nights begin in the castle courtyard — 19 films for young and old projected on a large screen in front of the castle facade. Classics, current box office hits, and children's highlights alternate. Simultaneously, the castle courtyard becomes the World Cup stage: the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 – July 19) will be broadcast live in the Sommernächte as free public viewing — from the opening match to the final, with a big screen, beer garden, and castle backdrop.

New in 2026: Flea Markets and Sports Program

For the first time in 2026, two markets will complement the program: a Ladies' flea market featuring fashion, jewelry, and accessories, and a children's flea market for toys, books, and children's clothing. For those who want to be active, the sports stage offers yoga classes, running groups, and exercise activities for all age groups. The festival thus transforms the castle into a multifunctional urban meeting point.

Freiberg — Silver City in the Ore Mountains

Freiberg is the cradle of Saxon mining and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019 as part of the Ore Mountains Mining Region. Schloss Freudenstein, built in the 16th century for Elector August of Saxony, now houses the «terra mineralia» mineral collection — one of the most significant mineral collections in Europe. Visitors to the Sommernächte should plan a day for a city walk, a mine tour (Reiche Zeche, Alte Elisabeth), and St. Mary's Cathedral.