Name: Deutsches Kindermedienfestival GOLDENER SPATZ 2026
Start: 2026-06-07T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-06-13T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Zughafen Kulturbahnhof Erfurt und Spielstätten in Gera

Goldener Spatz

About Goldener Spatz

For seven days, Erfurt and Gera transform into the epicentre of the German-language children's media scene. Around 100 film, media, and professional events, a 28-member children's jury aged 9–13, and the festive awards ceremony at the Zughafen Kulturbahnhof Erfurt make GOLDENER SPATZ the most important meeting point for films, series, and digital formats that take children seriously.

Dates 07 Jun — 13 Jun 2026

Venue Erfurt (16051)

Prices Since 4.00€

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Goldener Spatz — edition 2026

Tickets →

The 34th edition of GOLDENER SPATZ will take place from June 7 to 13, 2026, in Erfurt and Gera. The focus will be on stories that provide orientation for children, empower them, and encourage them to actively shape their world. Festival director Elisabeth Wenk emphasizes: «Children need stories that take them seriously – in their reality, in their questions, and in their view of the world.»

Around 100 events will shape the 2026 festival: premieres of feature films and series, workshops, the Fach Forum, and the Digital Storytelling competition with an interactive experience exhibition. The 28-member children's jury (ages 9–13) will select the award winners.

Highlights Goldener Spatz 2026

34th edition, children's jury of 28 young people, awards ceremony at Zughafen Kulturbahnhof Erfurt on June 12, Pop-Up Media Workshop, Fach Forum, Digital Storytelling.

Programme Goldener Spatz 2026

Schedule

June 7–13, 2026 – around 100 film, media, and professional events in Erfurt and Gera
Three-day Pop-Up Media Workshop
Fach Forum for industry professionals and media creators
Interactive & Digital Storytelling competition with experience exhibition

Awards Ceremony

Friday, June 12, 2026, 4:00 PM – Awarding of the GOLDENEN SPATZEN at the Zughafen Kulturbahnhof Erfurt

Tickets

Single ticket price for cinema: €4. Detailed programme and tickets at goldenerspatz.de/festival/tickets/.

Prices Goldener Spatz 2026

Single ticket price for cinema: €4. Accreditations for trade visitors bookable separately.

Practical information

Practical information — Goldener Spatz

Getting There

Erfurt Hauptbahnhof is an ICE hub between Berlin and Munich. The Zughafen Kulturbahnhof is located about 2 km north, accessible by tram and bus. In Gera, venues are within walking distance of the main train station.

Tickets

Single ticket price for cinema: €4. Accreditations for trade visitors and industry professionals must be booked separately.

The largest children's media festival in the German-speaking world

Since 1979, the GOLDENER SPATZ has been a firm fixture in the calendar of German-language children's media. Originally founded in the GDR, the Deutsche Kindermedienstiftung Goldener Spatz was established in 1993 to continue the festival after reunification. Erfurt has been a second venue since 2003, and since 2008, the festival has taken place annually in Erfurt and Gera.

A festival that takes children seriously

GOLDENER SPATZ differs from other film festivals through its unique jury practice: 28 children aged 9 to 13 from all over Germany view, discuss, and evaluate the nominated films. They award the GOLDENEN SPATZEN in several categories – from feature films and series to web formats and interactive offerings.

Programme & Encounters

Around 100 film, media, and professional events shape the festival: premieres, workshop talks with filmmakers, a three-day Pop-Up Media Workshop, the Fach Forum for industry professionals, an interactive competition Digital Storytelling with an experience exhibition, as well as further training for teachers and media educators.

Location Erfurt – the state capital of Thuringia

Erfurt is the seat of the festival management and belongs to the district of Erfurt (independent city) in Thuringia. The main venue is the Zughafen Kulturbahnhof, a former railway area that has been converted into one of the city's most vibrant cultural hubs. The festival is supported by, among others, MDR, ZDF, RTL Deutschland, and the cities of Erfurt and Gera.