Hanauer Kultoursommer

Hesse's Established Open-Air Culture Festival

The Hanauer Kultoursommer is an institution: 18 events in midsummer between early July and early August, all under the open sky, primarily at two locations – the Parkbühne in the courtyard of the Comoedienhaus in Staatspark Wilhelmsbad and the Mainwiesen meadows at Schloss Philippsruhe. The 39th edition in 2026 runs from July 10th to August 1st.

Wilhelmsbad and Philippsruhe – Two Fairytale Settings

Hanau positions itself as the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. The two venues for the Kultoursommer fit this perfectly: Staatspark Wilhelmsbad is a historic spa ensemble from the 18th century with the world's oldest carousel, which runs free of charge during the festival days. Schloss Philippsruhe is located directly on the Main river – the meadows in front form a natural amphitheatre for large events.

18 Events with Diversity at the Core

The programme for the 39th edition in 2026 is deliberately broad: music (pop, rock, classical, world music), theatre (including children's theatre), poetry slam, comedy, cabaret. A focus is Fe:Male Sounds, a programme strand aimed at increasing the visibility of female artists. The Sommergalerie (Summer Gallery) complements the stage programme with changing exhibitions by visual artists.

Karussell & Wein – Opening at the World's Oldest Carousel

The opening event from July 10–12, 2026, with Karussell & Wein (Carousel & Wine), takes place on the park promenade in Staatspark Wilhelmsbad. Here, the world's oldest functioning carousel (1780) turns while visitors enjoy wine, good music, and good company.

Hanauer Sommernacht as the Finale

The highlight and finale is the Hanauer Sommernacht (Hanau Summer Night) on August 1st, 2026, on the Mainwiesen meadows at Schloss Philippsruhe. The Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt performs a concert programme under the open sky – in 2026, themed "Around the World in 80 Days". Admission is free. Last year, over 8,000 visitors attended.

Visitor Numbers and Organisers

In total, the Kultoursommer 2025 attracted over 14,000 visitors. It is organised by the City of Hanau and Werkraum Hanau, with main sponsors Hanauer Sparkasse and Stadtwerke Hanau. Tickets are available via Frankfurt Ticket (069-1340400) and the HANAU LADEN.