International May Festival Wiesbaden

A Festival Since 1896

The International May Festival Wiesbaden has been one of Europe's most traditional festivals since its founding in 1896. It was initiated by Kaiser Wilhelm II., who wanted to make the Royal Court Theatre Wiesbaden a stage for guest ensembles from all over Europe. Over more than a century, this courtly representative festival has evolved into an international platform for music theatre, drama, concerts, and dance. The venue to this day is the Hessian State Theatre Wiesbaden with its magnificent Grand House from 1894.

130th Anniversary Edition 2026

The 2026 edition marks the 130th anniversary. Throughout the month of May, 270 artists from 28 countries will perform in Wiesbaden. The motto 'The Archive as a Place of Preservation' frames the programme: it deals with the heritage of the festival, with the reception and reinterpretation of great works, but also with the question of what should be preserved in such a traditional house in the future.

International Music Theatre and Stars

As always, the focus is on major music theatre productions: in 2026, Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', Bizet's 'Carmen' as a gala performance, and Verdi's 'La traviata' are scheduled – with international guests such as Plácido Domingo in a gala recital, Victoria Karkacheva as Carmen, and Rachel Willis-Sørensen as Violetta. Dance productions come from Malandain Ballet Biarritz and the South African choreographer Dada Masilo. In addition, there are concerts, guest drama performances, cabaret and drag programmes, as well as a dedicated family and workshop offering.

Wiesbaden in May

The Hessian state capital, with its spa park atmosphere, the Kurhaus, and its classicist cityscape, is in top form in May anyway. The May Festival fills the city with international audiences, full hotels, and a dense programme around the State Theatre for a month. The season traditionally opens on May 1st with an open-air broadcast of the premiere on the Theatre Square.