Kleines Fest im Großen Garten
13 summer evenings with 96 shows on 25 stages in the baroque Herrenhausen Garden – new artistic direction DESiMO
About Kleines Fest Herrenhausen
Four Decades of Open-Air Variety
The Kleines Fest im Großen Garten was launched in 1986 by Jürgen Köster and his team and has since become a firm fixture of Hanover's summer cultural calendar. What began as an insider event is now one of Europe's most sought-after open-air variety festivals. Annually, over 100,000 visitors gather over the thirteen evenings in the baroque Herrenhausen Garden, with tickets regularly selling out within hours.
New Artistic Direction 2026: DESiMO
With the 2026 edition, Hanover-based comedian and entertainer DESiMO – real name Detlef Simon – takes over the artistic direction of the festival. He follows in the footsteps of a line of programmers who have shaped the profile of the Kleines Fest for almost four decades. DESiMO promises a program line that combines international stars with the young comedy, acrobatics, and cabaret scene.
96 Shows on 25 Stages
On average, around 25 performance spaces are active simultaneously each evening. A stage plan and schedule structure the tour: some shows are classic stage formats of about 30 minutes, while others take place as walking acts along the paths. In total, the festival features 96 shows with 51 acts and approx. 110 artists. The disciplines range from stand-up comedy and cabaret to high-wire and ground acrobatics, juggling, magic, and ventriloquism, as well as live music, dance, and multimedia performances.
Family Day
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Family Day will take place from 3 PM. The program is tailored for younger visitors: children's circus, comedy for families, interactive stations, and a dedicated play area. Ticket prices are reduced.
Herrenhausen Garden as a Stage
The Herrenhausen Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014, is the only completely preserved baroque garden in Northern Germany. With its hedge quarters, garden theatre, grotto (designed by Niki de Saint Phalle), water features, and expansive geometric layout, it offers a backdrop unlike any other festival location in Germany.
Kleines Fest Herrenhausen — edition 2026
With DESiMO as artistic director, a change in profile is expected while maintaining continuity. The Hanover-based comedian has been performing on the city's stages for decades and knows the Hanover cabaret scene from personal experience. At the same time, he maintains contacts with the international scene.
The festival's concept remains unchanged: the audience strolls through the Herrenhausen Garden, chooses from the parallel programs, and creates their own evening. The exact lineup of all 51 acts will be gradually published by the organizer in the spring and early summer of 2026.
Programme Kleines Fest Herrenhausen 2026
Program Structure
- 13 Evenings: July 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 2026 (Mondays off)
- 96 Shows in Total: Classic stage shows, walking acts, performance stations
- 25 Performance Spaces: Spread throughout the Herrenhausen Garden – main stage, garden theatre, grotto, hedge quarters, paths
- 51 Acts, 110 Artists: International stars and selected new discoveries
Program Genres
- Comedy and Stand-up
- Cabaret and political cabaret
- Acrobatics – ground, high-wire, aerial
- Juggling and manipulation
- Magic and illusion
- Live music of all styles
- Dance and choreography
- Ventriloquism and puppetry
Family Day July 7th, 2026
Special program for families from 3 PM: children's circus, comedy for families, interactive stations, dedicated play area. Reduced ticket prices.
Program Publication
The complete artist lineup will be gradually published by the organizer in spring 2026. The official program preview will be available on herrenhaeuser-gaerten.hannover.de.
Highlights Kleines Fest Herrenhausen 2026
- 96 shows over 13 evenings
- 25 stages in the baroque Herrenhausen Garden
- 51 acts, 110 artists
- New artistic direction DESiMO
- Family Day July 7th from 3 PM
- UNESCO World Heritage site as a backdrop
Prices Kleines Fest Herrenhausen 2026
Practical information — Kleines Fest Herrenhausen
Date
July 2nd to 16th, 2026, thirteen evenings. Performance days are usually Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays off.
Venue
Großer Garten Herrenhausen, Herrenhäuser Straße 4, 30419 Hannover. Entrance via the main gate at the Herrenhäuser Gärten tram stop.
Tickets
Tickets are available through the official website kleines-fest.de and at official ticket outlets. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is strongly recommended. Family Day with reduced prices.
Getting There
Tram lines 4 or 5 to the final stop Herrenhäuser Gärten. Approximately 15 minutes from Hanover Central Station. Parking spaces in the vicinity are very limited.
On Site
Extensive catering options are available in the park. Blankets or small seat cushions are permitted. In case of extreme weather, replacement dates will be scheduled, and tickets will remain valid.
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