KUKUNA Art and Culture Night Ludwigslust
One Night — The Whole City Becomes a Stage
About KUKUNA
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When the City Becomes a Stage
The KUKUNA Art and Culture Night is one of the most distinctive cultural events in southwestern Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Since 2008, the town of Ludwigslust, together with local associations, galleries, and church communities, has organised a September evening where around twenty venues open simultaneously – courtyards of townhouses, church spaces, shops, galleries, workshops.
Musical Spectrum
The programme ranges from Baroque and Classical (organ music in the town church, string ensembles in the townspeople's courtyards) to Jazz and Pop, and even 1950s Rock 'n' Roll and Rock classics. Local bands and artists from beyond the region alternate. Readings and Poetry Slams take place in interstitial spaces, and new exhibitions are opened in the galleries.
Light Art and Atmosphere
A characteristic feature of KUKUNA is its light staging. Facades are bathed in colourful light, a lantern-moon installation guides visitors through the city centre, and stilt walkers and light performers complete the picture. The Baroque town layout of Ludwigslust, with its symmetrical sightlines, is particularly well-suited for such productions.
Local Context
Ludwigslust is the "little sister of Versailles" – a meticulously planned Baroque city from the 18th century. For one night, KUKUNA makes this urban quality tangible by opening spaces that are private or closed off in everyday life. The event traditionally concludes at midnight with a closing ceremony and words from the mayor.
KUKUNA — edition 2026
The 19th edition of KUKUNA will transform Ludwigslust's city centre into an open cultural area for six hours. Around twenty venues will offer programmes simultaneously. The musical spectrum ranges from Baroque and Classical to Jazz and 1950s Rock 'n' Roll and Rock classics. In addition, art exhibitions, literary readings, theatrical performances, workshops, and culinary stations. The light staging – lantern-moon installation, facade lighting, stilt walkers in light costumes – is a hallmark of the event. It concludes at midnight with words from the mayor and a final musical performance.
Programme KUKUNA 2026
Saturday, 12 September — 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- 6:00 PM — Opening in the city centre
- 6:00 PM–12:00 AM — Parallel programme at approx. 20 venues:
- Town Church — Organ music, Classical ensembles
- Townspeople's Courtyards — Jazz, Pop, Folk concerts
- Galleries — Vernissages and exhibitions
- Shops and Workshops — Readings, workshops, hands-on activities
- Inner Courtyards — Theatre performances, Poetry Slam
- Stilt walkers, light performers, and walking acts in the city centre
- Lantern-moon installation and facade illuminations
- 11:55 PM — Closing ceremony with the mayor and final musical performance
Detailed programme at ludwigslust.de/kukuna.
Highlights KUKUNA 2026
- 19th edition of the Art and Culture Night
- Around 20 simultaneous venues
- Light installations in the Baroque city
- Variety of Music / Theatre / Literature / Art
- Free admission
Prices KUKUNA 2026
Admission to all venues is free. Food and drinks available on-site at the venues.
Practical information — KUKUNA
Getting There
Ludwigslust is directly accessible by ICE train between Berlin and Hamburg. The train station is about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Parking is available in the city centre and at the train station.
Admission
Admission to KUKUNA and all venues is free. Programme booklets are available in advance from the Ludwigslust Tourist Information office and at the venues.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a KUKUNA al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place KUKUNA
Altstadt Ludwigslust – Höfe, Kirchen und historische Gebäude
Innenstadt, 19288 Ludwigslust