Wolfenbütteler KulturSommer

A Festival Without An Entrance Fee

The Wolfenbütteler KulturSommer is a true rarity: a large-scale open-air festival that forgoes entrance fees, offering concerts and stage programs for free in public spaces. In doing so, the KulturSommer fulfills a cultural policy aspiration that goes far beyond the event format: culture should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their wallet.

Theatervorplatz as a Stage

The venue is the forecourt of the Lessingtheater – a central, well-frequented location in Wolfenbüttel's city center. The stage is set up anew for each concert, and the audience brings folding chairs, picnic blankets, and good cheer. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a multi-week neighborhood garden under a starry sky.

2026 Program – International Diversity

The 2026 program is broadly international. Confirmed acts:

• July 3 – Bombino (Niger): Desert blues and Tuareg rock from one of today's most renowned African guitarists
• July 4 – Ketekalles (Spain): captivating Mestizo sounds between Ska, Rumba, and Mediterranean Folk
• July 5 – Folk dance evening with Leineweber: German folk and dancing together
• July 10 – Passepartout: multilingual Acoustic Folk
• July 11 – Batiar Gang (Leipzig): Eastern European-influenced Folkpunk

Comedy and Genre Diversity

In addition to the concerts, the festival also features comedy evenings and cross-genre stage formats. The KulturSommer consciously sees itself not as a pure music festival, but as a platform for various stage arts – in the spirit of an open, curious urban society.

Tips and Donations

Although admission is free, tips and donations are explicitly requested – they are part of the financing model and ensure the festival's continued existence. Those who appreciate the program are happy to contribute to the hat at the end of the evening.