Kulturfestival Walpurgisnacht Chemnitz

Walpurgisnacht in the Schloßchemnitz District

Walpurgisnacht — the eve of May 1st — is traditionally the night when witches dance on the Brocken in the Harz mountains, according to folklore. In Chemnitz, a major city in Saxony's Erzgebirge foothills (state of Saxony, Chemnitz district, European Capital of Culture from 2025), Walpurgisnacht has been celebrated for years at Kulturhaus Arthur as a cultural festival. The organizer is the association Arthur e.V., which operates Kulturhaus Arthur at Hohe Straße 33 (Schloßchemnitz district, near Schloßberg) as an independent cultural center. The annual event takes place on April 30, 2026 — from 6 PM to 11 PM, the area transforms into an open-air cultural festival with live music, an acrobatics show, DJ sets, and light art.

2026 Program

The 2026 lineup includes the German folk-rock band The Valentines and Lener as live acts. The acrobatics and fire show Entourage will bring fire and stunt elements to the stage — a visual highlight that corresponds with the mythological Walpurgisnacht atmosphere. DJ Make A Move will provide the musical vibe between and after the live sets. The company Lightform Event is responsible for the lighting design of the area — atmospheric lighting with warm colors, light projections, and accents on buildings and trees, transforming the festival grounds into another world.

Kulturhaus Arthur as Organizer

The association Arthur e.V. has operated Kulturhaus Arthur as an independent cultural center for years, hosting concerts, readings, workshops, film screenings, political events, and family events. The Walpurgisnacht festival is one of the venue's few open-air events per year and is traditionally considered the kick-off to the Chemnitz open-air season — it is consequently well-attended every year. With around 1,000 expected visitors, the festival is a medium-sized district event, yet its curatorial quality and atmosphere attract audiences beyond the immediate neighborhood.

Schloßchemnitz District

Schloßchemnitz is one of Chemnitz's oldest districts, located directly at the foot of Schloßberg with the former Benedictine monastery (now Schloßbergmuseum). Hohe Straße is a traditional residential street with historic houses and small businesses. Kulturhaus Arthur fits into this atmosphere: a somewhat hidden venue, but well-known to Chemnitz's culture enthusiasts. During Walpurgisnacht, the normally rather secluded area opens up to a broad audience.

Tickets and Travel

Ticket prices: Adults €17.50, reduced €15 (students, severely disabled persons, unemployed), children aged 5+ €6. Children under 5 free. Tickets available on-site and online. Getting there: From Chemnitz Hbf (main station) take tram 6 or 1 towards Schloßchemnitz, get off at "Schloßteichplatz" or "Schloßberg" stop, then walk 5–10 minutes to Hohe Straße. By car, drive via the city center to Hohe Straße — parking in surrounding streets is limited. Public transport is highly recommended.