Möhnesee Festival — FREILUFT.theater

Theater on the Water

The FREILUFT.theater operates a network of open-air stages with a similar concept between Detmold, Arnstadt, Paderborn, St. Wendel, and Möhnesee: tribute shows and concerts in special settings, semi-covered seating areas, intimate distance to the stage. At Möhnesee — the largest of the Sauerland reservoirs — the festival was created in Seepark Körbecke directly on the water. The location is postcard material: shimmering water surface, wooded shores, a wide promenade.

Program Pentecost 2026 — Three Evenings, Three Worlds

The opening on Friday, May 22, 2026, features Marc Marshall with his summer concert — the singer is known for his versatile voice ranging from soul and pop to Schlager. On Saturday, May 23, 2026, "HELLO – The Adele Show" with London singer Chloe Barry presents the sound of the soul diva — from "Rolling in the Deep" to "Hello". On Sunday, May 24, 2026, "In Love With Freddie Mercury" is a homage to the Queen frontman with the band's greatest hits — "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Will Rock You", "Don't Stop Me Now".

Concept: 50% Covered, Max. 15m Stage Distance

What sets FREILUFT.theater apart from other open-airs is its thoughtful seating arrangement: 50% of the seats are covered (weatherproof), and no one sits more than 15 meters from the stage. This creates an almost theatrical intimacy despite the open-air character. Food, drinks, and snacks are served on-site.

Möhnesee — Sauerland's Large Lake

The Möhnesee in the Hochsauerlandkreis is a 10 km long reservoir, world-famous for the Möhnesee Dam disaster of 1943 (Dam Buster Operation). Today, it is a recreational area for the Ruhr, Sauerland, and Münsterland regions — sailing, cycling on the Möhnesee promenade, hiking. Körbecke is the main town on the north bank and a popular starting point.

Kreis Soest

The municipality of Möhnesee is located in the Kreis Soest and comprises 13 districts around the lake. With around 11,000 inhabitants, it is manageable but highly frequented by tourists. The festival fits perfectly into the tourist offerings of the region between Soest, Arnsberg, and Werl.