NightWash Live — Open Air Paderborn

25 Years of NightWash on Tour

NightWash is one of Germany's most established stand-up comedy formats. What began 25 years ago — in 2001 — in a Cologne laundromat is now a stage from which the top names in the German comedy scene launch their careers. In the anniversary year 2026, the format is going on an open-air tour across Germany — Paderborn is a stop on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Schloß- und Auenpark as an Open-Air Stage

The venue is the Schloß- und Auenpark, the former state garden show park at Schloß Neuhaus in the north of Paderborn. Its location by the water, with a view of the 16th-century moated castle, has hosted concerts, theater, and open-air events for years. For NightWash 2026, the stage will be set up in the park, with seating arranged in a stadium layout.

Six Acts on Stage

The 2026 lineup features a mix of established and up-and-coming comedians: Ana Lucia, Bastian Bielendorfer (the bestselling author and stand-up comedian), Ben Schafmeister, Kristina Bogansky, Pam Pengco, and Quichotte. The show typically lasts around two and a half hours with an intermission. Hosted by: usually a regular host of the format.

German Comedy Award

NightWash has won the German Comedy Award — an acknowledgment of the role the format has played in the German comedy scene. Many comedians who are now famous have performed or launched their careers here: Carolin Kebekus, Felix Lobrecht, Bülent Ceylan, Atze Schröder, Kaya Yanar, and many others.

Paderborn as a Comedy Location

Paderborn, with just under 160,000 inhabitants, is one of the largest cities in Ostwestfalen and has developed a growing offering of comedy and cabaret in recent years. The Schloß- und Auenpark, Paderhalle, Theater Paderborn, and smaller clubs alternate as stages. In 2026, NightWash Live Open Air brings one of the major touring formats to the city.