52. Open Ohr Festival
Self-governed Whitsun festival at Mainz Citadel with music, cabaret, theatre, film, and political discussions
About Open Ohr 52
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The Open Ohr Festival is an institution. Founded in 1975 by a group of young people from Mainz, it has maintained its character as a self-governed, programmatically independent, and decidedly politically minded festival for five decades. There is no sponsorship branding, no VIP lounges, no headliner marketing. Instead: an annually rotating preparation team rooted in Mainz society, a clear thematic motto that runs through the entire program, and a conscious mix of music, words, images, and discussion.
The Mainz Citadel is the perfect venue. The baroque bastions frame the main stage, concerts, readings, and workshops take place in the casemates, the inner courtyard around the Drusus monument becomes a discussion arena, a yoga space, or the children's program area. Campsites on the adjacent meadows expand the festival into a temporary village.
2026 marks the 52nd edition. The motto ALLEINSAM (ALONE TOGETHER) combines two of the most pressing buzzwords in recent sociology: the growing prevalence of experiences of loneliness in urban and digitally shaped lifestyles – and the simultaneous longing for community that is evoked by this very experience. The 2026 program will explore this tension through concerts, discussions, theatrical performances, films, and participatory formats.
Musically, Open Ohr traditionally ranges from indie rock, hip-hop, singer-songwriter, electro, German-language pop, and subculture acts. For 2026, acts including NEIN DANKE, the songwriter Kayla Shyx who became a TikTok phenomenon, the blues-rock guitarist Henrik Freischlader, and over 20 other artists are announced. The stage program is complemented by cabaret solo shows, theatre productions, a film focus, a discussion forum with science, activism, and politics, as well as workshops ranging from screen printing to improvisation.
The Open Ohr Festival costs around 57 euros for the festival pass (previous year's price) – a sum that is remarkably affordable given the density of the program offered. It is a festival that is not consumed passively, but experienced: loud, quiet, challenging, funny, serious, often all at once.
Open Ohr 52 — edition 2026
The complete 2026 program will be released by the Open Ohr team in several stages. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: Whitsun Friday opening with a thematic speech for the season and the first main stage show; Whitsun Saturday and Sunday during the day with workshops, discussion panels, readings, theatre performances, film screenings, and children's programs, in the evenings with parallel stage concerts on the main and side stages, followed by a late-night program in the casemates; Whitsun Monday with a concluding day featuring a final concert.
Confirmed acts for 2026 (selection): NEIN DANKE, Kayla Shyx (songwriter with TikTok reach), Henrik Freischlader (Blues-Rock).
Programme Open Ohr 52 2026
Confirmed Acts 2026 (Selection)
- NEIN DANKE
- Kayla Shyx
- Henrik Freischlader
- Over 20 more acts to be confirmed gradually in program announcements
Program Structure 2026
Whitsun Friday, May 22
- Opening with thematic speech on the motto ALLEINSAM (ALONE TOGETHER)
- First main stage concert
- Late-night in the casemates
Whitsun Saturday, May 23 & Whitsun Sunday, May 24
- Daytime: Workshops, readings, discussions, theatre, film, children's program
- Evening: Parallel stage concerts (main and side stage)
- Late-night in the casemates
Whitsun Monday, May 25
- Late morning with discussion and brunch format
- Afternoon stage
- Closing concert and official festival end
Full lineup and discussion program continuously updated on openohr.de.
Highlights Open Ohr 52 2026
- 52nd edition of a self-governed festival
- Motto ALLEINSAM (ALONE TOGETHER) — Loneliness and community
- Spectacular venues at Mainz Citadel
- Mix of music, cabaret, theatre, film, discussion
- Acts include NEIN DANKE, Kayla Shyx, Henrik Freischlader
- Festival pass approx. 57 Euros for the entire weekend
Prices Open Ohr 52 2026
Practical information — Open Ohr 52
Location and Travel
Mainz Citadel, Auf der Bastion Drusus, 55131 Mainz. From the main train station by bus or a walk of about 25 minutes through the old town. Travel by car is possible, but parking capacity is very limited – public transport and train travel are strongly recommended.
Date 2026
Whitsun Friday, May 22 to Whitsun Monday, May 25, 2026.
Camping
Camping facilities are available on the adjacent meadows with a festival pass. Sanitary facilities on site.
Tickets
Festival pass for the entire weekend approx. 57 Euros (previous year's price, 2026 price to be announced soon). Day tickets also available. Advance booking via the festival website and established ticket outlets.
Accessibility
The Citadel is partially accessible with some limitations. Detailed information on accessibility is available on the Open Ohr website.
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Travel to this festival
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