Pflasterzauber – International Circus Theatre Dance Festival

19th Edition of a Hildesheim Festival Tradition

Pflasterzauber is one of the oldest and most established street theatre festivals in Lower Saxony. Since its inception, it has continuously evolved and built an international reputation. In 2026, the 19th edition will take place, confirming the festival's sustained programming strength.

Three Disciplines, One Festival

The subtitle International Circus Theatre Dance Festival names the three pillars on which the programme rests. Contemporary circus with acrobatics, juggling, and balancing acts forms the most popular pillar, regularly bringing spectacular international acts to Hildesheim. Street theatre in its diverse forms – from silent film-inspired mime to contemporary improvisation theatre and smaller stage productions – complements the programme. Contemporary dance, performance, and walking acts round off the spectrum.

Special Locations as Stages

Unlike a classic stage festival, Pflasterzauber uses Hildesheim's city centre as its stage landscape: squares, alleys, courtyards, staircases, walls, and unconventional locations become performance spaces. The productions are often adapted to the specific site, and the audience moves between venues, experiencing the city centre from a new perspective. The festival consciously engages with the city's architecture, history, and atmosphere.

International Artists

Pflasterzauber annually brings artists from European and, in some cases, non-European countries to Hildesheim. Acts from France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, and other countries have performed at the festival in recent years. This internationality is a key hallmark.

Free Admission

All open-air performances are accessible free of charge. This low barrier to entry is programmatic: Pflasterzauber aims to present street theatre as a democratic art form that is accessible to everyone. Donations for the artists after the performances are welcome and are part of the festival's culture.

Family-Friendly

Many programme items are aimed at a multi-generational audience. Circus acts with animals or acrobatics are particularly attractive to children, mime and walking acts work without language barriers, and the more subdued dance productions appeal to adult audiences. Families can easily move between venues and find suitable programme items for all age groups.

Atmosphere in September

In early September, Hildesheim's city centre has an ideal climate for an outdoor festival: still summery temperatures during the day, pleasantly cool evenings, and the golden light of late summer. This atmosphere shapes the festival and makes it one of the most beautiful end-of-summer events in Hildesheim's cultural calendar.