Schlossfestspiele Ettlingen 2026

One of the most important open-air festivals in Southern Germany

The Schlossfestspiele Ettlingen are among the most distinguished open-air theater and music festivals in southwestern Germany. The venue is the unique covered courtyard of Ettlingen Castle — a festival stage that combines weather independence with the atmosphere of a historic Renaissance courtyard. In 2026, the season runs from June 13 to August 9 under the motto „The In-Between“, which thematically connects several productions.

Farewell season of director Solvejg Bauer

2026 marks a significant turning point: it is the farewell season of director Solvejg Bauer, who has led the festival to become one of the most sought-after theater addresses in Baden-Württemberg in recent years. Her 2026 program — with its thematic arc, family production, and Goodbye Gala — is both a review and a new beginning. In 2027, new artistic management will take over the festival.

2026 Program — Five Main Productions

Five major productions shape the summer:

• West Side Story — from June 18 to August 4. Bernstein/Sondheim's classic on the theme of belonging and origin as the season's main production.
• Carmina Burana — July 3 to 20. Carl Orff's classic as a musical highlight on the theme of desire and transience.
• Peter Pan — Family theater about the transition from childhood to adulthood.
• Black or White — Musical show as a King of Pop homage.
• Hin und Her — Ödön von Horváth's comedy about a character trapped between borders.

Highlights and Special Events

The season opens on Saturday, June 13, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. with the traditional Theater Festival — an open house with insights into the productions, hands-on activities, and catering. The season concludes on Friday, August 7, 2026, with the Goodbye Gala — the official farewell to director Solvejg Bauer with a festive gala evening.

Community Choir, Talent Forge, Friends' Circle

The festival thrives on unusually strong community involvement. The Talent Forge offers support for young talents from the region, the Community Choir accompanies selected productions, and a Friends' Circle ensures financial support for the festival beyond public funding. Volunteers help on the board and in performance logistics. This involvement makes the festival an identity-shaping event for the city of Ettlingen.

Ettlingen Castle and the City

Ettlingen Castle, the former summer residence of the Margraviate of Baden, was built in the 18th century and stands today as a late Baroque complex in the city center. The covered courtyard has provided the ideal setting for festivals for decades — a weather-independent open-air atmosphere that ensures the program runs in any weather. Ettlingen, with its approximately 40,000 inhabitants, is located in the Karlsruhe district, just 10 km south of the major city — public transport connections via S-Bahn line S 1 ensure accessibility for audiences from Karlsruhe as well.