Schlossfestspiele Zwingenberg — EVITA

43rd Season of the Schlossfestspiele Zwingenberg

When the castle courtyard of Zwingenberg am Neckar becomes the stage for an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical from the end of July 2026, it's festival time on the Neckar. The Schlossfestspiele Zwingenberg are entering their 43rd season in 2026 — one of the most renowned open-air theater productions in the Neckar-Odenwald district. Main production: EVITA, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical about the rise and fall of the Argentine First Lady Eva Perón.

EVITA — Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Castle Courtyard

EVITA is one of the most frequently performed musicals in musical history — and in 2026, it will be performed on the Zwingenberg stage for the first time in the festival's over 40-year tradition. With top-class soloists in the main roles, the permanent festival choir and a children's choir, as well as an 18-piece orchestra under professional musical direction. Performance duration 2 hours 30 minutes including intermission.

The Play and the Production

EVITA tells the story of Eva Perón's rise and myth — from a penniless orphan to the wife of Argentine President Juan Perón and the "Mother of the Nation." The musical, which premiered in London in 1978 and became world-famous through the 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna, is known for its driving melodies ("Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", "High Flying, Adored"). The Zwingenberg production promises high-quality stage technology, professional costumes, and the special atmosphere of the medieval castle setting.

Supporting Program 2026

In addition to EVITA as the main production, the season offers other formats:

• Rock-Symphonies — a concert format that combines orchestral classics with rock energy
• "Knight's Armor and Chainmail" — the 2026 family program, a children's production with knight stories and interactive elements

Schedule and Performance Times

Performances run from Thursday, July 30 to Sunday, August 9, 2026. Showtimes:

• Thursday, Friday, Sunday — 8:00 PM
• Saturday — 5:00 PM

In case of bad weather, the performance will be moved to the interior of the castle (Hall of Mirrors), so the program is guaranteed regardless of the weather.

Ticket Prices

• Category A — €53
• Category B — €44
• Category C — €33
• Category D — €30

Friday and Saturday performances +€4 surcharge per ticket. Advance sales started in December 2025 via the festival website.

Zwingenberg Castle and the Neckar River

Zwingenberg Castle is a medieval castle complex high above the Neckar River, located in the municipality of Zwingenberg in the Neckar-Odenwald district (not to be confused with Zwingenberg an der Bergstraße in Hesse). The castle, whose history dates back to the 13th century, is now privately owned by the zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg family and has hosted the festival since 1984. Its location on the rock face above the Neckar — opposite the town of Eberbach — offers a spectacular natural backdrop for the open-air stage.