Sommer Open Air Buchholz (Empore)

EMPORE Buchholz as a Cultural Engine

EMPORE Buchholz is the central cultural centre of the town of Buchholz in der Nordheide and has been curating a high-calibre programme of concerts, theatre, comedy, and classical music for decades. With the Sommer Open Air, EMPORE leaves its concert halls once a year to bring culture directly to the market square in the heart of the town.

Three Days of Festival from 3 to 5 September 2026

Thursday to Saturday form the framework of the festival. Three different programme items on three evenings offer a broad cultural spectrum: from comedy to concerts to grand opera.

Thursday 3 September: Mirja Regensburg – Comedy

The opening evening is dedicated to comedy. Mirja Regensburg, one of Germany's best-known comedians, will perform her current stage show in Buchholz. With her sharp humour, self-irony, and keen observation skills, she captivates audiences on comedy stages across the country.

Saturday 5 September: Nabucco – Prag Festival Opera

The highlight of the festival: the Prag Festival Opera brings Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Nabucco to the open-air stage of the Buchholz market square. The famous Verdi opera, with its iconic Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves "Va, pensiero," promises an impressive summer night production. The Czech ensemble brings international opera culture to the Lower Saxony province.

Several Performances

In addition to the main programmes, the Sommer Open Air offers further programme items on the three festival days, the exact details of which will be published by EMPORE in the summer.

Buchholz Market Square as an Open-Air Stage

For three evenings, the Buchholz market square becomes a large open-air stage. Seating for hundreds of spectators, a professional stage setup, and the city backdrop with the surrounding buildings lend the events a special atmosphere.