Sparkassen-SchlossSommer Opening 2026

Paderborn-Neuhaus and its Castle Park

Paderborn, a cathedral and university city in Ostwestfalen-Lippe with around 153,000 inhabitants, boasts one of Westphalia's most beautiful parks in its northern district of Neuhaus: the Schloss- und Auenpark. The centerpiece is the baroque Schloss Neuhaus from the 16th/17th century, the former summer residence of the Prince-Bishops of Paderborn. Surrounding it, a landscape park of about 50 hectares was created for the 1994 State Garden Show and has shaped the summer life of Paderborn residents ever since.

The SchlossSommer — Paderborn's Summer Program

For years, the Sparkassen-SchlossSommer has bundled the city's most important open-air cultural events under one umbrella: concerts (classical, pop, rock, folk music), comedy, cinema, family festivals, picnic concerts, wine village, open-air theatre. The season runs from May to October — some highlights extend into December. The main sponsor is Sparkasse Paderborn-Detmold, which has given the program its name.

May 1st as the Season Opener

Labour Day is traditionally a family day in the park in Paderborn-Neuhaus — and in 2026, it is also the official season opening day of the SchlossSommer. The castle park administration opens the full program: free castle tours for families, music on the main stage, culinary stands on the park meadows, May activities for children, introductory programs by clubs and partners. Anyone visiting Paderborn should spend the morning in the castle park — and in the afternoon, relax on the lawn while the stage in the background plays the first concert of the season.

What Follows the Opening Festival in 2026

The opening on May 1st is the prelude to a packed program extending well into autumn:

• SOMMER NACHTS KINO (August 5–10, 2026) — Open-air cinema on the castle forecourt
• Paderborner Weindorf (August 21–23, 2026) — Weekend with vintners from German wine regions
• Comedy evenings, classical concerts, family festivals throughout the summer
• Weihnachtszauber (December 4–6, 2026) — Winter extension of the season

Sparkasse Paderborn-Detmold and the Sponsors

The main partner is Sparkasse Paderborn-Detmold; further sponsors include Warsteiner and the local energy providers. The sponsorship makes it possible to offer many program items free of charge or at very low prices — especially at the opening on May 1st.

Getting There and Practical Information

The Neuhaus Castle Park is located about 5 km north of Paderborn city center. Public Transport: Bus lines from the city center (especially from Paderborn station) regularly serve the "Schloss Neuhaus" stop. Car: A 33 exit Paderborn-Mönkeloh, then follow signs for Schloß Neuhaus. Parking: Parking spaces are designated around the park; they can fill up quickly during major events — early arrival or public transport is recommended.