Spektakel Landshut – International Street Art Festival

Landshut Becomes a World Stage

When the old town of Landshut becomes the festival grounds in mid-September, an exceptional state of affairs prevails. On about a dozen squares, in courtyards, in front of the Salzstadel, on Ländtorplatz, and in the Rathaus-Prunksaal, acrobats, magicians, musicians, sword swallowers, bubble artists, and comedy stars perform simultaneously. In two decades, Spektakel Landshut has become one of the most important street art festivals in the German-speaking world.

The 20th Anniversary Edition

In 2026, the festival is approaching its 20th anniversary. For three days – from Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th – the historic old town between Trausnitz Castle and the Isar gate is continuously activated. A BMW Spektakel Gala on September 17th opens the festival in a festive setting; the free outdoor program begins on September 18th.

Over 120 Artists from Around 20 Countries

The festival systematically programs internationally: Argentinian jugglers, Chilean hand-to-hand acrobats (often with Cirque du Soleil backgrounds), English sword swallowers, Australian hula hoop artists, Indian illusionists, Brazilian magicians, German street theatre groups. The musical acts come from Scandinavia, Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada – including regular performances by Graffiti Classics (England, classical comedy string quartet), Faela (multicultural band from Malmö), Tarant3lla (Italian folk reinterpreted), or Totus Gaudeo (medieval rock).

Disciplines at a Glance

• Acrobatics & Artistry – Hand-to-hand, Chinese Pole, Cyr Wheel, aerial acrobatics up to 9m high
• Street Theatre & Improvisation – Street comedy troupes from England, Ireland, and Germany
• Magic & Illusion – Close-up magic, stage illusion, mind reading
• Music – World music, indie, folk, classical comedy, medieval rock
• Visual Arts Performance – Speed painting with live music, street portraiture with a portable darkroom
• Comedy & Visual – Bubble theatre (Professor Bubbles), juggling comedy, slack rope balance

Tip-Hat Culture and Free Admission

The Spektakel follows the global street art Tip-Hat tradition: free admission, artists earn through the hat they pass around after each performance. Those who enjoy a show give something – this creates a direct relationship between the audience and performers, which is often lost in festival operations.

Landshut – The Ducal City

Landshut is the district capital of Lower Bavaria, located about 70 km northeast of Munich on the Isar River. The city is known for the Landshut Wedding, one of Europe's largest medieval festivals, held every four years. The Spektakel connects to this festive culture in a contemporary way: annually, internationally, right in the heart of the Gothic old town.