University Summer Festival Jena — Schiller Day

Schiller, Jena, and Universal History

On May 26, 1789, Friedrich Schiller delivered his famous inaugural lecture in Jena as an extraordinary professor of history. The title — "What is and to what end do we study Universal History?" — is now a standard work of the philosophy of history. Schiller remained in Jena until 1799, wrote "Wallenstein" here, befriended Goethe, and shaped the university during one of its most intellectual phases. The university was named after him in 1934; today it officially bears the name Friedrich Schiller University. The annual summer festival — Schiller Day — does not fall on the historically correct date of May 26, but on a day in June when lectures are winding down, but the commemorative function is clear.

Three Venues, One Concept

In 2026, the summer festival will take place on June 26 across three closely connected venues. The Botanical Garden (Fürstengraben 26) is the main stage and dance floor — this is where the rock concerts and the drag show will happen. The Planetarium (Am Planetarium 5) — one of Germany's oldest large planetariums — will present special programs, music under the starry sky, and performances. The historic Griesbach Garden (Schillergäßchen 2), where Schiller himself used to stroll, is the venue for quieter acts: singer-songwriters, acoustic music, readings. All three locations are within a five to ten-minute walk of each other.

Line-up 2026 — DJ, Rock, Drag, and Slam

The 2026 line-up is diverse: Disco Dice will play electronic sets as a DJ; Heidi Witzka will present a drag and slam show with guest artists; Hit Radio Show is the cover rock band playing classics; Sandmen United & Septic Shockers will bring live punk rock; solo artists will alternate on the singer-songwriter stage; the Orchester Franz'L. will blend classical music with pop covers. In between — a tradition for years — a short official tribute to Schiller's lecture by the university administration.

Jena — City of Light and Science

Jena is the second-largest city in Thuringia (just under 110,000 inhabitants), home to the Friedrich Schiller University (founded 1558) and the Max Planck Institute. Carl Zeiss and Otto Schott made the city the "City of Light," a global center for optics. The Saale valley with its local mountain (Kernberge) offers wonderful hiking opportunities right on the edge of the city. The summer festival falls during a period when students are finishing their lectures, the exam period and the start of summer coincide.