Event Details
Welcome to the Heidelberg Castle Festival 2026
From 11 June to 2 August 2026, the world famous Heidelberg Castle ruins turn once again into an open air stage. This year the Heidelberger Schlossfestspiele celebrate their 100th anniversary (founded in 1926) with one of the largest programs in the festival's history, bringing opera, theatre, dance and concerts to three historic venues: the Schlosshof (castle courtyard), the Dicker Turm (Fat Tower) and the Englischer Bau.
Highlights
- 100th anniversary of the festival
- Opening performance of the family play "Das hässliche Entlein" on 11 June
- Premiere of "Cyrano de Bergerac" in the castle courtyard
- "Frankenstein" after Mary Shelley in the Dicker Turm
- Castle illumination concert with fireworks on 11 July
- Film music concert "Cinemania" on 25, 26 and 27 July
- Grand opera gala "Addio!" closing the season on 1 and 2 August
- Special exhibition on the festival's history in the Ottheinrichsbau
Program
Theater und Orchester Heidelberg opens the anniversary edition on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at 10:00 AM with the premiere of the family play "Das hässliche Entlein". On 14 June, "Frankenstein" based on Mary Shelley's novel premieres in the Dicker Turm. Between the major theatre and opera productions, numerous castle concerts add musical variety, including a tribute concert dedicated to Udo Jürgens and the program "Melodien à la carte: Alles Theater!" on 17 July. The eight week program closes with the grand opera gala "Addio!" on 1 and 2 August, performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra Heidelberg. Most evening performances start at 8:30 PM; exact times vary by production.
Tickets
Advance sales for the full 2026 program opened on 16 January. Tickets are available through the website of Theater und Orchester Heidelberg and at the box office on Theaterstraße. Prices start at around 21 euros for the cheapest categories and can rise above 100 euros depending on seating category and production. Group discounts apply for bookings of ten or more people, and early bookings until the end of March receive a discount.
Visitor Tips
- Book tickets early, as popular performances in the castle courtyard sell out quickly.
- Traveling by bus, train or the Heidelberg funicular is recommended; tickets serve as a public transport pass on the day of the performance within the Rhein Neckar transport network.
- Bring warm clothing, as evening performances take place outdoors.
- The evening box office usually opens 45 minutes before the performance starts.
- Allow enough time for the walk up to the castle and back.
