Theater der Welt Chemnitz 2026
Germany's largest international festival for contemporary performing arts is a festival organised by the German Centre of the International Theatre Institute
From 18 June to 5 July 2026, Chemnitz will be in the international spotlight: Germany’s largest international theatre festival, ‘Theater der Welt’, is coming to Chemnitz – immediately following the city’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2025. For three weeks, Chemnitz will become a meeting place for artists, audiences and theatre enthusiasts from all over the world. On stages, in public spaces and at unusual venues, a vibrant celebration of the performing arts will unfold, transcending borders and bringing together stories from every corner of the globe.
Nine international curators from Argentina, Australia, China, Greece, India, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and South Africa have put together the programme and invited 33 productions from every continent. The result is an inspiring panorama of contemporary theatre forms, languages and perspectives
The festival is organised by the Chemnitz Theatres, the Festival Academy Brussels and Chemnitz 2025 European Capital of Culture GmbH. Since its foundation by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in the late 1970s, ‘Theater der Welt’ has been regarded as one of the most significant festivals on the international theatre scene – a showcase for new aesthetic developments and social discourses. Every three years, the ‘Theater der Welt’ festival is hosted in a different German city. Following stops in Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt/Offenbach, the festival returns to Saxony 30 years after its 1996 edition in Dresden – once again making Chemnitz the stage of the world.
When? 18 June – 5 July 2026
Where? Various venues in Chemnitz: Spinnbau, the Opera House, Atomino, Harmannfabrik, Theaterplatz
Festival Center in the Spinnbau Garden
The festival centre opens on 19 June and will be open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm from then on.
The only exception is 29 June, when the festival centre will be closed.
Set in the leafy courtyard of the Spinnbau, the festival centre serves as a central hub and meeting place, inviting visitors to linger, find out more, eat, drink, celebrate and socialise. This open space is accessible to everyone free of charge, allowing visitors to rediscover the Spinnbau garden between, before and after performances, or simply as a destination in its own right. Anyone needing a break, wanting to find out more or simply wishing to spend time in the festival surroundings will find this a relaxed place to head to. The festival centre offers its guests a wide variety of seating options, shaded and sunny areas, central information points and a range of food and drink options.
