In the summer of 2026, the Schwerin Castle Festival will transform the state capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania into an open festival venue between the historic residential ensemble, castle gardens, and open-air stages. The traditional series of the Mecklenburg State Theater Schwerin offers a varied program of music, dance, theater, and lively culture in the open air from late May to July—nestled in the splendor of the Schwerin Castle backdrop.
The 5th International Ballet Gala Connexion #5 kicks off with elegance and energy: under the direction of ballet director Jonathan dos Santos, classical and contemporary dance languages come together in a choreography of great poetry and physicality. Four performances in the theater tent at the Küchengarten promise dance highlights and international guest performances.
A central musical theater event of the festival is Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's famous The Threepenny Opera. In this interdisciplinary production featuring musicians from the Mecklenburg State Orchestra, Mackie Messer's ballad, Seeräuber-Jenny, and the Cannon Song are reimagined with jazzy, bluesy, and theatrical touches—a play that takes a sharp look at society and capitalism, which can be seen in the tent until mid-July.
Image for "The Threepenny Opera" at the Mecklenburg State Theater in 2026 © Mecklenburg State Theater Schwerin
More open concert formats characterize the summer with additional musical highlights: in the picturesque open-air stage in the castle gardens, the traditional MeckProms picnic concert invites you to a concert evening that combines classical music with a festive open-air atmosphere. In addition, the inner courtyard of Schwerin Castle becomes the venue for a special classical music evening: at the Klingendes Welterbe (Sounding World Heritage ) concert, the UNESCO-recognized neo-Renaissance building itself sounds like an instrument when the Mecklenburg State Orchestra performs works by Berwald, Schmitt, Kirchner, and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy's cheerful Italian Symphony. Afterwards, Viele Stimmen – ein Klang! (Many Voices – One Sound!) opens its doors to families with children aged seven and older, offering a playful introduction to the world of the orchestra.
A completely different, cheerful tone can be heard at the Schwerin-Mueß Open-Air Museum: Krawall in'n Häuhnerstall brings a rock and pop revue in Low German to the program, in which global hits from ABBA to the Beatles are revived with unusual lyrics and charming staging.
The 2026 Castle Festival combines great stage moments with summer openness, artistic diversity, and the special charm of the garden, open-air stage, and castle courtyard—a festival that combines music, dance, and theater into a cultural summer experience.
May 28 to July 19, 2026
