Outstanding cultural events with a suitable culinary programme are offered in a unique “Royal Saxon” ambience.
Bad Elster, a city of culture and festivals, delights visitors year-round with a diverse and wide-ranging program. The cultural center is the over 100-year-old König Albert Theater—one of the most beautiful historic theaters in Germany. The new theater season is officially opened with the traditional Chursächsische Festspiele, which begin every September. The 26th edition of the festival is themed “Longing & New Beginnings” and eagerly kicks off the 2026–2027 season with moving cultural and theatrical experiences.
The 26th Chursächsische Festival on September 11 with the gala concert of the same name , “Longing & New Beginnings,” celebrating 30 years of EUCHESTRA EGRENSIS, featuring a collaboration between the Chursächsische and Pilsner Philharmonic Orchestras and pianist Claire Huangc from New York. Other classical highlights of the multifaceted festival program include, in particular, a word-and-music collage by Corinna Harfouch and pianist Hideyo Harada ( September 12), the musical premiere of “Mein Freund Bunbury” (September 18), and the grand “Bruckner & Smetana” Unity Concert by the Chursächsische Philharmonie on period instruments (October 3) on German Unity Day. Also on the program: political cabaret artist Bruno Jonas (Sept. 19), a jukebox set by the Firebirds (Sept. 20), a family festival featuring the “Feisten” (Sept. 25), an anniversary concert by Gitte Haenning (September 26), a stage production of “The Three Musketeers” (September 27), and City frontman Toni Krahl (October 2) will delight the Bad Elster festival audience. The festival program is rounded out by the operetta classic “Im weißen Rössl” (September 13), the musical revue “Best of Broadway” (September 30), a concert by Monika Martin (October 4), and an autumn and wine festival in the Royal Gardens (September 19 & 20). In addition, there will be watercolor paintings by artist Katrin Lizka on display in the KunstWandelhalle and an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by Edith Friebel Legler in the Royal Kurhaus.
Furthermore, a unique light show will set the stage for the festival nights in the Royal Gardens. Here, the beauty of Bad Elster can be experienced in a whole new way at atmospheric locations, through shimmering water features, and against a glowing natural backdrop: Guests stroll along illuminated paths to mystical spots and illuminated works of art in a world of light—as an evening walk amid a sparkling play of light!
The 26th Chursächsische Festival on September 11 with the gala concert of the same name , “Longing & New Beginnings,” celebrating 30 years of EUCHESTRA EGRENSIS, featuring a collaboration between the Chursächsische and Pilsner Philharmonic Orchestras and pianist Claire Huangc from New York. Other classical highlights of the multifaceted festival program include, in particular, a word-and-music collage by Corinna Harfouch and pianist Hideyo Harada ( September 12), the musical premiere of “Mein Freund Bunbury” (September 18), and the grand “Bruckner & Smetana” Unity Concert by the Chursächsische Philharmonie on period instruments (October 3) on German Unity Day. Also on the program: political cabaret artist Bruno Jonas (Sept. 19), a jukebox set by the Firebirds (Sept. 20), a family festival featuring the “Feisten” (Sept. 25), an anniversary concert by Gitte Haenning (September 26), a stage production of “The Three Musketeers” (September 27), and City frontman Toni Krahl (October 2) will delight the Bad Elster festival audience. The festival program is rounded out by the operetta classic “Im weißen Rössl” (September 13), the musical revue “Best of Broadway” (September 30), a concert by Monika Martin (October 4), and an autumn and wine festival in the Royal Gardens (September 19 & 20). In addition, there will be watercolor paintings by artist Katrin Lizka on display in the KunstWandelhalle and an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by Edith Friebel Legler in the Royal Kurhaus.
Furthermore, a unique light show will set the stage for the festival nights in the Royal Gardens. Here, the beauty of Bad Elster can be experienced in a whole new way at atmospheric locations, through shimmering water features, and against a glowing natural backdrop: Guests stroll along illuminated paths to mystical spots and illuminated works of art in a world of light—as an evening walk amid a sparkling play of light!
