North Rhine-Westphalia inspires with a lively theatre landscape that offers everything from classic productions to modern experiments. Whether large stages, charming small theatres or open-air performances - let yourself be inspired by fascinating stories, impressive images and exciting facts. Discover the diversity of the theatre world in NRW and plan your trip to unforgettable cultural experiences!
Theatre culture in NRWClear the stage for unique experiences
- Düsseldorf Festival
Düsseldorf Festival, Foto: Michael Lübke, The number of guests at Düsseldorf Festival events is high Burgplatz, Düsseldorf Date : 10. Sept 2025 - 29. Sept 2025Discover the Düsseldorf Festival, an annual cultural event that is characterized by a diverse programme of performing arts and radiates far beyond the city limits. - FRAGILE Festival
Bea Borgers, The production Lake Life by Kate McIntosh is a journey of discovery through the stage space Pina Bausch Zentrum , Wuppertal Date : The next date has not yet been announced.Discover the FRAGILE festival at the new Pina Bausch Center in Wuppertal. - Karl May Festival
Elspe Festival, Winnetou and Old Shatterhand are the stars of the shows at the Karl May Festival. The Indian people accompany them Elspe Festival GmbH, Lennestadt Date : 21. Jun 2025 - 7. Sept 2025Winnetou and Old Shatterhand - they have been fighting evil together in the Wild West since the 19th century. Every summer, Elspe in the Sauerland region becomes their big stage at the Karl May Festival. - Ruhr Festival
Ruhrfestspiele, Foto: Maria Koltschin, The play "Die Wut, die bleibt" won over the audience in 2024. There were standing ovations for the performers Ruhrfestspiele Recklinghausen, Recklinghausen Date : 1. May 2025 - 8. Jun 2025International program, plays from the major German-speaking stages and impulses from the young scene: Europe's oldest theater festival takes place annually in Recklinghausen and is a crowd-puller.
