Theatre and cabaret in Leipzig and the region

Whether classics or modern productions, political theatre or melodrama, epic or experimental – Leipzig’s theatres offer something for every taste.

The theatre scene in Leipzig also looks back on an impressive and tradition-rich history dating back to the 18th century. As early as 1766, Germany’s first municipal theatre was built on today’s Richard-Wagner-Platz. At its opening, none other than Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was studying in Leipzig at the time, was a guest. One of the highlights of Leipzig’s theatre history is also the world premiere of “Joan of Arc”. The play by Friedrich Schiller was performed for the first time in 1801 at the then municipal theatre Comödienhaus on the Rannische Bastei.

Because Leipzig has the highest cabaret density per capita, it is rightly considered the cabaret capital of Germany. The cabaret programs on offer cover a wide range, with all ensembles lovingly cherishing and maintaining the Saxon dialect.

In addition to the cabaret venues, the Krystallpalast Varieté completes the offering: With culinary delights, you can enjoy a very special evening – featuring breathtaking acrobatic shows, magic, live music, and comedy. Wonder included!

Enjoying culture while the sun sets on the horizon and a mild summer breeze blows: open-air events are among the special experiences of summer. A diverse program on open-air stages in beautiful surroundings draws visitors to Leipzig and the region, including entertaining musicals at the Biedermeierstrand with a view over Lake Schladitzer, top-class concerts at the Seebühne an der Talsperre Kriebstein, or excellent music by the Sächsische Bläserphilharmonie at the Freilichtbühne Schmetterling in the tranquil Kurpark Bad Lausick.

And even within the city itself you will find cultural treasures, such as the stage in the Clara-Zetkin-Park, the Parkbühne Geyserhaus or the summer stage of the Gohliser Schlösschens. 

The Leipzig region shines with a wide range of cultural, community, and civic centers, including the Theater Döbeln, which is a venue of the Mittelsächsisches Theater, or the White House in the agra Park Markkleeberg, a neoclassical villa where events and exhibitions take place. 

The Schwind Pavilion in Rüdigsdorf is an architectural highlight of Classicism. The music salon of the former orangery of the manor estate is now an event venue of the BurgenLandKlänge. 

You can also enjoy wonderful concerts, theatre performances, cabarets, and readings at the Oschatz Thomas-Müntzer-Haus or at the Kulturhaus Böhlen.