CULTURE-GUIDE 2026
CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS – IN CONSTANCE AND ON LAKE CONSTANCE
Here you will find the ultimate culture guide for Constance and the Lake Constance region. 2026 will be a year full of highlights: rousing concerts, fascinating exhibitions, inspiring theatre and film performances, and unforgettable open-air events in unique locations. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural offerings around the lake and plan your personal cultural year. Whether you are a music lover, art enthusiast or film fan, discover what the Lake Constance region has in store for you in 2026 in terms of events, culture and leisure activities!
CONCERTS, OPEN-AIR CONCERTS & FESTIVALS 2026 AT LAKE CONSTANCE
Lake Constance Festival ‘in motion’ | 2–25 May 2026
The Lake Constance Festival is an international cultural festival featuring music, dance and theatre, taking place at around 20 venues in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Under the motto ‘in motion’, a varied programme awaits you. This time, the artist in residence is star cellist Nicolas Altstaedt. Tickets for the individual events are available via the festival programme. Info
Campus Festival Konstanz | 29.–30. May 2026
Two days, four stages and a real festival atmosphere right by the lake. The Campus Festival brings together international and national acts as well as regional newcomers, led by headliner Sean Paul in 2026. The open and inclusive atmosphere invites people of all ages to come together and have a good time. Info
Meersburger Open-Air-Concerts | 11.–14. June 2026
In June, the historic Schlossplatz will once again be transformed into one of the most beautiful old town stages in the region. The programme includes Culcha Candela (11 June), the Herbert Pixner Project (12 June), Clueso (13 June) and Versengold (14 June). Info
Markdorf Open Air | 17.–20. June 2026
Markdorf is also hosting four evenings of concerts. The acts will perform on stage at the market square. In 2026, the small town will welcome Sportfreunde Stiller (17 June), Capital Bra (18 June), The BossHoss (19 June) as well as Heavysaurus (afternoon, 20 June) & SWR1 Pop & Poesie (evening, 20 June). Info
Konstanzer Summer concerts | 9.–18. July 2026
The artists who will be performing on stage in Little Venice this summer have yet to be announced. But you can already make a note of the dates. One thing is certain: you’ll get beats and good vibes against a picture-postcard backdrop. Info
Salem Castle Open Airs | 24. July – 2. August 2026
Few locations combine history and the present as impressively as the castle gardens of Salem Castle. Since 2005, the Salem Open Airs have been an integral part of the cultural summer. The 2026 line-up is once again top-class, featuring Roland Kaiser (24 July), Tream (25 July), David Garrett (1 August) and Michael Patrick Kelly (2 August). Info
Kulturufer Friedrichshafen | 31. July–9. August 2026
Ten days of circus tents, street performers, live music, open-air cinema and variety shows right by the lake. The oldest tent festival on Lake Constance offers many free outdoor events – perfect for spontaneous summer evenings. Tickets for the evening performances in the circus tents must be purchased in advance. Infos
Stadtgartenfest & Konstanzer Seenachtfest | 5–7. August 2026 & 8. August 2026
From 5 to 7 August, the Stadtgartenfest will take place in Konstanz’s Stadtgarten with free admission. This will be followed on 8 August by the Konstanz Lake Night Festival along the shores of Lake Constance with a live programme, market and food stalls, and musical fireworks over the lake. In 2026, the fireworks will be complemented for the first time by a drone show and several launch sites. Info
EXHIBITIONS, ART & MARKETS 2026 AT LAKE CONSTANCE
Art Friday Friedrichshafen | 27. March 2026
A unique art and culture programme organised by eight art institutions in Friedrichshafen. The Art Bus will run between the venues throughout the Friedrichshafen city area on this day. Info
Art & Design Market Constance | 11.–12. April 2026
Individual fashion, unique jewellery, extraordinary art: you will find special items – from interior design to accessories and bags to stationery – at the Art & Design Market in the Bodenseeforum. Small labels sell self-made and handmade products; all the unique items on offer meet the highest standards of quality, sustainable materials and passion in their manufacture. Info
Cross-border flea market Konstanz/Kreuzlingen | 13.–14. June 2026
The legendary 24-hour flea market connects Constance and Kreuzlingen along the waterfront for over nine kilometres. You can browse, haggle and discover little treasures at more than 1,000 stalls, and admission is free. Street music, cabaret and regional and international food stalls create a lively atmosphere and special flair around the shore and in the city. The market has cult status! Info
Konstanzer Wine Festival | 29. July–1. August 2026
For four days, the Konstanz Wine Festival is all about regional wines, good food and relaxed summer evenings. At St. Stephan’s Square, Lake Constance winegrowers meet live music, old town flair and a convivial atmosphere. A classic event for anyone who likes to enjoy the summer with a glass of wine and good company. Tip: We will be presenting more wine festivals around the lake in a separate magazine article! Info
HOME & GARDEN Castle Salem | 10.–13. September 2026
Be inspired by the stands at the HOME & GARDEN fair against the baroque backdrop of Salem Castle: around 150 exhibitors present ideas and products related to gardening, living, lifestyle and cuisine. There are also demonstrations, workshops and enjoyable breaks in the castle park. Info
Konstanzer Christmas Market | 26. November–22. December 2026
During Advent, Konstanz’s old town around the harbour and market square is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas market with numerous stalls. Arts and crafts, gift ideas, sparkling lights and winter delicacies invite you to stroll and linger. Tip: At the end of the year, our overview page with the most beautiful Christmas markets on the lake will be back. Info
THEATER AND FILM – EVENTS 2026 AT LAKE CONSTANCE
Theatre Konstanz – Macbeth | from 30. January 2026
With Macbeth, Theatre Konstanz brings a powerful new interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy to the stage. It tells the story of a man who becomes a murderer out of lust for power and becomes entangled in a never-ending cycle of violence and guilt. The production, based on Heiner Müller’s adaptation, shows Macbeth as a man torn between ambition, doubt and inner turmoil – intense, dark and highly topical. Info
Friedrichshafen Film Festival ‘Now or Never!’ | 12.–16. March 2026
Die Filmtage Friedrichshafen zeigen Kurz- und Dokumentarfilme junger Filmschaffender aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz. Das vom Kulturbüro Friedrichshafen veranstaltete Festival bietet spannende Einblicke in aktuelle Themen und neue filmische Perspektiven. Auf die Leinwand kommen sie im Kiesel im k42, ergänzt durch Gespräche und eine Preisverleihung. Infos
Bregenz Spring Festival „Keep Dreaming, Baby“ | 14. March–11. June 2026
The Bregenz Spring Festival is an international festival for contemporary dance and brings ensembles from all over the world to Bregenz from March to June. Current productions, world premieres and Austrian premieres are shown – mainly at the Festspielhaus Bregenz. Info
International Ocean Film Tour | 21. March & 23. April 2026
We at the lake love the water – and we also love to hear and see stories from the seven seas: The International Ocean Film Tour shows selected short films and documentaries in their original language with subtitles and stops off at CineStar Konstanz. The ultimate film event for everyone who can’t get enough of the endless blue.
Infos
Summer Theater Konstanz | from 13. June 2026
At the Summer Theatre on Münsterplatz, Theater Konstanz will be staging Georg Büchner’s comedy Leonce and Lena in the open air in 2026. It tells a story of love against one’s will, which uses humour, heartbreak and Italian flair to raise questions about self-determination and the meaning of life. Set against the iconic cathedral façade, this production is a very special open-air experience. Info
Bregenz Festival | 22. July–23. August 2026
The Bregenz Festival celebrates its 80th season in 2026. Giuseppe Verdi’s grand opera La traviata will be staged on the lake stage in a new production. Look forward to spectacular stage design and powerful emotional moments: the plot takes us to Paris in the Roaring Twenties and combines glamorous images with the tragic love story of Violetta Valéry. Infos
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2026 AT LAKE CONSTANCE
Swabian-Alemannic Carnival | 12.–18. FEBRUARY 2026
During the fifth season, Constance shows its crazy side. Traditional masks, large parades, Guggenmusik music and costume balls characterise the cityscape. Highlights include Hemdglonker Night on Schmotzigen Dunschtig (Fat Thursday) and the big Narrensprung (fools’ parade) through the old town on Carnival Sunday. Carnival is also celebrated lively in many places around the lake. Info
Velo-Picknick Konstanz-Kreuzlingen | 26. APRIL 2026
To mark the start of spring, cyclists from Germany and Switzerland meet for a joint ride around Konstanz and Kreuzlingen. The destination is the festival grounds in Klein Venedig, where a large picnic in the countryside, live music, food trucks and a colourful programme of events related to cycling await. Don’t forget to bring your own picnic blanket. Info
Baden-Württemberg State Gymnastics Festival | 13.–17. MAY 2026
During the state’s largest mass sporting event, the whole of Constance becomes an exercise zone. Thousands of athletes and guests experience competitions, shows and hands-on activities in gymnastics, dance and trend sports. Open-air stages, sports parks and evening events are spread throughout the city – from the Bodenseestadion to the city centre. Infos
International Lake Constance Week | 29.–31. MAY 2026
Sailing regattas, classic yachts and maritime harbour flair: International Lake Constance Week combines water sports with a lively harbour festival. Historic boats, exhibitors and maritime themes are presented along the promenade. In the evenings, live music and a festive atmosphere ensure convivial summer evenings by the water. Infos
Seehasenfest Friedrichshafen | 16.–20. JULY 2026
This traditional city and children’s festival transforms Friedrichshafen into a colourful festival mile for five days. The programme includes parades, a funfair, concerts and numerous activities for children. A special highlight is the large lake fireworks display on Saturday evening. Admission is free on all days. Info
Radolfzeller Hausherrenfest | 17.–20. JULY 2026
The Hausherrenfest combines religious tradition with a lively city festival. Highlights include the solemn procession through the decorated old town and the historic water procession from Moos. These customs are accompanied by concerts, a children’s programme, food stalls and an atmospheric finale on the lake shore. Infos
Children’s Festival Konstanz/Kreuzlingen | 12. SEPTEMBER 2026
This cross-border children’s and family festival is all about a day of games, fun and participation. Right by the lake, there will be craft activities, magic shows, bouncy castles, face painting and stage performances by local clubs. Many of the activities are free of charge, making it a relaxing day out for the whole family. Infos
THE BEST OF THE LAKE CONSTANCE CULTURAL REGION AWAITS YOU
In 2026, there will once again be plenty to experience around Lake Constance – from open-air concerts and theatre performances to a stroll through the legendary flea market. Unforgettable moments await you that will remain in your memory for a long time to come. With our culture guide, you can keep track of all the dates and look forward to a year full of wonderful experiences. Get your tickets, plan your highlights and enjoy your time at the lake.
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THE LAGO SHOPPING CENTRE IN CONSTANCE ON LAKE CONSTANCE
A TRULY UNIQUE MIX
Fashion, lifestyle and indulgence in more than 70 shops, cafés and restaurants: that’s the LAGO Shopping Centre. Located in the heart of Constance, surrounded by the flair of Lake Bodensee, it offers you an extraordinary overall experience. Everything you need to have a good time can be found here: shopping, leisure activities, entertainment, culinary delights and services.
ENJOY DIVERSITY
And LAGO offers even more than that: the colourful life of the trendy shopping world, relaxing breaks for coffee or food and the casual generosity of the lake – a combination you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy it with all your senses.