OPEN OHR Festival
The 52nd OPEN OHR Festival took place in 2026, from May 22 to 25, at Whitsun. The Citadel was transformed into an atmospheric festival site. At OPEN OHR, people celebrate, but also discuss political issues.
The Open Ear 2026
For the 52nd time, the festival featured music, cabaret, films, plays, and other artistic performances; this year, the festival focused on the phenomenon of loneliness.
It is the year 2023: The German federal government issues a policy paper to finally tackle a modern-day phenomenon that affects millions of people in Germany alone: loneliness. We believe it is high time to take a closer look at this, because somehow not much seems to have changed since then! Are we ALL LONELY?
Every year since 1975, the OPEN OHR Festival has transformed Mainz's citadel into a huge festival venue at Pentecost. It has become a meeting place for children, young people, adults, and families—in short, for fans of non-commercial youth culture.
The Office for Youth and Family Affairs of the state capital Mainz and a volunteer project group organize the festival, which has a different theme each year. And it's a big hit.
More than 10,000 visitors take advantage of the opportunity to engage intensively with current political issues over the four days. The OPEN OHR Festival in Mainz has a reputation as a nationally unique example of successful youth cultural work.
A variety of themed events from the fields of cabaret, music, theater, and film are complemented by panel discussions, workshops, and activities. A daily children's program allows parents to participate in forums without interruption.
Info, program and tickets
Press release and thesis paper on the 52nd OPEN OHR Festival
Contact us
Address
Festivalbüro
Woman Martina Zendel
Bonifazius Tower B (13th floor)
Erthalstraße 1
55118 Mainz