Culinary delight and thrills: Guests at the conference center Blaubeuren in Blaubeuren are offered quite a lot: exquisitely served, spontaneously staged. The COMEDY Kriminal Dinner – this is a delicious multi-course menu in a stylish ambiance framed by a crime play:

“Testament à la Carte“ - a will reading with a bite!

Prof. William Chattney is dead. He was a famous scientist. However, before the will can be read, the life of the deceased must be reconstructed with the help of the guests. Not a problem in itself, if it weren’t for Detective Johnson. He is investigating, as Chattney's death is a violent crime.

Who killed Chattney and how? What was he researching? And what secret did he take to the grave? The notary Mr. Green and his loyal assistant Manfred have their hands full: They check the surveillance cameras of the estate, read with the help of Herbert Wandschneider from the future, and Dr. Sten-Gelle combines cosmic energy with science, all to solve the puzzle. In the end, it is Extreme Norbert, supported by the audience, who initiates the turnaround.

The actors spontaneously involve the audience again and again through their extensive experience as improvisation artists in the crime story. Culinary delights and entertainment, unpredictable developments, and astonishing twists alternate.

The two performers use a variety of means of expression, play multiple characters, and have a keen sense of the audience. Their joy in acting is hard to contain and delights the audience. “The tingling uncertainty and the moment of surprise – both in the audience and on stage – that's what makes it exciting.”

The seductive multi-course menu is served and created by the kitchen team at the Blaubeuren conference center. The thrill for nerves and taste buds starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Entry: 6:30 p.m. / Menu and theater piece are included in the price / Table and seating assignments will be made on site.

The Kriminaldinner ‘And You’re Out’ – this is a delicious multi-course menu set in a stylish atmosphere, surrounded by an exciting criminal case, taking place at the conference center Blaubeuren in Blaubeuren.

You find yourself in the ballroom of the exquisite wellness hotel "Pachisi." The gala dinner is ready, and the kitchen already smells delightful. After the exhausting yoga afternoon, you truly deserve your dinner! Or did you prefer to let off steam with archery or in water aerobics? Whichever group you were in - now you come together for the feast and the exclusive presentation of the new board game "And You’re Out" - the game author will be present in person! Much to the dismay of yoga icon Eva Endlich, who would rather have sent her guests to bed early. After all, "Yoga at Sunrise" is on the agenda for tomorrow. But what was announced as a funny game night turns into bitter reality: A corpse hangs dead over the garden fence - with an arrow in the chest. A competition between the rival sports groups? Or a perverse version of "The Game of Life"? Roll the dice! It’s nothing less than the truth and the necessity to identify the perpetrator(s)!

The multi-course menu will be served by the gastro team at the conference center Blaubeuren, which will guarantee thrills for the nerves and the palate. Doors open at 6:30 PM – the event starts at 7:00 PM.

Entry: 6:30 PM / Multi-course menu and theater performance are included in the price / Table and seating will be assigned on-site.

Captivating jazz sounds for choir, strings, and piano from the 1990s envelop the text of the "Ordinarium missae" – the fixed parts of the text of a Catholic Mass – just as Johann Sebastian Bach's intricate Kyrie of the G-major Mass BWV 236, Martin Luther's melodies of the 16th century for catechism songs, or Franz Schubert's romantic "Sanctus" from his German Mass D 872.
In what musical tension do these ancient, similar texts find themselves in their differing sonic wardrobes? What relaxes, what shakes up? What feels good?

District Choir & Collegium musicum at the Town Church
Benjamin Friesinger, piano
Conductor Cornelius Weißert

Copyright: B. Thiemann

Admission 6:30 PM

Julia Ginsbach, renowned illustrator, stage artist, and musician, lived with her family in Blaubeuren from 1992 to 1994 and 1998 to 2002. It was here that her book idea to retell the story of the beautiful Lau originated. Now, the beautiful Lau returns in a colorful new interpretation to the place of her creation. Julia Ginsbach invites Mörike's famous water woman to the summer stage this time – with music, humor, interaction, and lots of heart.

“I want to tell the story of learning to laugh in my own way,” says Julia Ginsbach. “Because laughter – the true, heartfelt kind – is the source of a vibrant, healthy life.” This very laughter is the guiding idea behind her new production – it is a poetically musical homage to joy of life, mindfulness, and the power of shared resonance.

Together with her two musical companions, Esther Baumann (piano) and Johannes Itzek (guitar, trumpet), a unique event unfolds that lies between concert, storytelling, and live illustration. Big pictures emerge before the audience's eyes, melodies merge with words. The evening becomes a special collective experience, as the course of the story is partially determined by the audience.

Julia Ginsbach, born in Darmstadt, studied in Heidelberg and now lives as a freelance illustrator and musician in Grebbin (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). With over 250 published books, she is one of the most widely read and versatile illustrators in Germany. She has collaborated with Rolf Zuckowski, Julia Boehme, Heinz Rudolf Kunze, and Max Moor, and travels throughout the German-speaking world with her children's programs – including the meerkat Tafiti. With her new production, she connects everything that defines her work: music, drawing, humor, and deep humanity. An interactive story revue that touches us all, moves us, and invites us to laugh – all with “our” beautiful Lau from the Blautopf.

Copyright: Steffen Struck

Admission: 6:30 PM

When Guido Buettgen steps onto the stage, it is no ordinary reading evening, but a literary experience full of wit, suspense, and esprit. The charismatic author from Feldafing is now widely known beyond Bavaria for his "Champagner-Krimis" set around Lake Starnberg, but also for unconventional reading evenings that captivate every audience, whether in small libraries or at large literature festivals.

Guido Buettgen masterfully brings words to life. Between thrillingly read passages, he offers humorous, interesting insights into the creation of his works. He shares entertaining biographical anecdotes and takes his audience behind the scenes of writing. But that's not all: Guido Buettgen loves direct interaction with his guests and includes them in his reading. This closeness, combined with linguistic elegance and fine humor, regularly earns enthusiastic feedback from the press, audience, and organizers.

"Sprightly, witty, entertaining," raves the Süddeutsche Zeitung, and countless voices confirm: Where Guido Buettgen reads, literature becomes an unforgettable experience – heartfelt, thrilling, inspiring.

Musically complementing Guido Buettgen on this captivating literary evening is "Histoire du Sax." Dieter Kraus, Jonas Vullinghs (both sax), and Bernhard Sinz (piano) invite you to an exciting musical journey, where the musicians walk in the footsteps of Adolphe Sax, who invented the saxophone in 1840.

Dive into the world of Champagnerkrimis and enjoy a wonderful reading evening, atmospheric music, and a fine sparkling wine.

Copyright: Foto Verlag, Image montage Ralf Hinz

Doors open: 6:30 PM

A thrilling crossover concert by the Blaubeuren-Laichingen-Schelklingen Music School:
Dedicated teachers of the music school present a musical journey that thematically combines Viennese charm with the lively American Broadway sound.

The starting point is the Viennese era of salon music, which, with its typical tonal colors and waltz rhythms, transports the audience to the atmosphere of the turn of the century around 1900. The musicians revive this bygone era with virtuosic, light, and sentimental melodies.

The journey then leads to New York in the early 20th century – to the place where the first musicals emerged and a new sound took the stages by storm. The connection between Vienna and New York during this time not only represents a cultural exchange of great significance. The increasing migration of European musicians led both the European and American music scenes to undergo a profound transformation, which shaped salon orchestra music and the beginnings of Broadway. Thus, the musical dialogue between Vienna and New York becomes a symbol of cultural exchange that extends far beyond music.

At this diverse concert, you will hear selected pieces – from early musicals to well-known hits – in versions specially arranged for the summer stage. Experience a multifaceted, entertaining journey through time that makes history audible and shows how music transcends borders.

Copyright: Ralf Hinz

Doors open: 10:00 AM

After the great success of "Geht nicht – Gibt’s nicht," Tan is now continuing as Caglar Tan (Tschalar Tan) with "Der Teufel trägt Rollstuhl" and is coming to the summer stage in Blaubeuren on his Germany tour: sharper, wittier, and more quick-witted than ever. "It took me over 40 years to realize that I’m a charlatan when you first say my last name and then my first name. Too bad Corona is over because I actually wanted to call my next program 'Sagrotan,'" he says about his current program. With his usual charm, new self-irony, and a significantly sharper tongue than before, Tan entertains his audience with the daily tricks, strange encounters, and absurdities one encounters when navigating life as a wheelchair user – while still trying not to lose his sense of humor. It’s not about pity, but about sharing laughter. Punchlines at eye level, keenly observed and ruthlessly honest. One thing is for sure: at his stand-up, not only Tan Caglar is sitting but also his gags.

The Boundary Walker
His parents came to Germany as guest workers from Turkey, but Tan himself was born in Hildesheim. Between kebab stands and bratwurst stalls, mosque and Catholic school, he learned early on how to navigate cultural minefields with a wink, or perhaps hit them right on target. While others are still discussing integration, Tan turns it into comedy gold: he pokes fun at German thoroughness and Turkish spontaneity, juggles with clichés, and shows that humor is the best bridge between cultures. His message: It’s not so bad sitting between two worlds as long as you can laugh on both sides. And anyone who has experienced this comedian on stage knows: Integration can be a lot of fun.

Actor in the successful TV series "In aller Freundschaft"
As Dr. Ilay Demir, Tan has been bringing fresh air to the Sachsenklinik since 2021. He is not a man of quiet tones – charming, direct, and with a penchant for powerful cars. He receives open arms from his colleagues but quickly makes it clear: preferential treatment is not his style, unless it’s about the parking spot right in front of the door. That’s where the fun stops. Ilay wants to get to the operating table, preferably immediately and everywhere. Even if that means he occasionally interferes in others' cases.

Police Officer in "Tatort"
Since 2021, Tan Caglar has been part of the Berlin "Tatort" team as Commissioner Malik Aslan. After a serious on-duty accident, the once athletically active police officer is in a wheelchair – but that doesn’t hold him back at all. Aslan is direct, quick-witted, and brings fresh air to the team with his dry, nuanced humor. He says what’s what, without embellishments, without clichés. A guy who prefers to observe rather than document – and often sees more than others.

Photo (c): Stefanie Schumacher

Admission: 5:30 PM

“I came to Blaubeuren at the age of 23, became an editor there, and encountered a society that was still actually entrenched in the past. I felt progressive, leftist, and anti-authoritarian – and if one hadn’t been equipped with a certain self-confidence, one wouldn’t have been able to manage it.” (Felix Huby – From the script for the eponymous SWR radio play).

With “Lehrjahre”, the Blaubeuren City Theatre will once again present a piece of local history on the summer stage in 2026. Based on the SWR radio play by Felix Huby, adapted and staged by Beate Schneck, the play tells the story of the years 1962/63 – a time of new beginnings and friction between tradition and change. The great storyteller Felix Huby was then working under his civil name Eberhard Hungerbühler as an editor at the “Blaumännle”, the official news sheet of the city of Blaubeuren, and as a local editor for the Schwäbische Donauzeitung. During this time, he found material for a narrative that oscillates between reality and fiction: humorous, honest, and with a loving and intense gaze at the people during a time of upheaval. These individuals could be stubborn, fearful, pretentious, but also helpful, down-to-earth, or open-minded.

About the content:
The young journalist Christian Ebinger becomes an editor at the “Blaumännle” and encounters a small-town society that still thinks deeply in old patterns. Amid press freedom, provincial politics, and a planned waste incineration plant, small dramas and big emotions unfold – as well as friendships with real Blaubeurens like the goldsmith Rudolf Dentler and his brother Theo, the founder of the “Theater in der Westentasche”, who, at the first performance, requested a chair as the price of admission.

The performance by the City Theatre is also a tribute to Felix Huby, who was closely connected to Blaubeuren not only as an author but also as a person. He spent his formative journalistic “apprenticeship” here before becoming one of the country’s most well-known screenwriters. The production is musically accompanied by the Blaubeuren jazz band Jazzmichl – a bow to Huby’s love for jazz and Louis Armstrong. The Blaubeuren City Theatre, known for historical productions like “The Treasure of the Rusenschloss” and “The Naked Truth”, showcases younger local history this time – up close and with lots of heart.

Copyright: Marie Jürgens

Admission: 6:30 PM

“I came to Blaubeuren at the age of 23, became an editor there, and encountered a society that was still actually entrenched in the past. I felt progressive, leftist, and anti-authoritarian – and if one hadn’t been equipped with a certain self-confidence, one wouldn’t have been able to manage it.” (Felix Huby – From the script for the eponymous SWR radio play).

With “Lehrjahre”, the Blaubeuren City Theatre will once again present a piece of local history on the summer stage in 2026. Based on the SWR radio play by Felix Huby, adapted and staged by Beate Schneck, the play tells the story of the years 1962/63 – a time of new beginnings and friction between tradition and change. The great storyteller Felix Huby was then working under his civil name Eberhard Hungerbühler as an editor at the “Blaumännle”, the official news sheet of the city of Blaubeuren, and as a local editor for the Schwäbische Donauzeitung. During this time, he found material for a narrative that oscillates between reality and fiction: humorous, honest, and with a loving and intense gaze at the people during a time of upheaval. These individuals could be stubborn, fearful, pretentious, but also helpful, down-to-earth, or open-minded.

About the content:
The young journalist Christian Ebinger becomes an editor at the “Blaumännle” and encounters a small-town society that still thinks deeply in old patterns. Amid press freedom, provincial politics, and a planned waste incineration plant, small dramas and big emotions unfold – as well as friendships with real Blaubeurens like the goldsmith Rudolf Dentler and his brother Theo, the founder of the “Theater in der Westentasche”, who, at the first performance, requested a chair as the price of admission.

The performance by the City Theatre is also a tribute to Felix Huby, who was closely connected to Blaubeuren not only as an author but also as a person. He spent his formative journalistic “apprenticeship” here before becoming one of the country’s most well-known screenwriters. The production is musically accompanied by the Blaubeuren jazz band Jazzmichl – a bow to Huby’s love for jazz and Louis Armstrong. The Blaubeuren City Theatre, known for historical productions like “The Treasure of the Rusenschloss” and “The Naked Truth”, showcases younger local history this time – up close and with lots of heart.

Copyright: Marie Jürgens

Admission: 6:30 PM

A Swabian and a Badenese together on stage? That sounds almost impossible. But the two know, appreciate, and understand each other. Klaus Birk and Andreas Müller can overcome the historically cemented language barrier between Badisch and Schwäbisch. The Swabian Birk (cabaret grandmaster from Tübingen) and the Badenese Müller (parodist and radio comedy star from Baden-Baden) want to accomplish the seemingly impossible and perform together: A griffin and a stag, comparable to the state crest. With their new program “HomeLändZack,” they will explain that the world is no larger than THE LÄND, but THE LÄND is also not smaller than the world. Sounds paradoxical, and it is. It will also show that coping with current events can indeed be meaningful and that looking back in anger is not worthwhile.

Klaus Birk, born in Nagold, is an actor, cabaret artist, author, and director – and has been performing on the stages of the republic for over 40 years. He is known from numerous TV and radio shows and was the author of “Hannes und der Bürgermeister.”

Andreas Müller, who graduated from high school in Baden-Baden, is a comedian, parodist, and a creative mind behind cult figures and radio parodies at SWR3, being a voice of the nation. Since 2007, Andreas Müller has been the head of comedy at this station. Many of his radio dramas achieved cult status among listeners, such as “Feinkost Zipp” (Moggään!), “Die Lallers,” a parody of the TV series “Die Fallers,” “Swedis für Angefangenen und Fortgescrittenen,” “Jogis Jungs,” and “Die Grokos,” in which cabaret-style themes about football and the grand coalition were addressed.

Copyright: HOC Events

Doors open: 5:30 PM

The 10-member Ulm formation jazz-ahead brings the magic of Miles Davis and his companions back to life in an energetic live evening. The band has been dedicated to jazz history and the style-defining compositions of the great jazz eras for many years. With their extraordinary lineup as a tentet (ten-member jazz formation), they specialize in the wonderful and successful compositions of Miles Davis and his accomplices—pieces that are rarely heard in this unique configuration. In their program "Die Musik von Miles Davis und Freunden," jazz-ahead presents these unique arrangements. The formation covers various styles—from hard swing and bebop to Latin and funk—bringing to light some forgotten treasures of jazz history.

Since there is hardly any sheet music available for this rare configuration, jazz-ahead has exclusive arrangements written by renowned arrangers, creating a distinctive sound that allows the classics to shine with new brilliance. The pieces are presented with small stories and anecdotes about their creation.

Line-up:
Adelheid Aurnhanmmer (Alto Saxophone)
Martin Deckenbach (Tenor Saxophone)
Olaf König (Baritone Saxophone)
Wolfgang Dieterle (Trumpet)
Stephan Düppre (Trumpet)
Seppi Schreck (Trombone)
Thomas Pawlitza (Guitar)
Thilo Weißhardt (Piano)
Boris Funk (Bass)
Albrecht Wantzen (Drums)

Copyright: Organizer

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Many know Tatjana Geßler from the SWR regional news and other TV shows, but also as a filmmaker, dedicated animal lover, and book author. Those who only know her from television have only seen part of her personality because she is also an inspiring singer and songwriter. At her rather rare concerts, you immediately sense that this is not the newswoman singing for self-fulfillment: pure passion can be felt in her chansons.

Tatjana Geßler comes to the summer stage together with pianist Frieder Berlin, who was a music editor at SWR for decades and is at home on numerous stages as a musician. Not only with his own jazz band, the Frieder Berlin Trio, but also with Charly and the Jivemates and the SWR 1 Band, he has accompanied many great artists, such as Chris deBurgh, John Miles (Music was my first love), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Holly Johnson (Frankie goes to Hollywood), Ian Paice and Roger Glover (Deep Purple), Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), and Stefan Gwildis.

Tatjana Geßler brings her own songs to Blaubeuren, as well as evergreen hits and songs from swing and pop. In between, she reads amusing stories from her books about monkeys, seals, and other animals – stories she experienced with them while filmmaking.

Photo: Klaus Schnait

Entry: 6:30 PM

Deep beneath the gentle hilly landscape of the Swabian Alb lies a world that few ever see – mysterious, fragile, and breathtakingly beautiful. Experienced cave explorer Andreas Kücha once again takes the visitors of the Summer Stage 2026 on a fascinating journey of discovery into the underground landscapes of our region.

In his lecture, he demonstrates how water has carved its way through the limestone of the Alb over millennia, creating an impressive network of tunnels, halls, and underground rivers. With striking images and personal stories, Andreas Kücha opens up views both underwater – into the mysterious cave passages often reserved for divers – and above the water’s surface, where stalactites bear the marks of a tumultuous Earth history.

The lecture conveys not only scientifically sound knowledge but also the fascination and respect that this fragile world deserves. For the caves of the Alb are not just geological wonders – they are habitats, archives of the past, and places of human longing and curiosity.

Anyone wanting to know what is happening directly beneath our feet and why this hidden world has captivated people for centuries should not miss this evening. A rendezvous with the otherwise invisible beauty of our homeland – exciting, educational, and inspiring all at once.

Copyright: HFGOK, A. Kücha

Entrance: 6:30 PM

“Three men, three guitars” say FRONTM3N about themselves. The three musicians Pete Lincoln, Mick Wilson, and Peter Howarth became known as singers of The Hollies, 10cc, Sweet, Sailor, or Smokie, among others. The band was founded at the end of 2015, and they held their first joint concerts in Germany in January 2016. Exactly 10 years later, the three charming Englishmen return to where it all began as part of their anniversary tour. This will also be the last longer, bigger tour of the band in Germany.

Frontm3n, who are already regarded as the “British Eagles” due to their fantastic harmony singing and catchy melodies, are releasing “NOW AND THEN,” their seventh album worldwide. Audiences will experience a special acoustic evening during the 10th anniversary tour, packed with hits and original songs, newly and freshly interpreted. Each song has its own story from the musical journey of the three musicians. Surely, there will also be some surprises in the program.

The Brit trio is indeed a kind of supergroup - after all, each of them has been the singer of a band that reached the highest levels of pop and rock.

Enjoy an unplugged concert of the highest class on the summer stage and don’t miss it.

Photo: Press photo

Doors open: 17:30 Uhr

The Kriminaldinner ‘And You’re Out’ – this is a delicious multi-course menu set in a stylish atmosphere, surrounded by an exciting criminal case, taking place at the conference center Blaubeuren in Blaubeuren.

You find yourself in the ballroom of the exquisite wellness hotel "Pachisi." The gala dinner is ready, and the kitchen already smells delightful. After the exhausting yoga afternoon, you truly deserve your dinner! Or did you prefer to let off steam with archery or in water aerobics? Whichever group you were in - now you come together for the feast and the exclusive presentation of the new board game "And You’re Out" - the game author will be present in person! Much to the dismay of yoga icon Eva Endlich, who would rather have sent her guests to bed early. After all, "Yoga at Sunrise" is on the agenda for tomorrow. But what was announced as a funny game night turns into bitter reality: A corpse hangs dead over the garden fence - with an arrow in the chest. A competition between the rival sports groups? Or a perverse version of "The Game of Life"? Roll the dice! It’s nothing less than the truth and the necessity to identify the perpetrator(s)!

The multi-course menu will be served by the gastro team at the conference center Blaubeuren, which will guarantee thrills for the nerves and the palate. Doors open at 6:30 PM – the event starts at 7:00 PM.

Entry: 6:30 PM / Multi-course menu and theater performance are included in the price / Table and seating will be assigned on-site.