In their program "Feelin' Groovy," the legendary band presents the most beautiful songs of the cult duo.
There are few artists whose reputation precedes them as much as that of the Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band. Wherever they perform, the passionate musicians leave behind an enthusiastic audience and effusive reviews.
Dreamy, passionate ballads like "Scarborough Fair" or "Bright Eyes," classics like "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," or "The Sound of Silence" are just as firmly part of the extensive repertoire as the exuberant "Cecilia."

Doors open at 6:30 PM

due to construction work in the Stadtkirche relocated to Volkshaus Jena, new date 01/17/2026, tickets remain valid

In their program "Feelin' Groovy," the legendary band presents the most beautiful songs of the cult duo.
There are few artists whose reputation precedes them as much as that of the Simon & Garfunkel Revival Band. Wherever they perform, the passionate musicians leave behind an enthusiastic audience and rave reviews.
Dreamy, passionate ballads like "Scarborough Fair" or "Bright Eyes," classics like "Mrs. Robinson," "The Boxer," or "The Sound of Silence" are just as much a part of the extensive repertoire as the rousing "Cecilia."

Doors open at 6:30 PM

Advance sales stopped due to possible construction measures in the church. More info starting September 2025

After Tabaluga found reason in the first part, he embarks on another fantastic journey.

Long, long ago, dragons once lived and protected the world from the cold of the ice with the warmth of their fire. However, over time, the ice began to destroy all living things. Arktos, a terrible snowman, aspires to cover the world with ice.
The old dragon Tyrion wants to prepare his young son Tabaluga for his predestined task of protecting the world. But for that, Tabaluga must find the True Fire, because only then he can put an end to Arktos's schemes.
Tabaluga has the support of a magician and now sets out to find the fire.
Tabaluga faces many dangers, such as the spider woman Tarantula, and also encounters beautiful things.
Tabaluga learns that the world with all its good and evil is wonderful and worth saving.
Arktos wants to prevent Tabaluga from fulfilling his destiny and creates a beautiful being, the girl Lilli, out of pure ice.
Lilli's sole task is to distract Tabaluga from his search for the True Fire.
As planned by Arktos, Tabaluga falls in love with Lilli, but through this, Tabaluga learns of a great and beautiful power: Love.

Tabaluga and Lilli is a great live family experience.
With a lot of love for the original, Tabaluga's adventures are transformed into a fairytale musical version for the whole family.
Loving costumes and innovative stage designs bring the world of the little dragon to life.
The well-known hits, among others by Peter Maffay, provide the best musical entertainment for boys and girls from four years old and for anyone who wants to awaken the child within them once more.

----------------------------------

Doors open: 4:00 PM

With eleven years, Kaleb Erdmann experienced the rampage at the Erfurt Gutenberg Gymnasium. More than twenty years later, he returns to this formative day with his new novel Die Ausweichschule – and poses the big questions about memory, truth, and responsibility.

Erdmann's text is personal, unflinching, and simultaneously literary with impressive power. He tells of measuring the unspeakable, of the attempt to put memories into words – and of what it means when literature touches old wounds.

"How Kaleb Erdmann approaches the Erfurt rampage literarily is a feat – he finds words for the unspeakable and leaves one speechless."
(Caroline Wahl)

An evening that touches, challenges, and invites conversation.

Doors open: 19:45 Uhr

There is no way that does not eventually lead home

At the end of World War II, a small boy is found in the middle of Germany, who knows nothing about himself and his origins. His age is estimated, he is given the name Hartmut, and grows up in a Catholic children's home where there is much order and even more discipline. There he meets the slightly older war orphan Margret, who tries to protect him even in the home. The two become an indispensable support for each other and decide never to let go again. However, while they try with all their might to forget the past together and lead a normal life, the consequences of their past also determine the following generations...

Admission: 20:00

Fog drifts through the dark streets of the East End. A shrill scream shatters the silence! A knife flashes! A dark figure disappears into the night. Jack the Ripper has struck again!
London, 1888. You are a spectator at the judicial investigation of the Ripper murders. The mysterious Alexandrina Kent accuses Inspector Abberline of being the killer. You accompany Mrs. Kent as she presents her evidence in the scandalous show of the magical Houdinus, into the dreadful asylum of Dr. Hydy, and to an eerie cemetery where grave robbers lurk. Can the Ripper be finally exposed tonight? Or will the truth never come to light?
In this horror comedy, you are right in the midst of it, the audience is part of the action. Of course, you can also follow the events from the spectator's perspective. The Kitchen Monsters will serve you a delicious 4-course meal between scenes. An exciting blend of dinner and theater. Also suitable for the faint-hearted.
Doors open: 30 minutes before the start

Admission: 7:00 PM

Admission: 7:00 PM

Culinary enjoyment and thrills: Guests at Jembo Motel & Freizeit GmbH & Co. KG in Jena are in for a treat: Das Kriminal Dinner – a delicious multi-course menu in a stylish atmosphere framed by an exciting crime play:

´The Last Joint of Marie Juana - A Hippie Crime´

The year 1999 is coming to an end. The old hippies Sabine and Michi are still trapped in the Flower Power era. They are slowly yearning for change – they are ripe for the island. The invitation to the grand Millennium Party "HIGH END" on the tiny island of Hellegraskog comes just in time. This island, owned by beach chair tycoon Tim le Ary, serves as the venue for a retreat to "open up" on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Woodstock. The spirit of the 70s is evoked, and the mixed group of participants, from the old 68er hippie to the 90s party girls, dives deep into the not quite forgotten world. With and in the grass, they work heartily and substantively on themselves.

But then the unimaginable happens - a murder amidst the atmosphere of love, peace, and bliss. A lifeless figure lies in the white sand. Who pushed Marie Juana over the cliff?

The seductive multi-course menu is served and created by the kitchen team at Jembo Motel & Freizeit GmbH & Co. KG. The thrill for nerves and palate starts at 5 PM, with entry from 4:30 PM.

Entry: 4:30 PM / Multi-course menu and play are included in the price / Tables and seating will be assigned on-site

J.B.O. - New Album, Tour Dates, Hallelujah!

The world is going crazy - everything is falling apart! But in difficult times, you can rely on J.B.O., who will open the “House Of The Rising Fun” with the release of their 15th studio album on January 9, 2026, providing you with support and direction.

After the foundation of the “House Of The Rising Fun” was already laid in autumn 2023, but there were recently problems with the craftsmen and material procurement, the band is now full of confidence and is putting the finishing touches on the building with interior architect Christoph Beyerlein - including heat and beer pumps and the Wallbox of Death.

The “Tour Of The Rising Fun” will stylishly guide the band through the halls of the Republic, offering an oasis of reason and a return to the true values of our people. Of course, they will bring many classics that delight the heart and encourage singing!

Because those who have fun have the power!

We’ll see you there!

Doors: 7:00 PM

Culinary enjoyment and thrills: Guests at the Landgrafen Restaurant in Jena are in for a treat: Das Kriminal Dinner – a delicious multi-course menu in a stylish setting surrounded by an exciting crime play:

´The Last Joint of Marie Juana - A Hippie Crime´

The year 1999 is coming to an end. The old hippies Sabine and Michi are still trapped in the Flower Power era. They slowly long for change – they are ripe for the island. The invitation to the grand Millenium Party "HIGH END" on the tiny island of Hellegraskog comes just in time. This island, owned by beach chair tycoon Tim le Ary, serves as the venue for a retreat to "open up" in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Woodstock. The spirit of the 70s is summoned and the colorful participants, from the old 68er hippie to the 90s party girls, dive deep into the yet not quite forgotten world. With and in the grass, they work earnestly and substantially on themselves.

But then the unfathomable happens – a murder amidst the atmosphere of love, peace, and bliss. A lifeless figure lies in the white sand. Who pushed Marie Juana over the cliff?

The enticing multi-course menu is served and created by the kitchen team at the Landgrafen Restaurant. The thrill for nerves and palate starts at 7 PM, with admission from 6:30 PM.

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

Musical Night in Concert - Experience musicals like never before. Live singing by well-known musical performers in original costumes, accompanied by a breathtaking light show, LED wall, and many other surprises. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of musicals and experience the greatest moments in musical history.
From "The Phantom of the Opera" to "Mamma Mia" to "We Will Rock You" and many more.
A show consisting of 2 x 50 minutes of musical highlights.
Experience an unforgettable evening full of emotions, passion, and a good dose of humor.

Admission: 18:30

Mario D. Richardt highlights in his practical guide ,,Mach dich Schlank" the challenges associated with insulin resistance and explains how we can positively influence our blood sugar levels. Since he himself is affected by insulin resistance, he shares his personal experiences and insights with touching openness and a healthy dose of self-irony.

Doors open: 20:00 Uhr

MUSIC-COMEDY
DR. POP
HITVERDÄCHTIG – THE MUSIC-COMEDY-STAND-UP-SHOW! (UPDATED REGULARLY!)

Can you seriously get a doctorate in pop music? Yes! And what do you do with it? A music-comedy stand-up show.

Dr. Pop is the doctor of the musical. He heals with music samples and fascinating music facts. In his live program "Hitverdächtig," Dr. Pop decodes which music can save a party, a relationship, and even a life. The audience receives astonishingly funny answers to questions like: Why do termites chew through wood twice as fast when they listen to heavy metal? Why are ten people sitting at a laptop for a hit today instead of one person with a guitar? Dr. Pop fires off samples of familiar and new hits from music history – from hip-hop, rock, pop, schlager, classical to jazz. Dr. Pop makes it audible: for every life situation, there is the right hit.

Hitverdächtig – The music-comedy stand-up show for all who love music or want to start enjoying it.

“Dr. Pop is the inventor of pop cabaret” (Kölner Stadtanzeiger)

“As a great enhancement of the evening, Markus Henrik proves himself again, who as Dr. Pop now fills the larger comedy halls of the country. With the help of a mysterious control box full of colorful buttons, he plays small films and music snippets and finds victims in gangster rapper Capital Bra and folk rock singer Andreas Gabalier, over whom it is delightfully enjoyable to mock.” (WAZ)

Photo: Marvin Ruppert

Entry: 6:30 PM

Experience a magical concert evening as we celebrate the timeless music of Michael Jackson – with a powerful interplay of a grand symphony orchestra, outstanding soloists, choir, dancers, and captivating voice-overs that will take you on an emotional journey through the life and works of the pop legend.

Look forward to world hits like Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat It, and BAD, as well as moving classics like Man in the Mirror, Heal the World, and You Are Not Alone. Emotional highlights such as Speechless, Liberian Girl, Who Is It, and Give In to Me are also included.

Enjoy an impressive program featuring over 20 legendary songs – including Black or White, They Don’t Care About Us, The Way You Make Me Feel, I Just Can’t Stop Loving You, We Are the World, A Place With No Name, and Planet Earth.

An evening full of energy, emotions, and inspiration – about love, hope, and the desire to make the world a better place together. An unforgettable concert experience – don't miss this highlight!

“In a world full of hate, we must still hope.
In a world full of anger, we must still comfort.
In a world full of despair, we must still dream.”
– Michael Jackson

This show is presented by Curtain Call World Touring from the Netherlands.

Doors open: 6:00 PM

Because the love of books connects us

spend a day with the EDA crew and the Thalia Jena team starting from 4 PM, including:
Speed dating - get to know the other book lovers, EDA, and the Thalia team Jena better
Painting stones and bookmarks, button station, photo spot, fortune wheel

following at 8:15 PM:
Reading with Jennifer Ebbinghaus, Marie Döling, and Anna Konelli moderated by Lisa-Marie Marquardt

The 17 HIPPIES are a staple in the German music scene – and far beyond. They have performed over 3000 concerts in 27 countries worldwide, from Japan to Australia and the USA, establishing a specific Berlin style on the stages of Europe. That the number 17 has nothing to do with the actual number of musicians but simply sounds good is something every child knows by now.
The 10 creative minds of the band combine their handmade magic with an unbridled joy and eagerness for play and innovation in an original way. Initially inspired by catchy melodies and rhythms of traditional music, they early on developed their unmistakable band sound, which is significantly shaped by their own compositions, the skill of the individual musicians, and the sound of their acoustic instruments.

Eastern European melodies and rhythms, Americana, and chanson thus merged with the Anglo-American rock/pop/jazz background of the band members, creating an exciting mix that turned the 17 HIPPIES into their own genre. Their songs in German, English, French, and Hessian stand for an open-minded repertoire.
Three decades of making music together and 21 released albums have created a musical treasure that can be heard and felt in every note. Their self-developed interactive album app "9,000 Nights" impressively shows how curiously they engage with the diversity of their sound.
The energy and charm of the 17 HIPPIES are contagious. Those who experience them live leave the hall with the feeling of carrying the richness of a hopeful world within them and having made new friends.

Doors open at 7:00 PM

The Kriminaldinner ‘Und raus bist du‘ – this is a delicious multi-course menu set in a stylish atmosphere surrounded by an exciting criminal case, which will take place at the Jembo Motel & Freizeit GmbH & Co. KG in Jena.

You find yourself in the ballroom of the exquisite wellness hotel "Pachisi". The gala dinner is ready, and the delicious aroma is already wafting from the kitchen. After the exhausting yoga afternoon, you have truly earned your dinner! Or did you rather let off steam while archery or in water aerobics? Whichever group you were in - now you gather together for the festive feast and the exclusive presentation of the new board game "Und raus bist Du" - the game author herself will be present! Much to the dismay of the yoga icon Eva Endlich, who would have preferred to send her guests to bed early. After all, tomorrow's program includes "Yoga at Sunrise." But what was announced as a fun game night turns into bitter seriousness: A corpse hangs dead over the garden fence - with an arrow in the chest. A competition between competing sports groups? Or a perfidious version of "The Game of Life"? Roll the dice! It's about nothing less than the truth and the necessity to find the perpetrator(s)!

The multi-course menu will be served by the gastro team at Jemb, which will guarantee thrills for both nerves and taste buds. Admission is at 4:30 PM – the event starts at 5:00 PM.

Admission: 4:30 PM / Multi-course menu and theater performance are included in the price / Table and seating arrangements will be assigned on site.

For years, Roland Jankowsky has been known from various TV formats. If time allows, he also finds himself back on stage and in the studio. Theater, chansons, readings, and audio plays – Jankowsky is versatile.
Not least his sometimes quirky Inspector Overbeck, who elevated the ZDF crime series "Wilsberg" to cult status and enjoys a large and still growing fan base - despite the many faux pas he makes.
In his reading, however, he carefully avoids them.
Equipped with years of experience as a radio speaker and narrator, Roland Jankowsky presents selected "criminal" short stories. His "alter ego" also seems present in this genre, sitting "uninvited" at the reading table and commenting on the performance with original body language, occasional cross-references, and bons mots. A subtle, very entertaining game between reader and actor develops, making Jankowsky's readings a winkingly fun experience for the audience.
The Cologne-based actor is an excellent reader, and his reading promises the very best entertainment.
-Roland Jankowsky is the viewers' choice for 'Coolest TV Inspector in Germany 2018' "...Jankowsky provided the final touch. The voice clear and distinct, as if made for an audiobook. Local color through accents, a few subtle gestures that underline the humor - Jankowsky offers one of the most atmospheric evenings of the Gießen Crime Festival." (Gießener Allgemeine)"

"...Even during brutal scenes, there is hearty laughter... The dialects he imitates transport you to the regions of the stories of the various authors. He doesn’t just read them, but performs them on stage, truly embodying the characters." (Trierischer Volksfreund)

Doors open at 6:30 PM.