Traditionally. Rustic. Like in the old days!

Even in 2026, the grand Offenburger Hexenball will take place again in the Abtsberghalle in Zell-Weierbach. The best atmosphere will once again be provided by Tom Robin & Band and Baden Media DJ Frank Dickerhof. In the Abtsberghalle, all costumed guests can get their photos taken at the photo wall and automatically participate in the costume contest. Whether pizza baker, ice princess, or Ninja Turtles – the three most creative costume variations will be awarded and rewarded with prizes. Our guests can look forward to another edition of the Hexenball on Dirty Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Copyright: Offenburger Hexenzunft e.V.

Admission: 8:00 PM

Bombargo is a Canada-based, internationally touring band that adds a vibrant splash of soul over their distinctive "vintage pop" sound. Known for bringing unparalleled energy to the stage with sing-along anthems, brotherly harmonies, and a powerful message, they create one of the most captivating live shows ever! Frontman Nathan Thoen's passionate conviction and his "Jagger-like" dance moves even impressed billionaire and music industry icon Sir Richard Branson, who remarked, "I haven't seen this kind of energy since the Rolling Stones!" - and he should know, as he personally signed the Rolling Stones to Virgin Records.

The band started with lead singer Nathan Thoen and guitarist Spencer Chilliak after the two met spontaneously and drove 16 hours to the Sasquatch Music Festival, where they were inspired to form a band. The duo wrote their first song "Let It Grow" during their very first writing session and as part of Bombargo's debut EP "Back on Main," which was later included in SaskMusic's "Top 10 Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2015." This inspired them to continue writing, touring, and releasing their first album titled "We Are Bombargo." Since then, the group has evolved into a 7-member touring band, including Nathan's brother Anthony Thoen on guitar, brothers Matt and Sammy Folkersen on keys and bass, respectively, Connor Newton on saxophone, and Niall Cubbon on drums.

Bombargo received considerable acclaim when pop star icon Taylor Swift added their 2018 single "Mr. No Good" to her Spotify playlist titled "Songs Taylor Loves," alongside mega-artists like Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, and Kendrick Lamar. As the only unsigned band on this star-studded playlist, Bombargo has been featured in CBC shows Q, NME, Exclaim, Fashion, Noisey, People, and Billboard. Following this success, they released their single 'Oxygen', which catapulted Bombargo into the Canadian Hot AC Top 40 charts for the first time in the fall of 2019. By the end of 2019, the band also made their U.S. tour debut with their 33-date "North American Dream Tour," which began with Bombargo playing the sold-out Roughriders Labour Day Classic Half-Time Show in front of over 33,000 people. The band’s U.S. debut at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, California, garnered significant coverage, including an enthusiastic article in Billboard Magazine.

Bombargo performed on the main stage at the Okeechobee Music Festival 2020 in Florida, in front of over 40,000 attendees, and joined the Okeechobee PoWow Super Jam to close out the festival. In August 2020, the band made an "excellent" cameo appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster "Bill & Ted 3: Face The Music." Bombargo's latest album "nebula." reached its Kickstarter fundraising goal in less than 7 hours and was released in June 2022. Since then, the band has toured America in 2022 for their 27-date "Goodtime Guarantee" headliner tour and returned in 2023 for their "Surfin’ in The USA" tour. In April 2024, Bombargo will release their latest single "Peices of My Heart" ahead of their "Peices of My Heart Tour" across North America, during which they will play their own headliner dates, festivals, and support for artists like Michael Franti and Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Stephen Marley, and Citizen Cope. Bombargo has collected over 10 million DSP streams and received over 1 million views on YouTube to date. There is no doubt that Bombargo will continue to spread "The Goodtime Guarantee" in the coming years and looks forward to what the future brings.

Doors open at 8:00 PM

Bombargo is a Canada-based, internationally touring band that spices up their distinctive "Vintage-Pop" sound with a vibrant splash of soul. Known for bringing unparalleled energy to the stage with sing-along anthems, sibling harmonies, and a powerful message, which together make for one of the most captivating live shows of all time! Frontman Nathan Thoen's passionate conviction and his "Jagger-like" dance moves even impressed billionaire and music industry icon Sir Richard Branson, who said: "I haven't seen this kind of energy since the Rolling Stones!" - and he should know, having personally signed the Rolling Stones at Virgin Records.
The band began with lead singer Nathan Thoen and guitarist Spencer Chilliak after the two met spontaneously and drove 16 hours to the Sasquatch Music Festival, where they were inspired to form a band. The duo wrote their first song "Let It Grow" during their very first songwriting session and as part of Bombargo's debut EP "Back on Main," which was later included in SaskMusic's "Top 10 Best Saskatchewan Albums of 2015." This inspired them to keep writing, touring, and release their first album titled "We Are Bombargo." Since then, the group has evolved into a 7-member touring band, including Nathan's brother Anthony Thoen on guitar, brothers Matt and Sammy Folkersen on keys and bass, respectively, Connor Newton on saxophone, and Niall Cubbon on drums.
Bombargo received significant acclaim when pop star icon Taylor Swift added their 2018 single "Mr. No Good" to her Spotify playlist titled "Songs Taylor Loves," alongside mega-artists such as Ed Sheeran, Camila Cabello, and Kendrick Lamar. As the only unsigned band on this star-studded playlist, Bombargo has been featured in CBC shows Q, NME, Exclaim, Fashion, Noisey, People, and Billboard. Following this success, the release of their single 'Oxygen' propelled Bombargo into the Canadian Hot AC Top 40 charts for the first time in the fall of 2019. At the end of 2019, the band also made their US tour debut with their 33-date "North American Dream Tour," which kicked off with Bombargo playing the sold-out Roughriders Labour Day Classic Half-Time Show before over 33,000 people. The band's US debut at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, California, generated considerable media coverage, including an enthusiastic article in Billboard Magazine.
Bombargo performed on the main stage of the 2020 Okeechobee Festival in Florida before over 40,000 attendees and joined the Okeechobee PoWow Super Jam to close out the festival. In August 2020, the band landed an "excellent" cameo in the Hollywood blockbuster "Bill & Ted 3: Face The Music." Bombargo's latest album "nebula." reached its Kickstarter funding goal in less than 7 hours and was released in June 2022. Since then, the band toured through America in 2022 on their 27-date "Goodtime Guarantee" headliner tour and was back in 2023 for their "Surfin' in The USA" tour. In April 2024, Bombargo released their latest single "Pieces of My Heart" in anticipation of their "Pieces of My Heart Tour" across North America, where they played their own headliner dates, festivals, and opening slots for artists like Michael Franti and Spearhead, Trevor Hall, Stephen Marley, and Citizen Cope. Bombargo has amassed over 10 million DSP streams and over 1 million views on YouTube to date. There is no doubt that Bombargo will continue to spread "The Goodtime Guarantee" in the coming years and looks forward to what the future holds.

Doors open at 20:00

Remaining tickets at the box office

Our program for the little ones - including cinema voucher

Meeting point at 1:30 PM at the FORUM cinema, Offenburg

Zunftball of the Althistorical Narrenzunft Offenburg

His gaze, his voice, his legendary hip swing: Elvis Presley is considered the greatest solo artist of all time with one billion records sold. “ELVIS – Das Musical”, the world's most successful musical biography about the "King", is filled with all his great hits and offers a unique journey through the life of the Rock’n’Roll icon. He achieved his international breakthrough in 1956 with the single “Heartbreak Hotel” and his first LP “Elvis Presley” – his first major hit and the first rock’n’roll album to reach number one on the charts. 70 years later, the successful production brings Elvis back to the stage and will go on a major tour across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland again in 2026.
Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, became the most important representative of 20th-century rock and pop culture during his unparalleled career. The year 1956 is considered the birth year of the “King of Rock’n’Roll” with Presley’s first hit single “Heartbreak Hotel” and his debut album “Elvis Presley”. Presley gave his last concert in June 1977 before officially passing away a short time later on August 16 due to a sudden heart attack at his estate Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. However, legends and myths still surround his death, making Presley unforgettable to this day. For his fans, he lives on – at least in their hearts.

An impressive homage to the “King of Rock’n‘Roll”
Emotional, powerful, and captivating: In “ELVIS – Das Musical”, audiences can once again experience the idol of a whole generation at various stages of his life. From the first studio recording as a gift to his mother, through the beginnings with Sam Phillips at the regional label Sun Records and the first published single “That’s All Right” in 1954, the switch to the national RCA label and the international breakthrough in 1956 with “Heartbreak Hotel”, the debut album “Elvis Presley” and his manager “Colonel” Tom Parker, to the superlative concert “Aloha from Hawaii” in 1973 at the Honolulu International Center Arena, which was broadcast via satellite as the first concert of a solo artist in over 40 countries and achieved a higher viewership in the USA than the first moon landing a few years prior.
The two-and-a-half-hour live spectacle has already thrilled over a million viewers, bringing back the magic surrounding the rock’n’roll icon to the stage and presenting Elvis Presley’s entire musical repertoire live – from gospel to blues to unrestrained rock’n’roll – and impressively reflecting on his life.
The “best Elvis performer since Elvis” and the seven-member “Las Vegas Showband”
With Grahame Patrick, the homage to the “King” features the “world’s best Elvis performer since Elvis” among its ranks. When he steps into the spotlight in the world-famous white jumpsuit and other authentic outfits, one might think they are seeing Elvis Presley himself on stage. Grahame Patrick also shines with an impressively close vocal similarity to the original, which he repeatedly demonstrates throughout the show.
He is accompanied by top-notch singers, actors, showgirls, and the seven-member “Las Vegas Showband”, who create an unforgettable musical experience – and of course, all the hits are performed live: From “Love Me Tender” to “Jailhouse Rock” to “Suspicious Minds”, as well as gospel songs like “Why Me, Lord?” and “How Great Thou Art”, whose live version in Memphis 1974 was awarded a Grammy Award. Elaborate choreography, scenes, and original film sequences guide through Elvis’s life and wonderfully complete the show spectacle.
Companions and eyewitnesses make the show unique
“ELVIS – Das Musical” gains its uniqueness not only from the outstanding protagonists but also from the involvement of real eyewitnesses and companions. Ed Enoch, leader of the legendary “The Stamps Quartet”, was on tour with Elvis for over 1,000 concerts from 1971 to 1977 and sang at his funeral. He has often shared the stage with Grahame Patrick as part of “ELVIS – Das Musical”. The Stamps Quartet is the oldest professional gospel quartet in the history of the United States that is still active. Ed Enoch will also support the show live with his “Stamps” again in 2026. Original film and photographic material from Elvis’s former tour manager and concert photographer Ed Bonja (†) is also included. He already assisted producer Bernhard Kurz with his insider knowledge during the development of the musical alongside his Elvis photographs and recordings.

Doors open: 19:00

The French-Romanian author Eugene Ionesco wrote DER KÖNIG STIRBT in 1962 during an illness he feared he would not survive. But a childhood memory also served as his inspiration. The author thought as a child that he could overcome illness and death through his own will. This king has ruled his realm for centuries. But nothing remains of his power. His palace is falling apart, everything is beginning to dissolve. The world is destroyed, humanity has shrunk to a few old men. And one thing is made clear right at the beginning of the play: He will have to die at the end of the performance. Sounds like great drama. However, this is a magnificent grotesque about the end of the world and the fragility of life. A play, refreshingly challenging, full of quirky surprises and dull-beautiful irony. The latest production from Offenburg's oldest off-theater thig, directed by the duo HARRIET HOPE. To be seen in the riding hall. Be there when the king dies! DER KÖNIG STIRBT - a grotesque drama by Eugene Ionesco about loss of power, transience, and the fear of death. Quirky, ironic, and profound - written in 1962 amidst personal illness. Experience the last hours of a king in a world that is dissolving.

The French-Romanian author Eugene Ionesco wrote DER KÖNIG STIRBT in 1962 during an illness he feared he would not survive. But a childhood memory also served as his inspiration. The author thought as a child that he could overcome illness and death through his own will. This king has ruled his realm for centuries. But nothing remains of his power. His palace is falling apart, everything is beginning to dissolve. The world is destroyed, humanity has shrunk to a few old men. And one thing is made clear right at the beginning of the play: He will have to die at the end of the performance. Sounds like great drama. However, this is a magnificent grotesque about the end of the world and the fragility of life. A play, refreshingly challenging, full of quirky surprises and dull-beautiful irony. The latest production from Offenburg's oldest off-theater thig, directed by the duo HARRIET HOPE. To be seen in the riding hall. Be there when the king dies! DER KÖNIG STIRBT - a grotesque drama by Eugene Ionesco about loss of power, transience, and the fear of death. Quirky, ironic, and profound - written in 1962 amidst personal illness. Experience the last hours of a king in a world that is dissolving.

TRIBUTE TO THE SHIMMERING CHAMPION OF MUSIC HISTORY

THE VOICE
THE FEELING
THE PASSION!

Freddie Mercury was one of the most flamboyant rock singers and personalities in music history.

He filled the largest stadiums in the world and thrilled audiences with his compositions of rock and theatricality. Like few other figures in rock 'n' roll history, Freddie Mercury, the singer of the band Queen, stands for extravagance and a grand performance.

In his private life, he lived in the fast lane and was known for his extravagant and decadent lifestyle. Despite his HIV diagnosis, the singer was in the studio until shortly before his death. Songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Are the Champions" made Mercury immortal.

BRINGING THE LEGEND TO LIFE

The Voice - The Feeling - The Passion is the motto of the magnificent 90-minute rock & music show featuring all the hits of Mercury and Queen.

The legend lives on.

The perfectly synchronized musicians bring the legend to life, celebrating the 1970s and 1980s and embodying Mercury and Queen with unique authenticity. One gets the impression of experiencing Freddie Mercury and Queen in person again at Wembley Stadium in 1986.

“All I do is make believe. I go out on stage, I act. I mean, I even have this song where I take on many roles. It's about this guy who pretends to know everything about love. But I already had my stage persona in mind. It's all just an illusion - all just fun.”
Freddie Mercury in one of his last interviews.

“The Spirit of Freddie Mercury” offers an extravagant stage show with leather shorts, baroque costumes, and fantasy uniforms complemented by dancers and international top singers.

World-class stylistic limitations and Queen Sensation, one of the best Queen tribute bands in the world, bring the artist, singer, and man “Freddie Mercury” to life!!!

“When we started, Mercury lived in an almost insurmountable dichotomy, on one side the shy boy Farrokh Bulsara, on the other side already slumbered what he later called the extroverted monster, the Freddie Mercury we all later knew.”
Roger Taylor, drummer of Queen
in the Mercury biography by Lesley Anne Jones.

Doors open: 19:00

Svea Schildknecht, soprano,
Friedemann A. Treiber, violin,
Oliver Jacobs, speaker,
Gerhard Möhringer-Gross, moderation

After the partial performance in June - so to speak as a "preview" - now the complete performance of the "Kafka Fragments" by György Kurtag, the 1926-born grand seigneur of contemporary music, who can celebrate his 100th birthday on February 19.
His "Kafka Fragments" are a fantastic collection of miniatures of set diary entries, letter quotes, and notes by Franz Kafka. "In four sections, forty fragments of insight, spontaneous impressions, questions of meaning, emotional landscapes, spiritual explosions and implosions are transformed into sounds - with a soprano whose range spans two octaves, and a violin that poses the highest technical demands. Some of the fragments last only a few seconds, others can extend to almost eight minutes, and throughout the intensity never wanes..." (NDR).
And between the sections: three short stories by Kafka.

Hoboken Division lays the foundation for a combination of garage rock, krautrock, and delta blues that is constantly evolving and unites the mystique of Mississippi music with the hypnosis of Suicide.

Influenced by RL Burnside and Velvet Underground, but also by the Kills or Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the band has developed its unique and characteristic sound.

Since 2015, they have been touring in France and Europe, showcasing the same passion and enthusiasm for the underground music scene.

Their shows reflect their commitment to authenticity and their dedication to their music and lyrics. They deliver a raw, powerful outburst, driven by a warm voice that starts on a highway of distortion.

20:00

Reading in the foyer of the riding arena with John Wesley Zielmann

Strange things are happening in the life of the student Nathanael: he believes he has seen the man whose alchemical experiments once caused his father's death. Olimpia, the daughter of his lecturer, exerts a strange fascination on him. And above all hangs the fear of the Sandman, a monster that tears out children's eyes. Separated from his fiancée Clara and his friend Lothar, Nathanael is in danger of losing his mind...

The actor John Wesley Zielmann recites the famous tale DER SANDMANN by E.T.A. Hoffmann while the cellist Patrick Reerink musically accompanies the reading and the graphic novel artist Reinhard Kleist creates live drawings on paper that are projected onto a screen. Here, spoken word, musical sound, and visual art come together to breathe life into the tale that was published in 1816.

You can also book this event with a 20% price advantage as part of the Riding Arena package. You can access the Riding Arena package with all participating events in the search field at Reservix or on our website kulturbuero.offenburg.de under the subscription offers.

The Best of Hans Zimmer
in Concert
Large Orchestra, Soloists & Choir of the Cinema Festival Symphonics
Artistic Direction: Stephen Ellery

Powerful. Beautiful. Breathtaking. This is how the music of double Oscar winner Hans Zimmer can be described. His most famous melodies, from the heroic power of “Gladiator” to the deeply touching harmonies of “The Lion King,” from the melancholic “Rain Man” to the nerve-wracking “Inception,” impressively demonstrate Zimmer’s gift of leading listeners directly to the heart of the film stories.
Zimmer’s sense of epic storytelling and his fine intuition for the emotional depth of each scene have secured him a permanent place in the hearts of music lovers and cinema-goers. His music is more than just a collection of beautiful melodies – it is a universal language that touches, inspires, and connects.
“The Best of Hans Zimmer in Concert” is a tribute to the masterful film composer, whose work stands for emotion and goosebumps. The ensemble of soloists, choir, and large orchestra of the Cinema Festival Symphonics masterfully interprets the world of unforgettable compositions that have been shaking cinemas and making hearts beat for years.
From the imposing intensity of “Pirates of the Caribbean” to the futuristic sound world of “Inception,” the large orchestra, the soloists, and the choir offer an essential experience for fans of film music. Epic and dramatic, as the first notes of “The Dark Night” fill the room. Tension and action flow through the hall as the powerful sounds of “Mission Impossible” captivate the audience.
Every sound that resonates through the concert hall immerses the guests in worlds of film music. The epic and dramatic compositions are enhanced by a breathtaking backdrop of synchronized screen animations and light effects.
“The Best of Hans Zimmer in Concert” is a unique experience full of monumental moments that will be remembered for a long time. A true spectacle that highlights the musical triumphs of Hans Zimmer in an impressive and passionate way.

Ice Breaker Evening of GeoTHERM 2026 – The Geothermal Get-Together
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, GeoTHERM invites you to a new event format: the Ice Breaker Evening at the Oberrheinhalle. Nestled near the picturesque Black Forest region, this gathering offers the perfect setting to kick off the trade fair in a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere and connect with industry peers.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, event starts at 6:30 PM / ends at 10:30 PM
Access to the Oberrheinhalle is via the inner courtyard.
The Ice Breaker Evening blends professional networking with a true taste of the Black Forest. Guests will enjoy an exclusive three-course menu featuring regional specialties, paired with a selection of fine wines from the Ortenau region, renowned for their exceptional quality and distinctive character. From rich, traditional flavors to modern interpretations of local classics, every dish reflects the culinary heritage of the region.
The combination of authentic Black Forest ambiance and an international audience creates an ideal environment to meet new contacts, reconnect with familiar faces, and start the trade fair with memorable conversations and exceptional flavors.
Tickets for the Ice Breaker Evening include drinks and the three-course menu highlighting Black Forest specialties.
A separate ticket is required for attendance. Entry is only permitted with a valid ticket. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.

Entry: 18:00 h

The Ice Breaker Evening is fully booked, no tickets available

GeoTHERM 2026 Evening Reception – The Geothermal Networking Dinner

The GeoTHERM evening reception is always quickly booked out. Due to popular demand, it will once again take place in the Oberrheinhalle on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Admission from 6:00 p.m., start at 6:30 p.m. / End of the evening reception at 0:30 a.m.

Access to the Oberrheinhalle is via the inner grounds.

It has become a tradition for the evening reception to include the presentation of the “Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award.”

Take advantage of the evening reception to network with industry experts.

The ticket for the evening reception includes drinks, a three-course meal, and a midnight snack.

A separate ticket is required to attend the evening reception. Admission to the evening event is not possible without a ticket.

Tickets can be booked subject to availability.

Admission: 18:00 h

The evening reception is fully booked, no tickets available

A breathtaking emerging voice: As the child of an opera singer and a conductor, Alma Naidu already composes her first pieces for the piano. She then undergoes classical vocal training and successfully sings in musicals. She samples film music, completes a jazz study on top of that, receives vocal training from Norma Winstone, and is supported by Wolfgang Haffner. All of this can be heard in her songs: Many are carried by an effective dramaturgy, feature unusual modulations, and transition from a cozy pop sphere to neo-soul, with a hint of baroque. Naidu's lyrics draw from her emotional life but also tackle current issues such as equality in the jazz business. The SZ exclaims: "One of the greatest singing talents in the country".

You can also book this event with a 20% price advantage as part of the Reithallen package. You can access the Reithallen package with all participating events in the search field on Reservix or on our website kulturbuero.offenburg.de under the offer subscriptions.

Gwen Dolyn makes music for everyone who does not want to apologize for their feelings. On her debut album X-RATED feelings, raw honesty meets Grunge, Indie, NDW, and Electro-Pop. Produced by Max Rieger and Thomas Zehnle, the Berlin musician tells stories of desire, pain, and self-doubt – unvarnished, loud, and straight to the heart.

20:00

Reggae vibes and pure festival atmosphere - even in winter!
At the Reggae Band Contest 2026, 3 talented up-and-coming bands in the genres of reggae, ska, and dancehall will compete against each other. The winning band secures a performance at the Black Forest On Fire festival (31.07.-02.08.26) in Berghaupten, known for its unique ambiance and charitable character. All proceeds will go to social and cultural projects.
The audience will decide who wins the contest.

Doors open at 7:00 PM