Overview
- The 49th edition runs May 14–June 14, 2026 with 64 events, and ticket presales began on Nov. 18.
- Under the motto “Leichtigkeit des Seins,” the festival adds theater and comedy alongside classical, jazz, world music, dance and crossover.
- The opening pairs the Dresden Philharmonic led by Tabita Berglund with comedian Olaf Schubert, and the finale features Bill Murray with Jan Vogler, Mira Wang and Vanessa Perez in New Worlds.
- A London Philharmonic Orchestra residency under Edward Gardner anchors the season, and Kent Nagano leads the Festspielorchester and Concerto Köln in Götterdämmerung to complete the historically informed Ring.
- Intendant Jan Vogler has a contract extension to 2031 negotiated pending city council ratification in spring 2026.