From the 2 to 16 July 2026 the Great Garden in Herrenhausen will once again be transformed into a sprawling open-air stage. At 13 evenings creates a tour of different performances, each of which takes place at fixed stations in the garden. The mix of artistry, comedy, cabaret, juggling, magic and music forms the core of the format. Round 100 international artists design a programme that unfolds along the lines of historical garden architecture.
The performances are decentralised, allowing visitors to move flexibly through the garden. This creates an even flow of visitors without a traditional main stage. The experience thrives on short performances, unexpected moments and the combination of light, nature and artistic staging.
A new element in 2026 is the Family Day on 7 July. This Tuesday, the picnic area will open at 3 p.m., The programme starts at 4 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.. The adjusted times make it easier for families with younger children to visit. The atmosphere remains the same as during regular festival operations, but with a stronger focus on child-friendly activities.
The Family Day is part of the tradition of the Herrenhausen Gardens, which have been a venue for intergenerational events for decades. The evening performance will be deliberately shortened on this day to allow for a relaxed conclusion to the day.
The following conditions apply to the Small Festival 2026:
Adults: 37 euros
Reduced: 17 euros
Children up to 11 years of age: free admission
Admission covers both the day of the event and the following day and is also valid for the Herrenhausen Gardensthe Mountain garden and the castle museum. This places the visit in a broader historical context and allows it to be flexibly combined with an exploration of the grounds.
Tickets are available in several ways:
Online: Official online shop of the Little Festival
On site: Garden ticket shop in the east wing of Herrenhausen Palace (daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
With advance booking fee: HAZ/NP advance sales outlets or telephone orders
Box office: At least 300 tickets are available per evening.
Nevertheless, it is still advisable to plan ahead, as the festival is traditionally well attended and there is high demand at the box office.