International Summerfestival

From 5 to 23 August 2026, the International Summer Festival at Kampnagel will bring international artists and exceptional productions from the worlds of dance, theatre, performance, music and literature to Hamburg. Under this year’s theme, ‘hope!’, the festival invites visitors to discover new perspectives and experience art as a space for hope, exchange and social dialogue.

International Summer Festival at Kampnagel – Three Weeks of International Performing Arts in Hamburg

Every summer, Kampnagel transforms into a vibrant meeting place for international art, bold ideas and inspiring encounters. The International Summer Festival brings artists from around the world to Hamburg, turning the former factory complex into a dynamic hub for dance, theatre, performance, music, literature and public discourse. If you're looking to experience the latest developments in the international arts scene, this festival offers a programme that challenges perspectives, sparks curiosity and leaves a lasting impression.

World premieres and outstanding international productions

With more than 50 productions, the International Summer Festival showcases an impressive line-up of world and German premieres by acclaimed artists alongside exciting emerging voices. International dance companies, theatre makers, performers and musicians present works that explore contemporary issues from diverse cultural perspectives.

Highlights include the world premiere of TRAPICANA, created by Joana Tischkau, Jeremy Nedd, Sophie Yukiko and the Cuban Malpaso Dance Company, as well as AND FROM THEIR HAIR, UNENDING FOREST by Adam Seid Tahir. The programme is further enriched by German premieres such as Sugar Island by Spanish performance artist Cuqui Jerez, alongside productions by internationally celebrated theatre and dance makers.

"hope!" – A festival shaped by optimism and imagination

This year's festival is centred around the theme "hope!", exploring how hope, joy and collective imagination can inspire new ways of shaping the future. Drawing on the ideas of author and activist adrienne maree brown, the programme combines artistic experimentation with social reflection and celebrates the transformative power of creativity.

Many productions challenge established systems and question social, political and cultural norms. Topics such as identity, diversity, solidarity and cultural exchange are explored through innovative artistic forms, encouraging audiences to engage with today's most pressing questions.

International collaboration beyond borders

For many years, the International Summer Festival has been recognised as a platform for global artistic collaboration. Artists from different countries and cultural backgrounds come together in Hamburg to create performances that foster dialogue and new perspectives.

A striking example is the collaboration with the Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba. Together with German artists, the company explores tourism, cultural identity and Eurocentric narratives in TRAPICANA. Another festival highlight is the performance by Kurdish musician Mohammad Mostafa Heydarian, who continues the thousand-year-old oral tradition of the Tanbur lute, bringing a unique musical heritage to the festival stage.

The entire city becomes a stage

The festival reaches far beyond Kampnagel's iconic halls. Performances and site-specific productions take place across Hamburg, including aboard the MS Stubnitz, at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, and on the Reeperbahn. These unusual venues create memorable cultural experiences while inviting visitors to discover different parts of the city through contemporary art.

This openness and connection to the urban landscape make the International Summer Festival a truly unique cultural event in Hamburg.

A festival for curious minds

Whether you are passionate about dance, theatre, performance art or contemporary culture, the International Summer Festival offers something for everyone eager to discover new artistic perspectives. Alongside large-scale productions, visitors can enjoy intimate performances, concerts, discussions and free outdoor events that create opportunities for exchange and shared experiences.

The festival highlights Hamburg's reputation as an open-minded cultural metropolis where international artists, innovative ideas and audiences from around the world come together.