Schwetzingen

Exhibition:Climate change in historic gardens

The effects of climate change are clearly visible in the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens. Around 80 per cent of the plants in the approximately 72-hectare palace gardens are suffering from heat and drought stress. These changes are highlighted in the exhibition ‘Climate Change in Historic Gardens – Biodiversity Under Construction’. The exhibition focuses on the consequences of climate change. Across 16 stations, the exhibition demonstrates how biodiversity can contribute to climate adaptation. Topics include tree dieback, new planting concepts, the cultivation of climate-resilient trees and shrubs, and adapted maintenance management. Measures to protect animals and newly discovered fungal species are also presented. The exhibition itself is designed with sustainability in mind, using borrowed construction site elements and recycled banners. Guided tours such as “When the Balance Tips” or walks focusing on the maintenance of historic gardens accompany the programme. Other activities, such as “Garden Bathing”, combine experiencing nature with relaxation. The exhibition is open daily from 15 April to 1 November in the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens.

SWR Festival Schwetzingen "Attitude"

The Schwetzingen SWR Festival presents a varied programme with numerous internationally renowned artists in the rococo theatre and in the historical rooms of the castle.

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Mannheim Summer in Schwetzingen Palace Gardens

The spirit of the festival between nature and culture: it is impressively immortalised in a palace complex like Schwetzingen. The main part of the Mannheim Summer will take place here in 2026 with its rich programme ranging from Mozart to the present day. Open-air concerts, performances, masked balls, international guest performances and the new production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" will set strong accents in the palace theatre and park.

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Le Marché Gourmand - French market on the small planks

In June, the French market brings French flair to Schwetzingen. Visitors enjoy typical French specialties such as crêpes, tarte flambée and cider, as well as handmade products and music by Thibault Wolf and Angèle Von Kiss. Three days full of enjoyment, culture and a vacation atmosphere in the heart of the city.

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Fête de la Musique

Born in France in 1982, the street music festival is now spreading throughout Europe. In the streets of almost 100 German cities, music is now celebrated on June 21 - without fees and with free admission!

Schwetzingen will also become a stage for amateur and professional musicians on the longest day of the year until sunset. Anyone who wants to participate is welcome - whether classical, pop, rock, jazz musicians or DJs.

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Festival of lights in the palace garden Schwetzingen

Every year, the atmospherically illuminated castle garden attracts many visitors to the Festival of Lights. The open-air event offers a varied program of music, dance, comedy and workshops for the whole family. The crowning finale is a traditional firework display.

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Music in the Park - Schlossgarten Schwetzingen

In 2026, "Music in the Park" will once again transform the Schwetzingen Castle Garden into a charming open-air setting. The concert series invites you to enjoy summer evenings filled with music and offers an atmospheric experience amidst the baroque garden. Visitors can look forward to a variety of events that will fill the historic park with special moments of sound. The open-air concerts will take place even in light rain, but there may be short-term changes in case of severe weather warnings. A cultural highlight of the summer that attracts music enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

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22. ASC-Classic-Gala Schwetzingen Intern. Concours d'Elegance Automobile

The 22nd ASC-Classic-Gala Schwetzingen is dedicated to 100 years of Automobili Maserati, 90 years of BMW 328, and the fascination of Dino - and as always, the A to Z of automotive history from all decades from 1985 will be on display with up to 160 rarities.

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Action week marking the 200th anniversary of Johann Peter Hebel's death.

Action week marking the 200th anniversary of Johann Peter Hebel's death. The poet, educator and theologian Johann Peter Hebel (1760-1826). Hebel was born in Basel in 1760 and died in Schwetzingen in 1826, where he worked as a member of the Upper Church Council until his death. The theme week highlights Hebel's work from a contemporary perspective – with a commemorative event, symposium and ac

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51th Mozart Festival Schwetzingen

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has visited Schwetzingen three times. Nowadays, every year, on three consecutive weekends in September and October, the beautiful venues of the Rokokotheater and the round halls of the palace are all about the composer from Salzburg and his contemporaries. In "Rokokotheatre" and "Zirkelsäle" of Schwetzingen palace. 

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Creative market ‘Handmade Love’

The southern Zirkelbau of Schwetzingen Palace forms the baroque backdrop for this design & handmade market. Around 100 creative people offer their unique handmade items in three magnificent halls.

Admission: from 16 years 7.00 euros incl. palace garden, 6-15 years 4.00 euros incl. palace garden

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Electoral Christmas Market

The Electoral Christmas Market is known far beyond the region for its atmospheric ambience. Over 40 artisans display their Christmas wares in the festively illuminated courtyard of the palace. A wide range of food and drink awaits visitors on the castle square.

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