ARD HÖRSPIELTAGE/ARD RADIO PLAY FESTIVAL 2026
The ARD Radio Play Festival program once again comprises four days of listening sessions, panel discussions, live performances and music, with this year’s focus on comedy, laughter and humor, which take center stage throughout the festival. We will take an in-depth look at the comedy genre and explore the aesthetic principles of humor and laughter, focusing in particular on what was considered funny forty years ago vs. today in a society shaped by the #metoo movement and an altogether heightened awareness of sensitive issues.
Friday and Saturday will showcase the latest radio plays and radio drama series from ARD, DLF Kultur, ORF and SRF – including the premiers of MOCHIZUKI – Die Legende der ersten Ninja-Kämpferin/MOCHIZUKI – The first female ninja (ARD 2026), Save the Bierstübchen/Save the alehouse (ARD 2026) and the live performance of Am Meer lag München nie/Munich was never by the sea (BR 2026). Alongside comedy, strong women are another central theme in this year’s radio plays, which cover a broad spectrum of women’s lives across time and space.
We will also celebrate sound art, including two entries by previous winners of the prestigious Karl Szucka Prize, as well as shortform dramas from the independent scene. The best production will be awarded the max15 Prize at the ARD Hörspieltage/ARD Radio Play Festival.
To discuss and explore, to celebrate and enjoy radio drama and comedy we will welcome, amongst others, Nora Decker, Lars Eidinger, the Lauscherlounge, Aurel Mertz, Isabel Schneider and The Razzzones.
On Sunday, the festival will draw to a rousing close with the ARD Kinderhörspieltag/ARD Radio Play Festival for Children, which offers a varied programme for all age groups, including the eagerly awaited live radio play Prinzessin Rosenblüte/Princess Rose Petal.
Admission to the ARD Hörspieltage is free. Tickets must be purchased for selected plays. Please check this link for ticket information and the detailed program
