Hildesheim will once again become a stage
PFLASTERZAUBER invites you to the city center on September 4th and 5th with a diverse program.
Breathtaking artistry, emotional dance moments, and subtle humor will fill Hildesheim's city center on September 4th and 5th, 2026. When the PFLASTERZAUBER cultural festival raises its curtains under the open sky, top-class international ensembles and regional talents will meet their audience on equal footing. Hildesheim Marketing, together with its long-time program sponsor, the Sparda-Bank Hannover Foundation, presents 17 different acts at seven venues this year.
The 19th edition of PFLASTERZAUBER showcases international artists in unique settings, creating unforgettable, intimate moments at special locations in the city center. The close connection with the audience and the interaction with spectators are particularly moving. As in previous years, the performances can be enjoyed outdoors and are free of charge. The motto remains: "If you enjoy it, throw a donation in the hat!" The artists depend on the audience's support.
Dance art and interaction in the heart of the city
This year, expressive movement art and shared experiences take center stage in Hildesheim's market square . The Argentinian duo La Arrabalera brings together two tango dancers in their circus-dance show "EL REENCUENTRO," a performance that reunites them on stage after a long time apart. The dialogue between classical tango and clowning creates a performance that questions traditional gender roles and explores the multi-ethnic roots of dance. Also hailing from Argentina is Dùo Al Vacio: with their dance and partner acrobatics show "CUÁNDO EMPIEZA EL OLVIDO?" (When does forgetting begin?) , the ensemble illuminates the delicate boundary between memory and forgetting.
The Belgian group Keeping Company brings energy to the stage with their production "JITTER ." Driven by rhythm and energy, two circus artists explore the Lindy Hop of the 1920s, while also referencing the cultural history of this dance. In the evening, the ensemble invites the audience to participate: Under the title " The Marketplace Dances, " the performance transitions into an open dance workshop where even those without prior experience can contribute.
Acrobatics, theatre and top-level artistic performance
The square at An der Lilie provides the setting for a diverse program of choreography, acrobatics, and theater. The Hildesheim-based Ars Saltandi Company presents "COMMON PULSE ," an expressive choreography in which contemporary dance, pointe work, tap, and acrobatics merge into a unified rhythm. Also from Hildesheim, Larissa von Behren showcases demanding elements of competitive sports in her solo show "IT'S SHOWTIME ," utilizing the limited stage space for fluid movements on two Rhönrads and a Cyr wheel.
The Belgian collective Soif Totale is represented with two distinct works. As the group Les Lulus, they present "LA VIE EST PLUS BELLE SANS LUNETTES," a circus-theater piece about a rule-bound society whose view of the world is filtered through lenses – until chance opens up new perspectives. With their main group, they also bring "PROLOGUE" to the stage, a production combining acrobatics, aerial juggling, a dynamic catwalk, and live music.
Aerial acrobatics, urban rhythm and comedy
At the horse market, the international Compañía Depáso performs at dizzying heights: their show "LA TROTTOLA" combines poetry with aerial acrobatics. At the same venue, Manshula Circo presents a humorous performance . The Argentinian clown celebrates a birthday with hula hoops in "PARRANDA," actively involving the audience in the performance.
At the Tessnerhaus, Gina Sibila , as the "Lady in Red," presents her Cyr wheel street show on cobblestones in "AND WHAT IS NORMAL, PLEASE?" , offering insights into her work and backstage stories. Additionally, Robert Wicke returns to the streets: The artist, known from Circus Roncalli and the GOP Variety Theatres, presents a mix of beatboxing, juggling, and comedy in his "DROP BERT'S COMEDY SHOW."
Angoulême Square will be transformed into a venue for urban dance and contemporary circus. The Hildesheim-based dance school SALTAZIO, with approximately 22 dancers, will present "HIPHOP CHRONICLES," a retrospective of hip-hop's evolution from the 1980s to the present day. On the same square, the Berlin-based ensemble Triority Circus will explore themes of vulnerability and inner strength through contemporary trio acrobatics in their production "SHROUDED."
Against the backdrop of St. Jakobi Church, music and clowning collide. In "TUBA," Argentinian musician Martin Orchessi combines instruments and everyday objects into a humorous concert, while in "POSTAL!" Shiva Grings comically exaggerates the chaotic daily work of a delivery driver.
Slowing down, gastronomy and service for visitors
A more tranquil counterpoint to the festival activities can be found in the garden of the Holy Cross Church. There, the French Théâtre de La Toupine will present their parent-powered "Dream Organ Carousel ," which combines a 48-pipe barrel organ, alphorns, piano, and drums. The Holy Cross youth group will be on hand to provide refreshments, including homemade waffles and drinks ( "Waffles, please!" ). On Saturday, the newly opened Café Franz, located at the entrance to the church garden, will celebrate its grand reopening with Franzbrötchen ( a type of sweet roll) and live music. On Friday, the Inner Wheel Club invites everyone to a cozy bistro at the Pferdemarkt (horse market), with proceeds benefiting cultural projects in Hildesheim.
The entire program at a glance
All information about this year's Pflasterzauber festival can be found on the website www.pflasterzauber.de . The program booklet, containing an overview of all artists and the schedule, will be available for a nominal fee of €1 at the information booth in the market square during the festival. Cash for the artists' collections can also be exchanged there. All venues in the city center are accessible without steps. With the exception of St. Jakobi Church and the Tessnerhaus, seating and designated areas for wheelchair users are available at all performance venues.
Supporters of PFLASTERZAUBER 2026
The festival is supported by the main sponsor STIFTUNG Sparda-Bank Hannover, the Arneken Galerie Hildesheim, the AOK, the city of Hildesheim, the Landschaftsverband, HIPARK by saba, Wolfgang DuCarrois, the Einbecker Brauhaus AG, the district of Hildesheim, the Heinrich Schröter GmbH, the Kühn Sicherheit GmbH, Daheim statt Heim, the Hotel Bürgermeisterkapelle and the Zweckverband Abfallwirtschaft Hildesheim.
PFLASTERZAUBER is organized in cooperation with Hildesheim Marketing GmbH and Internationale Kunst- und Kulturprojekte Hildesheim eV.
Press photo: From left: Klaus Wilhelm (Project Manager, Hildesheim Marketing GmbH),
Fritz S. Ahrberg (Managing Director, Hildesheim Marketing GmbH) and Stefanie Rupprecht (Foundation Management, Sparda-Bank Hannover Foundation).
Photos of this year's artists: Pflasterzauber Artists Photos 2026
[August 26, 2026]
Contact person for this topic
Hildesheim Marketing GmbH
Klaus Wilhelm
Rathausstrasse 15
31134 Hildesheim
Phone: 05121 1798-124
Email: klaus.wilhelm@hildesheim-marketing.de
Press Contact
Hildesheim Marketing GmbH
Stefanie Hoffmann
Rathausstrasse 15
31134 Hildesheim
Phone: 05121 1798-130