Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol
Open-air summer theatre in the courtyard of Tyrol Castle
About Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol
The Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol
The Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol is an open-air summer theatre festival hosted in the evocative Vorburg (outer courtyard) of Tyrol Castle, in the municipality of Tirolo, near Bolzano. Since 2017, the cultural association behind the festival has brought live musical theatre to one of South Tyrol's most iconic landmarks: the ancient ancestral castle of the Counts of Tyrol, which towers over the Merano basin and the Burgraviato region.
Open-air theatre in a unique setting
The festival's charm lies in the marriage of grand popular theatre and a stunning natural backdrop. Performances take place on summer evenings, starting at 9:00 PM, with the castle gates opening at 7:00 PM to allow the audience to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a summer aperitif. The Bistro Schlosswirt serves Mediterranean cuisine and drinks with a view of the valley before every show.
Rock, humour, and reimagined classics
Under the artistic direction of Manfred Schweigkofler, the Schlossfestspiele are defined by their rock-inspired adaptations of great theatrical classics: famous plays and comedies reimagined with live music, sharp wit, and an infectious rhythm, featuring a blend of professional actors and musicians on stage. Over the years, the festival has presented titles such as Don Quijote, Lysistrata in Rock, and for 2026, Mirandolina in Rock, an adaptation of Carlo Goldoni's classic comedy.
Young Castle: theatre for the younger generation
Alongside the evening programme, the Schlossfestspiele host Young Castle, a theatre workshop for children and teenagers (from second grade to eighth grade). It offers a playful introduction to theatrical techniques, allowing them to perform on stage within the historic walls of Tyrol Castle.
Location
The festival takes place in Tirolo (Dorf Tirol), a picturesque village in the Burgraviato region of the Bolzano province, in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, just a few kilometres from Merano. Tyrol Castle can be reached on foot from the village centre via a scenic path winding through the valley's vineyards and orchards.
Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol — edition 2026
Mirandolina in Rock (2026)
The 2026 production of the Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol is Mirandolina in Rock, a rock-blues reimagining of Carlo Goldoni's comedy, featuring the clever and charming innkeeper who knows how to stand her ground against her suitors. The show combines sharp humour, literary brilliance, and live music performed by an on-stage band.
Cast and direction
Direction and artistic leadership are by Manfred Schweigkofler, musical direction by Stefan Wurz, and set design by Zita Pichler. The cast includes Anna Fink (Mirandolina), Hermann Bedke (the Knight), Elias Delueg (the Count), Alex Brugnara (the Marquis), Chiara Sartori (Dejanira), Julia Wieser (Ortensia), and others, accompanied by musicians Christian Kofler, Sebastian Gander, and Thomas Pichler.
Dates and times
World premiere on 17 July 2026. Performances are held on 17, 22, 24, 28, 30, 31 July and 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15 August, all at 9:00 PM, with the castle opening at 7:00 PM.
Young Castle 2026
As part of the festival, Young Castle returns, the theatre workshop for children and teenagers (from second grade to eighth grade), which in 2026 features the theme 'Power Girls and Boys'.
Programme Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol 2026
Mirandolina in Rock — 2026 performances
- July: 17 (premiere), 22, 24, 28, 30, 31
- August: 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 15
All performances start at 9:00 PM, with castle entry from 7:00 PM, in the Vorburg of Tyrol Castle.
Young Castle 2026
Theatre workshop for children and teenagers, theme 'Power Girls and Boys'.
Highlights Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol 2026
- World premiere of 'Mirandolina in Rock' on 17 July 2026
- Rock-blues adaptation of Goldoni's comedy with a live band
- Directed by Manfred Schweigkofler
- Unique setting of the Vorburg of Tyrol Castle
- Young Castle workshop for younger audiences
Prices Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol 2026
Practical information — Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol
Getting there
Tyrol Castle is located in the municipality of Tirolo (Dorf Tirol), near Bolzano, a short distance from Merano. The castle is accessible on foot from the village centre via a scenic path through the vineyards (approximately a 20-30 minute walk).
Opening hours
Performances begin at 9:00 PM; the castle gates open at 7:00 PM. The Bistro Schlosswirt opens two hours before each performance, offering aperitifs and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tickets and information
Tickets are available online via the official website (ticket.schlossfestspiele.events) or by email at [email protected]. General enquiries: [email protected], phone +39 351 7990805.
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Where does it take place — Schlossfestspiele Dorf Tirol
Vorburg di Castel Tirolo