Fidena Festival 2026: Coal Beetles Enchant Bochum in May
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Fidena Festival: Bochum gets a Glowing Open-Air Adventure
With the Fidena Festival: In the Glow of the Coal Beetles, an extraordinary festival moment unfolds in Bochum, blending puppet theater, urban space, and imagination. On May 16, 2026, artists Anna Kpok and Stefanie Oberhoff will guide the audience on a public expedition around the Fidena at Hattinger Straße 467. The event is part of the international Fidena, which takes place from May 13 to 21, 2026, featuring 28 productions from 16 countries in Bochum and other cities in the Ruhr area. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/fidena-festival-im-glanz-der-kohlekaefer-1.html))
A Festival with History, Attitude, and International Profile
Fidena is one of the oldest festivals for puppet theater in Europe. Since 1958, the festival has shaped the scene, founded by Bochum publisher Fritz Wortelmann, and has become a platform for artistic adventures, aesthetic provocations, and intelligent boundary crossings between figure, space, and movement. The current edition in 2026 is under the new leadership of Helene Ewert and Christofer Schmidt and emphasizes co-creation from a citizens' jury in the region. ([fidena.de](https://www.fidena.de/programm/fidena/geschichte/mn_46121))
Coal Beetles, Urban Space, and Vibrant Festival Atmosphere
The title In the Glow of the Coal Beetles sounds poetic, quirky, and typically Fidena: In the Ruhr area, these beings emerge from former mining shafts and discover a new world above ground. This creates the special festival atmosphere of this multi-day experience. Instead of classic stage operations, an outdoor expedition is at the center, transforming the urban space into a lively play zone that appeals to families as well as curious culture enthusiasts. The event is designed as a free offering based on donations and is aimed at people aged 13 and above. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/fidena-festival-im-glanz-der-kohlekaefer-1.html))
What Visitors Can Expect on May 16
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, two time slots are planned: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The meeting point is directly at the Fidena building, Hattinger Straße 467 in 44795 Bochum. The nearest stop of the cultural line 308/318 is Blankensteiner Straße. The event is conceived as an open-air experience, thus being particularly close to the city, to the people, and to the open form of puppet theater. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/fidena-festival-im-glanz-der-kohlekaefer-1.html))
A Strong Signal for the Festival Season
Fidena 2026 connects tradition, present, and future with a clear focus on public space, participation, and artistic discovery. Those interested in festival organization, international puppet theater, and extraordinary cultural moments will experience one of the most exciting program highlights of the year in Bochum. This is not just any date on the calendar, but an inviting glimpse into the creative power of an entire scene. ([fidena.de](https://www.fidena.de/programm/fidena/fidena-2026/mn_48640?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion: The Fidena Festival: In the Glow of the Coal Beetles promises a free, imaginative, and atmospheric afternoon in the Bochum urban area. Anyone who wants to experience art in public space, the festival spirit, and extraordinary puppet theater live should definitely mark this date. ([bochum-tourismus.de](https://www.bochum-tourismus.de/was-ist-los/veranstaltungskalender/veranstaltung/fidena-festival-im-glanz-der-kohlekaefer-1.html))
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