Picknick am Turm Dillenburg

On your blankets, ready, go!
“Picnic at the Tower” invites you to linger again

On your blankets, ready, go! – this is again the motto on a balmy July weekend at Dillenburg Castle Hill. The event series “Picnic at the Tower” will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026. Participants can enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in Dillenburg open-air during a casual picnic with friends or family, all while being entertained by a varied supporting program. Guests of the event bring their own picnic equipment: blankets, camping chairs, tables, food, and drinks – everything the heart desires to make the picnic a beautiful experience. Additionally, there will be a catering stand on-site where non-alcoholic and alcoholic cold drinks as well as snacks can be purchased during the events.

The pre-sale of admission tickets will start on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Tourist Information in the Old Town Hall (Hauptstraße 19, 35683 Dillenburg) during current opening hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.). For the first time this year, an online pre-sale via the platform eventim.de will be set up for the events on Friday and Saturday. Depending on the availability of remaining tickets, a day ticket and evening box will also be set up on-site during the event days.

The program looks promising
Guests of this year's event series can look forward to a varied and appealing program.

Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.: Classical Crossover
“Classical meets Rock” with the chamber ensemble of the New Philharmonic Frankfurt

Visitors to the opening event can look forward to a crossover concert of the highest order. The chamber ensemble of the New Philharmonic Frankfurt merges refreshing classical music, emotional ballads, and hard-hitting rock 'n' roll into an exciting symbiosis of music genres. Interpreted by the soloists Lorena Huber and Karsten Stiers, the NPF band, and a 10-piece string ensemble, a concert highlight of a special kind will be created in front of the imposing backdrop of the Wilhelm Tower. Goosebumps guaranteed! The orchestra of the New Philharmonic Frankfurt stands for professional entertainment, musical know-how, stage-experienced instrumentalists, and singers with great vocal power. Last year, the orchestra enchanted guests at the anniversary “150 years Wilhelm Tower” and ensured a lively atmosphere among attendees who were more than thrilled by the captivating performance.

The admission for this special sound experience is 20 € per person.

Saturday, July 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.: Crime Picnic Dinner
Crime Dinner “The Blue Monk” in a relaxed picnic version!

For the sixth time in a row, visitors and friends of good taste will have the opportunity to attend an exciting crime dinner on the historic castle hill grounds. This year, the Dillenburg association “Theatergruppe Dellerlecker e.V.” will take the stage for the first time.

About the play:
Many legends revolve around the “Blue Monk,” the gem that was revered by the indigenous people in the deep jungles of South America as a sign from the gods due to its blue color. The fact that this rare and valuable stone is now to be sold at auction is more than a stroke of luck for the young auction house with its novel concept… provided one does not believe the legends about the curse that the “Blue Monk” brings with it.
The list of strange and quirky bidders is long, and soon envy, hatred, and old feuds escalate to a deadly peak – or is the curse indeed real?
 
Look forward to an exciting and entertaining criminal case, participate in a killer auction during a cozy picnic, and solve the mystery… unless you fear the curse of the “Blue Monk”!

As a dessert and as an additional treat, visitors will be served a proper portion of pop, light symphonic wind, and film music! To conclude and wind down this year's crime picnic dinner, the wind orchestra “Jetzt oder Nie!” from the Wetzlar Music School Lahn-Dill will perform.

The admission for the diverse evening is 12 € per person.

In good old tradition, there is also the option to purchase a filled picnic bag with delicious treats from the restaurant Tiergarten from Donsbach.

For 42.00 €, there is a ready-to-eat package for 2 people in a thermal bag:
Ebly salad with spicy meatballs, Quiche Lorraine with bacon and cheese, chicken fillet in crunchy coating, schnitzel skewers, noodle sticks with teriyaki sauce and roasted sesame, mini rolls and dip, strawberry quark & fruit strudel, as well as cutlery & napkins. A vegetarian version of the picnic bag will of course also be offered.

Orders will be gladly accepted until July 8, 12:00 p.m. at the Tourist Information when purchasing an admission ticket.

Sunday, July 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: HEAVYSAURUS in concert
METAL Tour 2026/2027 – THE concert experience for the whole family

HEAVYSAURUS, the probably most successful dino-metal band in the world, is back and comes for the third time in a row to the Orange City as part of their new, large “METAL Tour 2026/2027.” The unique experience for the whole family starts at 4:00 p.m. Get ready for a concert of a very special kind!

From the children’s room to the legendary Wacken Open Air, from family outings to festival stages, from small clubs to large halls – HEAVYSAURUS plays real metal for young and old, ensuring a genuine and child-friendly live experience with a fantastic show. HEAVYSAURUS consists of four dinosaurs and a dragon, rocking a unique stage show that makes both kids and adults raise the “Devil's Horns.” The little fans already know the “Devil's Horns”: index and little finger extended, hand proudly raised – the badge of honor for all rockers and dino-metalheads of all ages.

“METAL” is not a children’s album in the classic sense, but rather a musical adventure with captivating songs full of anthemic choruses, driving riffs, wild solos, and lots of interactive fun, as parents know from their favorite bands – such as Sabaton, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Volbeat. And always included: humor, attitude, and the mission to inspire children for music, not as a product but as a real experience.

The concert experience is tailored to children aged 3 to 11 years but also entertains their parents, grandparents, and siblings, as here the whole family gets their money's worth. The shows take place in the afternoon, at child-friendly volume and, where possible, with a separate children’s area right in the front with the best view for the little ones. And don’t worry: the dinos don’t bite.

Dillenburg is once again looking forward to Riffi Raffi (guitar), Muffi Puffi (bass), Komppi Momppi (drums), Milli Pilli (keyboards), and of course singer Mr. Heavysaurus!

The admission for the unique concert performance of “HEAVYSAURUS” in the afternoon is 20 € per person. There is also the option to purchase tickets online for a small pre-sale fee in the HEAVYSAURUS store.

The direct access to the Castle Hill is not given. Visitors have parking available at the adjacent tennis courts and in the surrounding residential area.

If the weather conditions (heavy rain or thunderstorms) disrupt the events, the program items will be canceled or, if possible, rescheduled promptly. The admission tickets will then be refunded or retain validity in case of rescheduling.

The event series is conducted with the kind support of the Sparkasse Dillenburg.