- Shows & Musicals: “Beat It!” (13.02.) and “Aladin” (19./20.02.) kick off the season.
- Sports: Science City Jena hosts top opponents like Oldenburg and Hamburg in the spring.
- Culture: Reading with Roland Jankowsky (“Overbeck”) on 25.02.2026.
- Outlook: Top comedians like Mario Barth and Ralf Schmitz will arrive later in the year.
Jena, 08.02.2026 – Anyone who thinks February is a gray month without highlights is mistaken—at least when looking at the event calendar of the Saalestadt. In the coming weeks, Jena presents itself as a vibrant host for a wide spectrum of events, ranging from top-tier sports and captivating musicals to humorous readings. For residents and guests of the city, it is an opportunity to escape daily life and experience culture live.
Stage Clear: Musicals and Shows in February
As early as next week, fans of pop music can look forward to a special highlight. On 13 February 2026, the show “BEAT IT! – Die Erfolgsshow über den King of Pop!” will guest in Jena. The production promises a tribute to Michael Jackson and is expected to draw full crowds.
Just a few days later, things turn magical: The musical “Aladin” whisks the audience away into the world of 1001 Nights. Due to the expected high demand, two dates have been scheduled: 19 and 20 February 2026. Such double bookings clearly demonstrate that Jena is becoming increasingly important as a location for touring productions and boasts an enthusiastic audience.
Those who prefer things a bit cooler should mark March in their calendars: On 05.03.2026, “Eiskönigin 1 & 2 – Die Musik-Show auf Eis!” comes to the city—an event particularly interesting for families.
Culture and Readings: Crime Comedy with “Overbeck”
Away from the big stages, the cultural program also offers quieter, but no less entertaining tones. A special treat for TV crime fans is scheduled for 25 February 2026. The actor Roland Jankowsky, well-known to many as the quirky Commissioner Overbeck from the ZDF series “Wilsberg,” comes to Jena for a reading. Under the title “Es wird Tote geben – Overbeck reloaded!”, he presents dark-humored short stories. Jankowsky is considered a gifted reader whose performance goes far beyond a classic “glass-of-water” reading.
Sports: Science City Jena Facing an Exciting Spring
Sports fans are also looking ahead. The basketball players of Science City Jena face decisive weeks. The current schedule for March and April features real blockbusters. The home games against traditional rivals especially promise tension and a packed arena:
- 18.03.2026: Against EWE Baskets Oldenburg
- 26.03.2026: Against Veolia Towers Hamburg
- 02.04.2026: Against the Skyliners
Further encounters against Würzburg, Braunschweig, and Trier follow in April. This density of high-caliber matches underscores the significance of basketball in the sports city of Jena.
Long-term Outlook: Comedy Giants Inbound
Looking at the event calendar is also worthwhile for long-term planning. For autumn 2026, several of Germany’s best-known comedians have announced their arrival. Mario Barth is expected on 15 October with his program “Männer sind nichts ohne die Frauen,” followed by Ralf Schmitz in November. As tickets for such major events are known to sell out quickly, early booking is recommended.
With this varied mix, Jena proves once again that the city has much to offer culturally and in terms of sports. Whether it is a spontaneous musical visit in February or a basketball match in the spring—the possibilities for leisure activities are diverse.