SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Karlsruhe is a free annual light art festival that transforms Karlsruhe Palace into a large-scale canvas for artistic projections. First held in 2015 as part of the city’s 300th-anniversary celebrations, the event has become a fixture of the summer cultural calendar, welcoming around 300,000 visitors each year. The festival presents original projection works by artists and creative studios, alongside cultural activities and visitor information to help audiences plan their experience.

The 2026 programme explores architecture and urban space under the theme “Lightyard Stories: Visions of Urban Living,” celebrating Karlsruhe’s architecture and the public places where city life and different cultures meet. Featured works include MIRΔGE, METABOLISM, RE:STRUCT, On Fire, Fragile Homes and OceanDiverCity, as well as a children’s painting competition and a ZKM-led summer school project. The website provides programme details, show listings, travel guidance, a site map and accessibility-related support, including livestream information. Organised by KME Karlsruhe Marketing and Event GmbH, the festival is supported by partners and a community association that raises funds to sustain and develop the event.