Theater & Stage: The Big Evenings of the Week

“Michael Kohlhaas” – Kleist in the Spotlight

The stage adaptation based on Heinrich von Kleist forms the cultural focal point of the week. Scheduled performance dates:

• Thursday, 01/15, performance starts at 7:30 pm
• Saturday, 01/17, 7:30 pm

The production condenses Kleist's material into a chamber play about law, morality, and radicalization. Early bookers not only secure good seats, but also a clear anchor for weekly planning – ideally combinable with quiet daytime activities such as Hofgarten, Residenz, or a visit to the Retti-Palais.

Family Highlight: “Hans in Luck” on Sunday

The musical fairy tale is listed as a family-friendly music theater:

• Sunday, 01/18, 3:00–5:00 pm (recommended from age 4)

The afternoon time allows for a relaxed arrival, a short walk in the Hofgarten beforehand, or an early dinner afterwards. For locals, the date is a well-rounded conclusion, for guests, the centerpiece of a family-friendly weekend.

Matinee Series: Stage & Pretzel

Those who consciously design their Sunday culturally can combine the morning matinee with the family program in the afternoon:

• Sunday, 01/18, 11:00 am

There is enough time between both events for the old town, coffee, and short walks.

Culinary & Music: Classic Dinner for Connoisseurs

The “Classic Dinner” combines culinary delights and live music – from film music to classical to jazz:

• Saturday, 01/17, starts at 7:00 pm

Planning tips for Saturday:

• as a conclusion to an afternoon tour in the Retti-Palais,
• as an independent evening for connoisseurs,
• as a culinary conclusion to a day trip in the region.

Reservations are usually in high demand early. If you want to choose between theater (“Michael Kohlhaas”) and Classic Dinner, it is best to set your priority now and book accordingly.

New and Old Splendor: Retti-Palais & City Tours

“Overture – The City Palace in New Splendor”

Since its reopening, the baroque Retti-Palais is once again open to the public. For the week, tours and time slots are planned from Thursday, 01/15, including the weekend. Places are limited – early booking recommended.

What you can look forward to:

• baroque architecture in a compact urban space,
• art-historical insights into building history and design,
• exciting contrast to the Residenz and the Hofgarten.

It is recommended to combine with a stroll through the old town and a detour to the Leonhart-Fuchs-Garden.

City Tours: Check Dates This Week

For the week of January 12 to 18, no night watchman tours are listed. Those who want to experience city history should look for themed tours or individually bookable tours via the tourist information.

Art & Cabaret: Scene Highlights for Evenings

Exhibition “RELIGRAFF ERAS”

As an outstanding art event of the week, “RELIGRAFF ERAS” is scheduled for an evening slot:

• Friday, 01/16, 7:00 pm

Further opening times at the weekend are listed in the weekly schedule. The title suggests a tension-filled connection of religion, graffiti aesthetics, and eras – ideal for a consciously quiet art evening or as a prelude before a stroll through the city center.

Cabaret on Friday

The cultural calendar also lists a cabaret evening:

• Friday, 01/16, 8:00 pm

Since art (7:00 pm) and cabaret (8:00 pm) are close together, it is advisable to decide in advance or to visit the exhibition during the weekend opening hours.

Spontaneously Plannable Sights in Ansbach

Residenz, Hofgarten and Orangerie

The Residenz showcases 27 state rooms as part of guided tours. The adjacent Hofgarten with Orangerie offers winter tranquility and short distances. In winter, according to official information, the Hofgarten is open daily from about 7:15 am to 6:00 pm – ideal before evening events.

• Mornings/early afternoons for Hofgarten walks and photo stops,
• Residenz tours on days without a packed evening program,
• Orangerie as an atmospheric backdrop for a break.

Sacred Buildings & Quiet Places

St. Gumbertus, St. Johannis, and the baroque synagogue shape the cityscape and are accessible via regular openings or guided tours. They provide quiet counterpoints to evening cultural formats.

Leonhart-Fuchs-Garden & Sculptures in the City

The Leonhart-Fuchs-Garden is the small green break in the center. Scattered throughout the city, sculptures invite you to a spontaneous art walk – just set off, look, linger.

Excursion Destinations Around Ansbach: Day Trips for Early Planners

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

A classic day trip with market square, half-timbered houses, and walkable city walls. Recommendation: wall walk with a view over the rooftops, old town stroll, and short Tauber hikes.

Dinkelsbühl and Ornbau

Dinkelsbühl impresses with a compact, well-preserved old town – perfect on foot. Ornbau scores with a medieval bridge and a peaceful village atmosphere. Both destinations can be easily combined with an evening cultural event in Ansbach.

Tauber Region

Between vineyards and river, cycling and hiking tours are possible – nature during the day, culture in Ansbach in the evening.

How Early Planners Make the Most of the Week

• Thursday: “Michael Kohlhaas” (7:30 pm) as a conscious start.
• Friday: Art (“RELIGRAFF ERAS”, 7:00 pm) or cabaret (8:00 pm) – reserve in time.
• Saturday: Retti-Palais in the afternoon; in the evening “Classic Dinner” (7:00 pm) or “Michael Kohlhaas” (7:30 pm).
• Sunday: Matinee “Stage & Pretzel” (11:00 am), Hofgarten break, “Hans in Luck” (3:00–5:00 pm).

In between: Residenz tours, churches, Leonhart-Fuchs-Garden, coffee breaks – or a day trip to Rothenburg, Dinkelsbühl, Ornbau, or the Tauber region.

Practical Notes

• Tickets & Seats: Book theater, cabaret, and Classic Dinner early (see event calendar/cultural overview).
• Winter Openings: Plan Hofgarten visits during the day in winter (closes earlier).
• City Tours: Night watchman not scheduled this week – check for alternative tours or individual guides.

Sources & Further Information

1. City of Ansbach – Official Event Calendar — Overview of theater, cabaret, exhibitions, culinary events (accessed 2026-01-07)
2. Bavarian Palace Administration – Ansbach Residenz & Hofgarten — Information on tours and winter opening times (accessed 2026-01-07)
3. Retti-Palais – Information & Tours — Current access and booking (accessed 2026-01-07)