Full programme announced for Leipzig’s 2026 Queer Music Festival
The full programme for the Queer Music Festival 2026 , set to take place in Leipzig , Germany from 23–26 April , has been released. Organisers say this year’s edition will highlight a rich mix of queer musical talent and multidisciplinary performance, with concerts, films, talks, workshops and club nights taking over venues across the city.
Under the banner ** Identity Is Reality** , the festival aims to foreground queer voices at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance remain contested in many parts of society. The event centres artists who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or non‑binary - musicians whose work, organisers say, is still too often sidelined in mainstream contexts.
Zacker. Photo by Nietze
The driving force behind the festival is Zacker , whose work as both organiser and curator has shaped the event into a prominent platform for queer creativity. The 2026 edition positions itself not only as a celebration but also a much‑needed safe space, providing room for empowerment, connection and exchange within the LGBTQ+ community.
Across its three‑day run, the programme spans an eclectic range of genres: from intimate pop and indie sets to high‑energy electronic performances. Among the concert acts confirmed are Pablo Brooks, Marisabelle, Sibb, Seda, Denise Frey, Léon The Singer and Eja.
A special highlight will be a performance by D‑Dur Dykes* at the Heilandskirche , while the film strand includes screenings of No Ordinary Man and Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All.
Athena Owls by Anchorvisioncreation
Nightlife also features prominently, with a club event headlined by nd_baumecker (Berghain) , joined by Sherø and Joramia. Drag fans can look forward to appearances from Bambi Mercury , Teilzeitprinzessin Linette , Luna Neptune and Athena Owls.
Industry professionals will gather for the network meeting ** Queers in Music** , with a panel featuring Sherryaeri, David Trautmann and Sookee.
Additional programme elements include a dance class, DJ workshop, artist talk and festival quiz.
The festival is presented by ByteFM, Kreuzer and Rausgegangen , and organised by BOUYGERHL - Queer Music Archive.
Discussion in the ATmosphere