What Frankfurt’s cabaret scene is
Frankfurt’s cabaret scene brings together performance, costume craftsmanship, social commentary and nightlife. Its best-known venues include Die KÄS, Germany’s only Turkish cabaret theater, and Pik-Dame Cabaret Hermann Gauss. Cabaret tailoring is also part of the city’s cultural landscape, with ateliers creating costumes for performances.
History
Die KÄS
Founded in 1997 by Şinasi Dikmen and Ayşe Aktay, Die KÄS (Kabarett Änderungsschneiderei) began as a small Kleinkunstbühne. It has grown into a cultural landmark and remains a family-run, community-oriented venue. Its 199-seat auditorium provides an intimate setting for performers and audiences (Wikipedia; Live the World).
The theater is recognized by the Turkish Community in Germany and is noted for its impact on Germany’s cabaret landscape. Its programming encourages intercultural exchange and responds to current social issues.
Cabaret tailoring
Frankfurt’s cabaret-tailoring tradition draws on Parisian cabaret of the late 19th century. Ateliers, especially in the historic Altstadt, make flamboyant custom costumes using hand embroidery, innovative textiles and adaptive designs. Costumes may challenge gender norms and promote inclusivity (momentslog.com).
What to see
Die KÄS
Die KÄS presents political cabaret, stand-up, theater, music, poetry slams and magic. Its program features established artists and emerging talents, particularly from Turkish and migrant backgrounds. Original shows often explore integration, identity and social change (Frankfurt Rhein Main; frankfurt.de).
Past guests include Dieter Hildebrandt, Gerhard Polt, Emil Steinberger and Urban Priol (frankfurt.de). The theater’s website has photo galleries and performance videos; digital maps and virtual tours are also available for planning (Frankfurt Rhein Main).
Cabaret-tailoring ateliers
Visitors can take part in workshops and tours to learn about the costume-making process. Some ateliers sell costumes and souvenirs, and some workshops are family-friendly. Photography policies vary, so ask before taking pictures.
Seasonal events such as Opernplatzfest include live performances and costume showcases. Multimedia presentations and virtual tours are available through official tourism platforms (frankfurt-tourismus.de).
Pik-Dame Cabaret Hermann Gauss
Pik-Dame is known for vintage glamour, with velvet drapes, intimate tables and atmospheric lighting. Its program includes burlesque, variety, jazz and drag, with custom-made costumes and audience participation (Nightflow). The atmosphere is inclusive and energetic, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.
Practical visiting information
Die KÄS
Address: Waldschmidtstraße 19, 60316 Frankfurt am Main, in Bornheim.
Performances: Usually in the evening, starting between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Schedules vary, so check the theater’s official website.
Tickets: €12–€25. Discounts are available for students, apprentices, unemployed people, Frankfurt Pass holders and people with disabilities. Tickets are sold online, at the box office and through authorized vendors.
Getting there: Tram lines 12 and 18 stop at Waldschmidtstraße; bus lines 30 and 36 also serve the area. Public transport is recommended because parking is limited.
Accessibility and services: Die KÄS is wheelchair accessible, with reserved seating and assistance available on request. Contact the theater in advance about specific needs. Occasional guided tours, workshops and private event rentals are also offered.
Cabaret-tailoring ateliers
Most ateliers are in the Altstadt, near the Dom/Römer and Hauptwache transit stops.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Weekend guided tours are available by appointment.
Costs: Atelier entry is generally free. Tours and workshops cost €10–€25; museum exhibitions cost €5–€12.
Most venues are wheelchair accessible; contact them in advance about access needs. Appointments are recommended for tours and workshops.
Pik-Dame Cabaret Hermann Gauss
Shows: Usually begin between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Doors open 30–60 minutes beforehand, and shows end around midnight.
Tickets: €20–€50, with VIP options. Book early for weekends and themed events (Frankfurt Tipp).
There is no strict dress code, but elegant or vintage attire is encouraged (Salon). Cocktails, champagne, wines and gourmet bites are served, often themed to the performance, with table service (GetYourGuide). The venue is centrally located and easy to reach by public transport, but check accessibility in advance for historic venues.
Cabaret in Bahnhofsviertel
The Bahnhofsviertel cabaret scene combines avant-garde cabaret, music and immersive performances (Timeout).
Shows: Thursday–Sunday, with starts between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Occasional matinees take place during festivals.
Tickets: €25–€60, available online or at the box office. Discounts are available for students and groups (Frankfurt Theatres).
Smart-casual or cocktail attire is suggested, and punctuality is valued. Performances are mostly in German but are visually accessible; some acts are in English. Wheelchair-friendly entrances and seating are available; notify the box office about special needs.
Bars and cafés offer local specialties, dinner-theater packages and cocktails. Cash, cards and contactless payment are accepted (Frankfurt Card Tips).
Tips
- Book ahead for busy periods and special events (Frankfurt Events).
- For Pik-Dame, arrive early for the best seating and time to settle in. Themed parties, guest artists and seasonal celebrations can sell out quickly.
- No photography is allowed during Pik-Dame shows. At Bahnhofsviertel performances, photography is also prohibited during shows, though designated spots may be available.
- Audience interaction is welcome at Pik-Dame; be respectful and maintain decorum. Tipping staff and performers is appreciated. At Bahnhofsviertel venues, tip staff directly.
- Bahnhofsviertel venues are in a central, well-patrolled area, but visitors are advised to stay alert at night (Frankfurt Safety Tips).
- Shops close on Sundays; learning basic German can make interactions smoother (Frankfurt Language Tips).
- Respect Ruhezeit (quiet hours), from 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Check Die KÄS’s official website for schedules and ticket information. Social media and the Audiala app are also mentioned as ways to follow updates and make bookings.
- Check venue websites for performance and interior images, as well as virtual tours.
Nearby places and transport
Near the cabaret-tailoring ateliers, visitors can explore the Städel Museum, Römerberg and cultural squares. The Main Tower and Römerberg are also close to the Bahnhofsviertel cabaret scene, which is near a range of dining options.
Frankfurt’s city center is walkable and well served by transit (Travel TomTom). Taxis, bike rentals and walking are convenient in the Bahnhofsviertel; the Frankfurt Card offers transit and discounts (Frankfurt Card). Visitors can also time a visit to coincide with annual cabaret festivals or special exhibitions (Frankfurt Tipp).
For local planning, the guide also lists Top Historical Sites in Frankfurt, Frankfurt Nightlife Guide and Dining in Bahnhofsviertel.
FAQ
When do shows begin?
Die KÄS performances usually start between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM. Pik-Dame shows start between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with doors opening 30–60 minutes beforehand and shows ending around midnight. Bahnhofsviertel performances start between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM.
How much do tickets cost?
Die KÄS tickets cost €12–€25; Pik-Dame tickets cost €20–€50, with VIP options; and Bahnhofsviertel tickets cost €25–€60. Discounts are available at Die KÄS and for students and groups at Bahnhofsviertel venues.
Is Die KÄS wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Die KÄS has reserved seating and can provide assistance on request. Contact the theater in advance about specific needs. Most cabaret-tailoring ateliers are wheelchair accessible, while access at Pik-Dame’s historic venues should be confirmed with the venue.
Are the performances in English?
Bahnhofsviertel performances are mostly in German, though they are visually accessible and some acts are in English. The other venues’ language details are not specified here.
Are there age restrictions?
Pik-Dame is recommended for ages 18 and older. Bahnhofsviertel venues are mostly 18+, though some festivals have family-friendly matinees.
Can visitors take photographs?
Ateliers have varying photography policies, so ask before taking pictures. Photography is prohibited during Pik-Dame and Bahnhofsviertel shows; Bahnhofsviertel venues may have designated spots.