ZDF Fernsehgarten bans alcohol for a family‑friendly new season

The long‑running German summer live show ZDF Fernsehgarten began its 2026 season on 10 May in Mainz’s Lerchenberg venue. For the first time the program will not serve alcohol to the live audience, and bringing alcoholic drinks onto the premises is strictly prohibited. ZDF officials say the measure aims to create a family‑friendly atmosphere after past incidents, including a viral video of a guest drinking beer on‑camera, led to concerns about drunken behaviour during the broadcast.

Host Andrea Kiewel, who has presented the show since 2000, will continue to steer the two‑hour episodes with music, games and lifestyle segments. The July 5 edition will feature a “vacation‑feeling” theme with guests such as singers Lucas Cordalis, Christin Stark, the band Höhner, and others. The show, which runs roughly twenty times each summer, mixes live musical acts with cooking, garden, fashion and sport features.