18th-Century Festival Marbach am Neckar 2026
Historical Festival in the Schiller Town with a Journey Back to the 18th Century — Honoring Schiller and Tobias Mayer
About 18th-Century Festival
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18th-Century Festival — Journey Back to the Schiller Town
The 18th-Century Festival is a historical city festival that connects Marbach am Neckar with its two famous sons — Friedrich Schiller (born 1759) and Tobias Mayer (born 1723). Both were born here in the 18th century, both are symbols of the city's importance to German culture and science. The festival brings the era that shaped the city's appearance to life — and pays fitting homage to Marbach's old town, whose ensemble of listed buildings dates almost entirely from the 18th century.
Program — Market, Theater, Dances, City Tours
On Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, from 2 PM, and Monday, May 4th, 2026, from 11 AM, Marbach's old town transforms into a historical festival ground. In the squares and alleys:
• Peasants and craftspeople in period costumes — bakers, blacksmiths, weavers, potters, shoemakers demonstrate their crafts
• Courtly guests in elegant 18th-century costumes stroll through the city
• Market stalls with period specialties and handcrafted products
• Musicians and actors present music, theater scenes, and animations
• City tours with references to Schiller and Mayer
• Participatory dances from the 18th century
• Family program with activities for children
• Special programs in the three museums (Schiller National Museum, German Literature Archive, Museum of Modern Literature)
Historical Camp on the Schillerhöhe
From Saturday, May 2nd, to Monday, May 4th, 2026, there will also be a historical camp on the Schillerhöhe — outside the city walls, with campfires, simple 18th-century life, soldier life, and courtly life in tents. The camp is a main attraction for families and history enthusiasts.
Marbach and the Ludwigsburg District
Marbach am Neckar (Ludwigsburg district, AGS 08118, approx. 16,000 inhabitants) is located on the Neckar river northeast of Stuttgart. The city is the "Schillerstadt" — Friedrich Schiller was born here in 1759 — and, with the Schiller National Museum (founded 1903), the German Literature Archive (DLA), and the Museum of Modern Literature, it houses one of Germany's most important literary clusters. The 18th-Century Festival was threatened with budget cuts — but the Marbach city council saved it in 2025, underscoring the importance of this festival for the city's identity.
18th-Century Festival — edition 2026
18th-Century Festival Marbach 2026
On Sunday, May 3rd (from 2 PM), and Monday, May 4th, 2026 (from 11 AM), Marbach's old town transforms into a historical festival ground of the 18th century. Peasants and craftspeople in period costumes mingle with elegant courtly guests; market stalls with period specialties and handcrafted products, musicians, actors, participatory dances, and city tours with references to Schiller and Mayer make the time travel experience come alive.
From Saturday, May 2nd, to Monday, May 4th, 2026, there will also be a historical camp on the Schillerhöhe — outside the city walls, with campfires and simple 18th-century life. The three Marbach museums (Schiller National Museum, German Literature Archive, and Museum of Modern Literature) offer special programs.
Programme 18th-Century Festival 2026
Program 18th-Century Festival Marbach 2026
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 — from 2:00 PM
- Opening of the festival on the Marktplatz
- Market stalls with specialties and crafts of the era
- Peasants and craftspeople in period costumes
- Courtly guests stroll through the city
- Musicians and actors — music and theater scenes
- Participatory dances from the 18th century
- City tours with references to Schiller and Mayer
Monday, May 4th, 2026 — from 11:00 AM
- Morning pint with historical music
- Continuation of the market and theater performances
- Family program with hands-on activities
- Special programs in the museums
May 2nd–4th, 2026 — Historical Camp on the Schillerhöhe
- Outside the city walls
- Campfires, simple 18th-century life
- Soldier life and courtly life in tents
Special Programs in the Museums
- Schiller National Museum — Special guided tours
- German Literature Archive (DLA) — Special lectures
- Museum of Modern Literature — Special program
Detailed program: schillerstadt-marbach.de.
Highlights 18th-Century Festival 2026
- Time travel to the 18th century — the era of Friedrich Schiller and Tobias Mayer
- Historical camp on the Schillerhöhe (May 2–4)
- Peasants and craftspeople in period costumes
- Participatory dances and city tours
- Special programs at the Schiller National Museum, DLA, and Museum of Modern Literature
- Free admission
Prices 18th-Century Festival 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks and special museum admissions may incur costs. City tours may require registration.
Practical information — 18th-Century Festival
Getting There
S-Bahn (Suburban Train): S4 — stop Marbach (Neckar), 5 min. walk to the old town.
Car: A81 Stuttgart–Heilbronn, exit Mundelsheim or Ludwigsburg-Nord, continue via L1115 to Marbach. Parking around the old town.
Venue
Marbach am Neckar city center — Marktplatz, Hauptstraße, and surrounding alleys. Schillerhöhe (outside the old town) for the historical camp. 71672 Marbach am Neckar.
Admission
Free admission. Food and drinks and programs in the museums may incur costs (special admissions, guided tours).
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place 18th-Century Festival
Innenstadt Marbach und Schillerhöhe
Innenstadt und Schillerhöhe, 71672 Marbach am Neckar