Aalen Reichsstädter Tage 2026

Aalen's Largest City Festival — Tradition Since the Imperial City Era

The Aalener Reichsstädter Tage is the largest city festival in the Ostwürttemberg/Ostalbkreis region. The name refers to Aalen's history as a Free Imperial City — a status Aalen held from the 14th century until its incorporation into Württemberg in 1803. The festival commemorates this history and takes place annually in mid-September. In 2026, the event runs from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, September 13, 2026. Organizer: Culture and Press Office of the City of Aalen.

Opening Friday 7:00 PM at Gmünder Torplatz

The festival kicks off on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Gmünder Torplatz — usually with a traditional keg tapping ceremony, a speech by the mayor, and the first live music performances. The Gmünder Torplatz, with its distinctive city gate, is one of Aalen's historical landmarks and serves as the symbolically fitting location for the festival's opening.

120 Stalls — Swabian Meets Global

Around 120 stalls are spread across the squares and streets of Aalen's city center. The gastronomic offerings are a mix:

• Swabian Specialties — Maultaschen, Spätzle, pork roast, Schupfnudeln, sausage platters
• International Cuisine — Turkish, Italian, Greek, Balkan, Asian stalls
• Street Food Concepts — Burgers, crêpes, tacos, vegan options
• Sweets and Baked Goods — Potato pancakes, crêpes, gingerbread, chocolate
• Drinks — Draft beer, wine, spritzer, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages

This mix makes Aalen's city festival a culinary meeting point with a distinct international flair — fitting for Aalen's population, which comprises over 120 nationalities.

Several Stages with Diverse Programs

On several stages in the city center — Marktplatz, Gmünder Torplatz, and other squares — a dense stage program unfolds. Live bands from the region (cover bands, rock, pop, Schlager music), brass bands during the Sunday morning brunch (Frühschoppen), dance groups, walking acts, and cultural performances rotate over the three festival days. The stage program will be detailed by the City of Aalen in the summer of 2026.

Aalen — Largest City in the Ostalbkreis

Aalen (Ostalbkreis, District 08136, approx. 70,000 inhabitants) is the largest city in the Ostalbkreis and lies on the eastern edge of the Swabian Jura. With its long history as a former Free Imperial City, its Roman past (Limes Museum, Roman fort), its university presence (Aalen University), and its industrial strength (optics, steel, mechanical engineering), Aalen combines tradition and modernity.

Free Admission — Aalen's Annual City Festival Highlight

Free admission. The Reichsstädter Tage are considered the quintessential city festival in the region and attract visitors from the entire Ostalbkreis and beyond — from Schwäbisch Gmünd to Ellwangen to Heidenheim. An event that fosters Aalen's identity and offers travelers a great opportunity to experience the city in its late-summer mode.