Albbruck Village Festival

First Weekend of September — The Albbruck Dorffest

As summer slowly transitions into early autumn in the Hotzenwald, when the heights above the Rhine are still warm and the nights are a few degrees cooler, it's time for the Dorffest in Albbruck. It traditionally takes place on the first weekend of September — in 2026, this means Saturday, 5 September, and Sunday, 6 September. The festival is organised jointly by the municipality of Albbruck and the local clubs, who form the heart of the festival as caterers and co-organisers.

Barrel Tapping by the Mayor

The festival opening on Saturday follows a village festival classic: the Mayor opens the festival by tapping the first barrel, accompanied by a fanfare from one of the local music bands. This officially signals the start of what many Albbruck residents expect in the town centre on Saturday afternoon and evening: beer from the barrel, food from the club stalls, and music late into the night.

Albbruck Clubs as Caterers

The gastronomic concept of the festival is simple and effective: each participating club runs its own stall with its specialties. Sports clubs grill steaks and sausages, the music club serves spit-roasted chicken, the fire brigade manages the drinks, the traditional costume group offers wedding soup and pork shoulder, and the municipality's international clubs — Italian, Croatian, Turkish communities — bring their own classics to the counter. This turns the market into a culinary journey through the community.

Programme for Families

The family programme includes a carousel for children and a festival train, plus pony rides for the little ones and children's theatre in the afternoon. On Sunday, an art workshop called 'open studio' opens its doors — children and adults can paint, craft, and take their creations home. The mix of amusement park classics and creative activities elevates the Albbruck Dorffest beyond a mere catering event.

Live Music on Saturday and Sunday Evenings

Two evening concerts provide the musical backdrop. On Saturday evening, a regional cover band plays rock and pop classics — the typical village festival mix that invites dancing and brings together diverse age groups. On Sunday evening, a second band takes over for the late closing act, often featuring traditional brass music or Schlager hits.

Albbruck — on the High Rhine between Switzerland and the Black Forest

Albbruck (Waldshut district, postcode 08337, around 6,800 inhabitants) is located directly on the High Rhine, on the border with Switzerland. For generations, the community has been shaped by the Albbruck paper and pulp mill, which remains one of the largest employers in the district today. Touristically, Albbruck is the gateway to the Hotzenwald — the southern Black Forest — and a starting point for hiking and cycling tours along the Rhine. The village festival on the first weekend of September is one of the most important community events of the Albbruck year.