Name: Altendorfer Kirchweih 2026
Start: 2026-08-28T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-31T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Festplatz Altendorf

Altendorfer Kerwa

About Altendorfer Kerwa

The Altendorfer Kirchweih – simply called "Altendorfer Kerwa" in the Franconian dialect – is one of the liveliest village Kirchweihen in the southern district of Bamberg. For four days, the carp village in Upper Franconia transforms into a single festival ground: with a beer tapping on Friday evening, the raising of the Kirchweih tree on Saturday, a festive church service and morning pint on Sunday, and the Scheuna party in a rustic barn, the Kerwa traditionally concludes on Monday. The festival caterer serves fresh carp from the region's ponds, along with Franconian beer from the Bamberg district and live music from regional bands. The Altendorfer Kerwa is part of the world heritage tradition of Upper Franconian Kirchweihen.

Dates 28 Aug — 31 Aug 2026

Venue Altendorf (09471)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Altendorfer Kerwa — edition 2026

The Altendorfer Kirchweih 2026 will be celebrated from Friday, August 28 to Monday, August 31, 2026. For four days, the carp village near Bamberg transforms into a large festival ground with a beer tapping on Friday, the Kirchweih tree on Saturday, a festive church service and morning pint on Sunday, and a family program on Monday.

The Altendorfer Kerwa 2026 begins on Friday evening, August 28, with the ceremonial beer tapping and the opening of the festival catering on the festival grounds. The evening's opening is a DJ party in the Scheuna with DJane ANI, a well-known figure in the region.

On Saturday, August 29, the decorated Kirchweih tree will be erected, a brass band will play from 5:00 PM, followed by live music in the festival tent. Sunday, August 30, begins with the festive church service, followed by the morning pint with brass music. In the afternoon and evening, live bands will play again. The festival concludes on Monday, August 31, with a family afternoon, another Scheuna party, and live music until late in the evening. Fried carp from the Aischgrund will be served throughout the festival.

Highlights Altendorfer Kerwa 2026

Beer tapping on Friday evening
Raising of the Kirchweih tree
Festive church service and morning pint on Sunday
Scheuna party in the rustic barn
Fried carp from the Aischgrund

Programme Altendorfer Kerwa 2026

Program 2026

Friday, August 28 – Beer tapping, Scheuna party with DJane ANI
Saturday, August 29 – Kirchweih tree raising from 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM live music
Sunday, August 30 – Festive church service, morning pint, from 5:00 PM live music
Monday, August 31 – Family afternoon, live music, Scheuna party

Prices Altendorfer Kerwa 2026

Free admission to the festival grounds. Food and drinks at the stalls, a Maß of beer between 8 and 10 Euros, carp dish around 16 Euros.

Practical information

Practical information — Altendorfer Kerwa

Getting There

Altendorf is located about 15 kilometers south of Bamberg in the Bamberg district. By car via the A73 (Hirschaid exit) or the B505. By public transport, take the train to Hirschaid and then a bus.

Admission

Admission to the festival grounds and the festival catering is free. Food, drinks, and amusement rides are paid for on site.

Best Time to Visit

Last weekend of August, traditionally Friday to Monday.

The Kerwa – Heart of Franconian Village Life

In the predominantly Catholic Upper Franconia, the Kirchweih is far more than just a folk festival: it is the annual village festival par excellence, a highlight of club life, and a tradition that fosters identity. In Altendorf, a community of 2,000 souls in the Bamberg district on the border with Aischgrund, the Kerwa is celebrated over four days at the end of August. The "World Heritage of Upper Franconian Kirchweih Tradition" is listed on the Bavarian list of intangible cultural heritage.

Course of the Altendorfer Kerwa

It kicks off on Friday evening with the ceremonial beer tapping and the opening of the festival catering, often accompanied by a DJ party in the "Scheuna" – a rustic festival tent in a converted barn. On Saturday, the Kirchweih tree, adorned with colourful ribbons and bouquets, is erected in front of the festival grounds, followed by live music in the evening. Sunday begins with the festive church service and the traditional morning pint, which many out-of-town guests also attend. The conclusion on Monday features a family afternoon and more live music until late in the evening.

Carp and Franconian Beer

Altendorf lies on the edge of the Aischgrund, one of Germany's most important carp regions. During the Kirchweih, carp is traditionally fried in the festival tents and inns – crispy fried in lard or oil, served with salad and potatoes. Franconian sausages, Schäufele (pork shoulder), and dumplings are also served. The drinks menu offers beers from the surrounding breweries in the Bamberg district, which, with over 70 breweries, has the highest brewery density worldwide.

Tradition with Local Peculiarities

Raising of the decorated Kirchweih tree on Saturday
Festive church service on Sunday in the parish church of St. Veit
Morning pint with brass music after the service
Scheuna party in the converted barn with a DJ
Fried carp from the Aischgrund

One Kirchweih Among Many – Yet Special

The Kirchweih calendar for Bamberg lists well over 100 dates per season. The Altendorfer Kerwa has earned a reputation for being a particularly sociable and atmospheric village Kirchweih – familiar enough to feel authentic, large enough to attract guests from Bamberg, Forchheim, and the entire region.