Altstadtfest Brilon

Altstadtfest Brilon — the Hochsauerland Classic

When late summer arrives in the Sauerland, the Hanseatic city of Brilon celebrates its grand Altstadtfest. In 2026, the event will be in its 37th edition from September 4th to 6th — three days during which the market square and Bahnhofstraße transform into a festival and gourmet mile.

Program — Live Music, Sports, Dance, Shopping, and Culinary Delights

The concept focuses on diversity:

• Live music on several stages in the old town with bands playing rock, pop, and regional Sauerland formats
• Sports activities with interactive stations, show performances, and club presentations
• Dance with folk dance groups, show dance, and evening DJ sets
• Shopping in Brilon's shops, which are open daily until 6 p.m.
• Culinary delights with Sauerland specialties — game dishes, Pumpernickel variations, bratwurst, regional beers, and juices

Sunday Shopping

The highlight is the Sunday shopping: Brilon's shops open their doors, and the festive atmosphere attracts thousands of visitors from the entire Hochsauerland district and surrounding regions. A proven combination that gives Brilon's city center a late-summer seasonal highlight.

Brilon — Hanseatic City in the Hochsauerland

The city of Brilon is the administrative seat of the Hochsauerland district (North Rhine-Westphalia) and looks back on a remarkable history. As a Hanseatic city, Brilon was a member of the medieval trading power — a tradition that remains visible in today's cityscape through the characteristic market square with its town hall, medieval burgher houses, and the market fountain. With around 25,000 inhabitants, Brilon is a prominent medium-sized city in the Sauerland hill country.

Stadtmarketing Brilon

The Altstadtfest is organized by Stadtmarketing Brilon in cooperation with the local business association. The festival is part of a strategy to promote the medieval city center as an experience and shopping destination — besides the city festival, Christmas market, and smaller seasonal events, it is the largest and most important city festival of the year.