Altstadtfest Görlitz and Jakuby-Fest Zgorzelec
One of Eastern Germany's largest cross-border folk festivals on both sides of the Neisse – from August 28th to 30th, 2026
About Altstadtfest Görlitz
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A Twin City Celebrates
Görlitz and Zgorzelec are a special city: In 1945, at the end of World War II, it was divided by the new Polish western border. What was a single German Görlitz before 1945 is today Görlitz (Germany) and Zgorzelec (Poland) – two cities separated by the Neisse, connected by the Old Town Bridge. Since the EU enlargement in 2004, both cities have pursued many joint projects; the Altstadtfest is one of the largest. It is celebrated simultaneously on both sides of the border – as the Altstadtfest in Görlitz, and as the Jakuby-Fest (for St. James) in Zgorzelec.
August 28–30, 2026 — Three Days of Festival Mile
Three days of folk festival on both sides of the Neisse. Stages are spread across Görlitz's market square, Obermarkt, Untermarkt, Demianiplatz, and other squares, as well as Zgorzelec's market square and the riverside area. Visitors shuttle back and forth across the Old Town Bridge; border controls have been abolished since Poland joined Schengen in 2007 – the historical occasion and German-Polish coexistence are thus made tangible in the festival calendar.
Several Hundred Exhibitors and Artists
The historic alleys of Görlitz – one of Germany's most beautiful preserved old towns with over 4,000 listed buildings – fill with hundreds of market stalls: craftsmen, regional food, arts and crafts, antiques, books, bric-a-brac. Live music from folk to funk, street theater, children's theater, walking acts, medieval market stalls, regional and international cuisine, beer and wine gardens – hardly any form of entertainment is missing. The atmosphere mixes German city festival, Polish Jakubowy folk festival, and Central European festival culture.
Görlitz — Hollywood Backdrop and UNESCO World Heritage Candidate
Görlitz is known not only for its Altstadtfest but also for its film backdrop: "Görliwood" stands for the fact that numerous international film productions have been shot here – Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglourious Basterds, The Reader, Goethe!, Around the World in 80 Days, and many more. The almost completely preserved historic old town with Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Wilhelminian-style architecture makes the city a unique European backdrop. The city has been striving for UNESCO World Heritage status for years. During the Altstadtfest, this architectural splendor becomes the festival grounds – a rare combination.
Saxony, Eastern Germany, and Polish Neighborhood
Görlitz is the easternmost city in Germany. The Altstadtfest embodies German-Polish neighborliness – both city administrations coordinate, artists from both countries perform together on stage, programs are hosted bilingually, and thousands of Poles and Germans populate the Old Town alleys. For many visiting families from Saxony and Lower Silesia, the Altstadtfest is the annual end-of-summer celebration.
Altstadtfest Görlitz — edition 2026
August 28–30, 2026 — Festival Weekend on Both Sides of the Neisse
For three days, the historic alleys of Görlitz's Old Town and Zgorzelec's market square transform into a cross-border festival mile. Hundreds of thousands of visitors shuttle between the two city halves via the Old Town Bridge.
Live bands from folk to funk perform on several stages, street artists, walking acts, and children's theater bring the alleys to life. Hundreds of stalls offer regional food, arts and crafts, and antiques. Beer and wine gardens and international cuisine complete the offerings. The mix of German city festival culture and Polish Jakubowy folk festival makes the event unique in Germany.
Programme Altstadtfest Görlitz 2026
Program August 28–30, 2026
Stages and Venues
- German side: Main stage at Obermarkt, Untermarkt with live music, Marktplatz with family stage, Demianiplatz with folk music, Brüderstraße with street art
- Polish side: Main stage at Zgorzelec Market Square, park on the riverbank, promenade
- Both sides connected via the Old Town Bridge
Live Music
- Folk and traditional music from Germany and Poland
- Rock, pop, and funk on the main stages
- Classical and jazz at select venues
- Polish music groups from Lower Silesia
- Sorbian groups from Upper Lusatia
Markets and Stalls
- Hundreds of market stalls in the Old Town alleys
- Regional food from Saxony and Lower Silesia
- Arts and crafts and antiques
- Medieval market atmosphere at Untermarkt
- Polish market at the bridgehead
Culinary Delights
- German classics: Bratwurst, Schnitzel, draft beer
- Polish specialties: Pierogi, Bigos, Wódka stands
- International cuisine: Food trucks from around the world
- Beer and wine gardens with regional varieties
Children and Families
- Walking acts and street theater
- Carousels and mini-rides
- Family stage with children's concerts
- Craft stations and face painting
Detailed daily program and stage plans available at altstadtfest-goerlitz.com.
Highlights Altstadtfest Görlitz 2026
- Cross-border folk festival on both sides of the Neisse
- One of Eastern Germany's largest city festivals
- Hundreds of market stalls in the historic Old Town
- Multiple stages with live music (folk to funk)
- Street artists and walking acts in the alleys
- German-Polish encounter brought to life
- UNESCO-worthy architectural backdrop
- Free admission
- Experience two countries via the Old Town Bridge
Prices Altstadtfest Görlitz 2026
Free admission to the entire festival grounds on both sides of the Neisse. Food and drinks at the stalls are subject to charge – typical prices: Bratwurst €4–5, Pierogi €6–8, Beer €3–4, Wine €4–5. Polish stalls accept payment in Złoty or Euro.
Practical information — Altstadtfest Görlitz
Date
Friday, August 28th, to Sunday, August 30th, 2026.
Location
Görlitz Old Town (Obermarkt, Untermarkt, Marktplatz, Demianiplatz, Brüderstraße, etc.) and Zgorzelec Market Square. Both sides are accessible on foot via the Old Town Bridge.
Admission
Free admission. Food and drinks at the stalls are subject to charge.
Getting There
By car via A 4 Dresden–Görlitz, exit Görlitz. By train IC/EC to Görlitz Hauptbahnhof, from there a 10-minute walk to the city center. The Polish side is accessible on foot via the Old Town Bridge – passport not required (Schengen).
Organizer
City of Görlitz and City of Zgorzelec in joint coordination, with funding from the State of Saxony and the EU.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Altstadtfest Görlitz al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Altstadtfest Görlitz
Altstadt Görlitz und Zgorzelec
Innenstadt Görlitz, 02826 Görlitz