Grafenwöhr Old Town Festival – Classics in the Old Town

A May Weekend for the Old Town

The Old Town Festival in Grafenwöhr celebrates the town centre of the well-known Upper Palatinate garrison town in the district of Neustadt an der Waldnaab. In 2026, the festival will focus entirely on the newly renovated old town streets and a new town twinning with the Italian municipality of Serravalle Pistoiese. For two days, Marienplatz will be transformed into a festive open-air stage.

Classics in the Old Town

The highlight and opening on Friday is the open-air concert »Classics in the Old Town«. The professional musicians of the Dresdner Residenz Orchester will play the most beautiful melodies of classical music in front of the festively illuminated town hall – from Johann Strauss to Giacomo Puccini to Georges Bizet, as well as well-known opera arias. Thanks to catering by the local heritage association, the concert can be enjoyed with a glass of wine under the starry sky – an experience for the whole family.

Colourful Festival Activities on Saturday

Saturday is dedicated to the festive inauguration of the streets. After a ceremony and reception with representatives of the partner municipality Serravalle Pistoiese, guests will walk through the newly designed old town alleys. Musicians from the Nordoberpfalz region, the town band, dance groups, and live bands will provide entertainment in the Stadtpark until the evening.

Tradition and Encounter

The Old Town Festival is more than just a town festival: it celebrates the Grafenwöhr residents' connection to their homeland, the voluntary commitment of local clubs, and the international friendship with Italy. Clubs, caterers, and music groups from the region jointly shape the programme.

Bavarian Way of Life in the Upper Palatinate

Grafenwöhr is known beyond the region for its military training area, but the Old Town Festival showcases the town's civil, cosy side. Upper Palatinate delicacies, Franconian-Bavarian beer, and the open atmosphere make a visit an immersion into the way of life in northern Bavaria.