Altstadtfest Hessisch Lichtenau

Hessisch Lichtenau — a small town with a great past

Hessisch Lichtenau – located in the North Hessian Werra-Meißner district, on federal highway 7 between Kassel and Eisenach – is a typical Hessian small town with around 12,000 inhabitants. The old town with its colorful half-timbered facades, the striking Untertor, and the narrow alleys still largely shows its medieval character today. This substance makes the annual Altstadtfest – "Altstadtfest HeLi" for short – a special experience: the festival doesn't fill an interchangeable festival meadow, but a truly historic setting.

Return in 2026 after a break

Important news for 2026: The Altstadtfest is returning after a break. Preparations are already underway in autumn 2025, and a program committee from the city administration, the tourism office, and local associations is organizing the comeback. Expectations in the city and surrounding area are high; the festival has been a symbol of identity for the region for years.

Corpus Christi weekend as a fixed date

The festival has always been scheduled for the Corpus Christi weekend (Thursday to Sunday) – a date that, thanks to the nationwide public holiday on Thursday, provides a four-day festival weekend. This timing in early summer (usually early June) is climatically favorable and fits the program of a classic old town festival with open-air concerts.

The Untertor stage as the center

The architectural and programmatic center of the festival is the Untertor, one of the preserved city gates of the historical fortifications. The main stage is set up in front of it, where bands and DJs will perform over the four days. Genres will vary between cover rock, Schlager, dance bands, and a DJ night. The exact lineup for the 2026 edition will be announced in spring 2026.

Street food and amusement rides

Unlike purely association festivals, the Altstadtfest features a modern street food component: various food trucks offering burgers, pizza, Asian cuisine, and crêpes complement the classic bratwurst, potato pancake, and fries stands run by local associations. Amusement rides and a cocktail bar complete the offering, which appears significantly more urban than the usual village Kerwe format.

Family program and catering

There is a separate program for families – children's carousel, craft activities, performances for children. Catering is partly provided by local associations, who supplement their club funds with festival income. Admission is free.

Opening by the Mayor

The official opening will take place on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, by Mayor Dirk Oetzel with the traditional beer tapping at the Untertor. The stage program will start immediately afterward. Applications from showmen and stallholders are accepted until shortly before the festival at [email protected].