Altstadtfest Mittweida

Three Days of City Festival in Middle Saxony

When the Altstadtfest Mittweida begins on the third weekend of August, the city center closes to car traffic and opens up to an unparalleled stage landscape: Weberstraße, Markt, Postplatz, Burgstraße, and the small alleys transform into a festival mile where thousands of visitors gather. Mittweida – with just under 14,000 inhabitants, a Saxon university town located between Chemnitz and Leipzig – celebrates its biggest city festival of the year here.

Several Stages, One Concept

Up to seven stages feature a rotation of professional bands, amateur musicians, choirs, and dance groups. The musical spectrum is intentionally broad: rock and pop, Schlager, folk, brass band music, and occasionally jazz or classical music within the historic cityscape. The festival is integrated into the Middle Saxon Cultural Summer (MISKUS), which curates cultural highlights throughout the region every summer – the Altstadtfest is considered one of its core events.

The MiskusMimen – City History as Theater

One of the truly special hallmarks of the festival is the annual play by the MiskusMimen, a local amateur theater group from Mittweida, which stages an episode from the city's history each year. In 2025, it was the opening of the Mittweida Schützenhaus (marksmen's hall) 200 years ago; in 2026, the opening of the first Saxon omnibus line between Mittweida and Limbach 120 years ago will be told – an example of how regional history here doesn't just slumber in the city archives but is brought to life in a play with costumes and sets.

Classic Car Parade and Craft Market

Sunday is traditionally marked by the grand classic car parade through the city center: Wartburgs, Trabants, classic Mercedes and VW Beetles, well-maintained pre-war vehicles – everything that is loved and cared for in private garages in Middle Saxony rolls through Weberstraße once a year. Registration is via the festival website. The festival is complemented by a historical craft market where blacksmiths, woodturners, basket weavers, potters, and bookbinders demonstrate their skills, as well as numerous food stalls offering Saxon cuisine, bratwurst, cakes, beer, and wine.

Children's Festival and Family Program

A dedicated children's mile with craft activities, bouncy castles, a face-painting corner, and a children's stage ensures that the Altstadtfest remains a true family festival. Many Mittweida clubs – sports, music, social initiatives – present themselves here and offer interactive activities for the younger guests. Admission to the entire festival is free.