Altstadtfest Speyer
49th Altstadtfest Speyer with over 70 stalls, keg tapping, duck race on the Speyerbach and children's festival at Kloster St. Magdalena
About Altstadtfest Speyer
The Altstadtfest Speyer is one of the most popular and best-attended city festivals in the Palatinate region. It takes place every year at the beginning of September, transforming Speyer's historic city center into a single festival mile for two days. The 49th edition in 2026 continues a tradition that dates back to the 1970s.
Over 70 Stalls in the Historic Old Town
Over 70 stalls – associations, restaurateurs, artisans, direct marketers, and food vendors – are spread throughout the historic alleys on both sides of the Speyerbach, the small stream that flows through Speyer's old town. The festival area extends from Fischmarkt to Domgarten, encompassing the most beautiful and historically significant parts of the city center.
Official Opening with Keg Tapping
The official opening takes place on Friday, September 11th, 2026 at 6:00 PM at Fischmarkt – a historic square in the heart of Speyer's old town. The mayor performs the traditional keg tapping, officially opening the festival weekend.
Saturday Highlights: Duck Race and Children's Festival
Saturday offers two special highlights:
- Duck Race on the Speyerbach: A traditional, charming festival event where numbered plastic ducks are sent down the Speyerbach. The owner of the fastest duck wins a prize. Proceeds from the sale of the ducks benefit a charitable cause.
- Children's and Family Festival at Kloster St. Magdalena: On Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM, a children's and family festival takes place in the historic Kloster St. Magdalena. With games, hands-on activities, face painting, and entertainment programs, it is a highlight for the youngest festival visitors.
Opening Hours
- Friday, September 11th: from 4 PM to 1 AM.
- Saturday, September 12th: from 11 AM to 1 AM.
Speyer and the Old Town
Speyer, with its approximately 51,000 inhabitants, boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years. The old town, characterized by the UNESCO World Heritage Imperial Cathedral (the largest preserved Romanesque church building in the world), the Jewish ritual baths, the Altpörtel (Old Gate), and numerous historic townhouses, offers one of Germany's most beautiful city backdrops. The Altstadtfest turns this backdrop into the stage for a vibrant city festival.
Altstadtfest Speyer — edition 2026
The 2026 edition continues the decades-long tradition of the Altstadtfest as Speyer's most important city festival. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected, who will stroll through the historic old town, linger at the over 70 stalls, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of Germany's most beautiful city centers. The mix of city festival, gastronomy, community life, children's program, and spectacle makes the festival family-friendly and attractive for all age groups.
Programme Altstadtfest Speyer 2026
Friday, September 11th, 2026, 4:00 PM: Festival opening – stalls open in the old town between Fischmarkt and Domgarten.
Friday, 6:00 PM: Official opening with keg tapping at Fischmarkt by the mayor.
Friday evening until 1:00 AM: Festival activities with live music on various stages, culinary offerings at the over 70 stalls, bars, and gastronomic establishments.
Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 11:00 AM: Reopening of the stalls in the old town.
Saturday: Duck Race on the Speyerbach – plastic ducks are sent down the stream, proceeds for a charitable cause.
Saturday, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM: Children's and Family Festival at Kloster St. Magdalena with games, hands-on activities, face painting.
Saturday evening until 1:00 AM: Main concert evening with live music on various stages.
Highlights Altstadtfest Speyer 2026
Prices Altstadtfest Speyer 2026
Practical information — Altstadtfest Speyer
Date 2026: Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th, 2026 (49th edition).
Opening Hours: Fri from 4 PM to 1 AM, Sat from 11 AM to 1 AM.
Opening: Fri 6 PM keg tapping at Fischmarkt.
Children's and Family Festival: Sat 2 PM–6 PM at Kloster St. Magdalena.
Duck Race: Sat on the Speyerbach.
Location: Historic Old Town Speyer, Fischmarkt to Domgarten, on both sides of the Speyerbach.
Admission: free.
Organizer: City of Speyer.
Getting there: Speyer is located on the Rhine, approx. 25 km southwest of Mannheim. By car via the A 61 and B 9. By train: Speyer Hauptbahnhof (main station).
Parking: in the surrounding underground garages and parking lots in the city center.
Tip: Take advantage of the festival start on Saturday at 11 AM to plan for the family festival at St. Magdalena from 2 PM.
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