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.