Amberger Hexennacht

30 Years of Witchcraft in the Upper Palatinate

What began in 1996 as a small carnival party by CSU Amberg-Kümmersbruck is now the largest outdoor carnival event in the Upper Palatinate: every year, the Amberger Hexennacht draws thousands of costumed visitors to the historic market square, framed by the town hall with its famous double-tower coat of arms. In 2026, the Hexennacht celebrates its 30th anniversary – with a special presentation, a larger program, and a variety of regional sponsors.

Daytime Program – The Witches on Tour

Starting at 12:30 PM, the CSU witches from Amberg and Kümmersbruck, along with Upper Palatinate folk musician Florian Gröninger, parade through the old town. They visit shops, cafés, and banks, spreading their magic and getting the whole town in the mood for the evening. This "enchantment in business life" is a popular trademark of the event and turns the Hexennacht Thursday into a half-holiday in Amberg.

Evening Program on the Market Square

At 5:30 PM, the stage program begins with the traditional witch dance by the CSU witches together with the Tanzschule Seidl – a special performance for the little carnival fans. At 6:00 PM, Mayor Michael Cerny will officially open the Hexennacht. Afterwards, DJ Reto takes over the stage, followed by the cover band Quertreiber, who will ensure a lively atmosphere until 11 PM. After 11 PM, the party moves to the pubs and discos in the old town, where the celebration continues into the early morning hours.

Amberg – Upper Palatinate Metropolis with Carnival Tradition

The independent city of Amberg (around 40,000 inhabitants) is the economic and cultural center of the northern Upper Palatinate. The historic market square with its 14th-century town hall provides the perfect backdrop for an open-air carnival event of this magnitude. The Hexennacht is firmly established in the region's annual festival calendar alongside the Altstadtfest and the Bergfest-Dult.