Annafest

About Annafest

The Annafest Forchheim is an eleven-day folk and beer festival that attracts around 500,000 visitors to the Forchheim Kellerwald every year at the end of July. On approximately 20,000 square meters under old oak trees, around 23 beer cellars from 15 Franconian breweries line up, along with amusement rides, live music on several stages, and Franconian delicacies. The festival dates back to a pilgrimage tradition to Saint Anna and is one of the most atmospheric beer festivals in Upper Franconia.

Dates 24 Jul — 03 Aug 2026

Venue Forchheim (09474)

Prices Free

Status —

Edition 2026

Annafest — edition 2026

The Annafest 2026 takes place from July 24 to August 3 in the Forchheim Kellerwald. Around 23 beer cellars, 15 Franconian breweries, several music stages, over 60 showmen, and family days await the approximately 500,000 visitors. The festival opens with the traditional tapping of the first beer keg on Friday, July 24, at 5 PM.

The Annafest 2026 spans eleven days from July 24 to August 3 in the Kellerwald. On Thursday, July 23, many locals already get into the festival spirit with the traditional Schlachtschüssel starting in the morning. The official opening takes place on Friday with the tapping of the first beer keg.

During the eleven festival days, around 23 beer cellars from 15 Franconian breweries, several music stages, amusement rides, and over 60 showmen create a folk festival atmosphere under the oak trees. Family days with discounts complement the program.

Highlights Annafest 2026

Tapping of the first beer keg on Friday, July 24 at 5 PM
Around 23 beer cellars from 15 Franconian breweries in the oak forest
Family days on July 28 and 30 with discounts
Around 500,000 visitors over eleven festival days

Programme Annafest 2026

Thursday, July 23, 2026

From morning: Traditional Schlachtschüssel — many locals unofficially start the Annafest

Friday, July 24, 2026

5:00 PM — Official tapping of the first beer keg and opening of the Annafest

Saturday, July 25, 2026

3:30 PM — Small parade from the town hall through the old town to the Kellerwald

Tuesday, July 28 & Thursday, July 30, 2026

1:00 PM–6:00 PM — Family days with reduced prices on rides, stalls, and cellars

Daily (July 24 – August 3)

Around 23 beer cellars from 15 Franconian breweries open
Live music on several stages
Amusement rides, shooting galleries, and over 60 showmen

The detailed stage and music program will be published on the official festival website.

Prices Annafest 2026

Free admission. Beer price recently around 11 to 12.50 Euros per liter. Annafest-Taler (tokens) and festival steins are available through the Tourist Information office and the online shop.

Practical information

Practical information — Annafest

Getting There

The Kellerwald is located on the edge of Forchheim's old town. It's a short walk from Forchheim station (RE/RB connections Nuremberg–Bamberg). During the festival, buses run every 15 to 30 minutes from park-and-ride facilities.

Admission

Admission to the Annafest is free. The price per liter of beer was recently around 11 to 12.50 Euros.

Tips

Bicycles are not allowed on the festival grounds, but designated parking areas are available. Alcoholic beverages brought from outside are not permitted. Visitors under 16 years of age require adult supervision after 10 PM.

A Beer Festival with Over 180 Years of History

The Annafest Forchheim originated in the 19th century when the people of Forchheim used their over 400-year-old rock cellars in the sandy subsoil of the Kellerwald for social gatherings. The tradition surrounding the patronage of Saint Anna evolved into one of Franconia's most famous folk festivals.

The Kellerwald as a Unique Setting

What sets the Annafest apart from other folk festivals is its location: instead of a sober festival ground, it takes place in the middle of an old oak forest. Around 23 beer cellars are spread across the wooded area, each with its own character, brewery, and beer garden under shady trees. In total, about 15 Franconian breweries serve their beer.

Program and Atmosphere

The festival traditionally opens with the tapping of the first beer keg. In the following days, several music stages create a lively atmosphere, complemented by amusement rides, shooting galleries, candy stalls, and over 60 showmen. Family days with reduced prices on rides and stalls complete the program.

Pure Franconian Beer Culture

The Annafest is a tribute to Franconian brewing and cellar culture. Visitors wander from cellar to cellar, sampling different beers and enjoying the unique blend of folk festival, beer garden, and forest walk.