Backnang Street Festival

54th Edition in the Murr Metropolis

What began in 1971 as a small city center festival has developed over five decades into the benchmark for city festivals in Southern Germany. The 54th edition of the Backnang Street Festival from June 26 to 29, 2026, will take over the entire historic old town of the "Große Kreisstadt" (major district town) in the Rems-Murr district. The city of Backnang and its clubs are the organizers, with main sponsors being d&b audiotechnik, Kreissparkasse Waiblingen, Schwaben Bräu, and Stadtwerke Backnang.

Six Stages, Every Musical Taste

The heart of the festival is the six stages throughout the old town. They cover the complete musical spectrum: brass music from the Rems-Murr district and Swabia, folk music and Schlager, pop and rock from regional and supra-regional cover bands, international folklore groups from Backnang's partner cities — including Annonay (France), Bačka Topola (Serbia), and Sieradz (Poland) — as well as electronic DJs in the late-night sessions. The city itself describes the program as "ranging from brass music and Schlager to rock & pop and electronic."

Newcomer Contest Since 1971

A Backnang specialty is the Newcomer Contest, which has been held since 1971 — that is, since the very first edition of the street festival. Young bands and solo artists apply for stage time on the main stages, professional coaching from experienced musicians from the Backnang scene, and attractive cash prizes. Over the decades, the contest has produced numerous now-established acts and is considered the most important springboard for young music in Württemberg.

Culinary Delights, Dancing, and Ecumenical Service

Over a hundred catering stands offer specialties from the Rems-Murr district and from Backnang's partner cities: Swabian Maultaschen and lentils, French crêpes from Annonay, Serbian Ćevapi from Bačka Topola, and Polish Pierogi from Sieradz. In addition, there are dance shows, a children's area with craft and hands-on activities, the traditional senior citizens' afternoon in the community center, and an ecumenical service on Sunday morning — a mix of big city festival, folk festival, and local celebration.