Bad Waldsee Old Town and Lake Festival

Ceremony in the Spa Town

Bad Waldsee is a traditional Upper Swabian spa town with just under 20,000 inhabitants, nestled between the Stadtsee and the Schlossweiher, at the transition from the Allgäu to the Federsee region. The spa culture — moor baths, thermal springs — dates back to the 19th century. The annual Old Town and Lake Festival on the first August weekend is one of the most scenically beautiful town festivals in Upper Swabia — the combination of the historic old town, the lake, and the nocturnal staging is unique.

Saturday — Old Town Festival and Parade

Saturday, August 1st, 2026, begins at 6 p.m. with a parade of fanfares and music bands through the old town — Bürgergarde (citizens' guard), traditional costume groups, Highland Pips and Drums (a Scottish pipe band that has been a regular guest for years), brass bands from the Upper Swabian region. The parade leads from the old town to the lake promenade. Afterwards, the festivities continue along the entire promenade — catering, live music in several locations, culinary specialties.

Sunday — Flea Market, Dragon Boats, and 4,000 Lights

Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, features the large flea market in the city center from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — over 150 stalls along Bleichestraße, Wurzacher Straße, and the lakefront. Ticket sales for stall spaces begin on April 13th, 2026, at 9 a.m. via Reservix or the Tourist Information.

The actual Lake Festival takes place on Sunday evening: dragon boat races in the late afternoon/evening (clubs, companies, groups of friends paddle on the Stadtsee), followed by the highlight at 10:00 p.m.: 4,000 floating lights are released onto the Stadtsee — a magical sight that attracts thousands of visitors every year — followed by the grand pyrotechnic fireworks with musical accompaniment.

What to Expect

Expect a well-organized, atmospheric town festival with an Upper Swabian touch. Regular visitors from the Ravensburg district, the Allgäu, and the Lake Constance region. Families, older citizens, tourists from the town's spas and hotels. The lake atmosphere makes the festival unmistakable — very few German town festivals have a lake in the middle of the city center as a stage.