27th Barntrup Fish Festival

Double Anniversary on the May 1st Weekend

The Barntrup Fish Festival is Lippe's most important spring city festival and is celebrating a double anniversary in 2026: the 27th edition of the Fish Festival and the 650th anniversary of the city of Barntrup. The traditional format has been expanded in 2026: instead of just Sunday, the city opens its doors on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with a BBQ evening featuring the band "Eine Band namens Wanda" — the actual Fish Festival will follow on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Fish and Specialities on the Market Square

The Barntrup Market Square and the adjacent Mittelstraße will be car-free during the festival. Numerous restaurants and shops will present their fish dishes and specialities: smoked fish, matjes, fried fish, trout, herring salad, fish soup — and matching side dishes such as fried potatoes, potato pancakes, or homemade bread. The culinary variety is impressive for a small Lippe town festival.

Music and Entertainment

Various musical groups will perform at different locations — choirs, bands, marching bands. Last year, in 2025, the Chanty Chor Aerzen, the Jigger Bigger Band from Holland, and the Barntrup Fanfare Corps performed, among others. For children, there will be face painting and small interactive stations.

650 Years of Barntrup — The City Celebrates Itself

Barntrup was first mentioned as a city in 1376 and in 2026 looks back on a 650-year history. The city in the Lippe district, located on the edge of the Teutoburg Forest/Eggegebirge Nature Park, is one of Lippe's oldest cities. The 2026 Fish Festival is positioned in the programme as the central birthday event of the city — with an expanded programme structure, a larger musical line-up, and the two-day extension to include Saturday.

Lippe Uplands

For those visiting Barntrup for the first time: the city is located in the picturesque Lippe Uplands between Detmold and Hameln, nestled among forests and gentle hills. Hiking opportunities are right on your doorstep. The historic town centre with its half-timbered houses, Barntrup Castle, and old farmsteads invites you for a stroll — the Fish Festival is the perfect occasion to discover the city.

Free Admission

The Fish Festival is free to attend. Purchases at the market stalls are at your own expense. Those travelling from the region should come by car — Barntrup is only accessible by public transport to a limited extent.