Name: Bayreuth Volksfest 2026
Start: 2026-05-22T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-31T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Volksfestplatz Bayreuth

Bayreuth Volksfest

About Bayreuth Volksfest

The Bayreuth Volksfest is one of the largest folk festivals in Upper Franconia and a summer highlight in the Wagner city. For over ten days in May, the Volksfestplatz on Äußere Badstraße transforms into a world of beer tents, rides, and Franconian conviviality. In 2026, the festival promises new highlights: the approximately 80-meter-high free-fall tower »Gravity Tower« and the classic roller coaster »Wilde Maus – Das Original«. Traditionally, it opens with a parade through the city center to the Volksfestplatz.

Dates 22 May — 31 May 2026

Venue Bayreuth (09462)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Bayreuth Volksfest — edition 2026

The Bayreuth Volksfest 2026 takes place from May 22 to 31 on the Volksfestplatz. Opening with a parade on May 22 at 5:30 PM, new highlights Gravity Tower (approx. 80 m) and Wilde Maus – Das Original, beer tent and musical Wagner fireworks for the 150th anniversary of the festival.

The Bayreuth Volksfest 2026 will be celebrated from May 22 to 31 on the Volksfestplatz at Äußere Badstraße 16. It opens with the traditional parade through the city center on Friday, May 22, starting at 5:30 PM.

New for 2026 are the approximately 80-meter-high free-fall tower »Gravity Tower« and the roller coaster »Wilde Maus – Das Original«. Other attractions include: Nightfly, Break Dance, Royal Wave Swinger, XXL bumper cars, Après-Ski-Party, and the haunted house ride »Spuk«. Musical fireworks will honour Richard Wagner for the 150th anniversary of the festival. A family day offers reduced prices.

Highlights Bayreuth Volksfest 2026

New Gravity Tower (Free Fall, approx. 80 m)
Wilde Maus – Das Original (Roller Coaster)
Beer tent with brass bands and party bands
Wagner fireworks for the 150th festival anniversary

Programme Bayreuth Volksfest 2026

Schedule

Friday, 05/22: 5:30 PM Opening parade through the city center, beer tapping in the beer tent
Daily: Beer tent operation with brass bands and party bands, rides
New attractions: Gravity Tower (~80 m), Wilde Maus – Das Original
Family Day: reduced prices on rides
Musical fireworks in honour of Richard Wagner (150 years of the festival)
Sunday, 05/31: Closing

Prices Bayreuth Volksfest 2026

Entry to the grounds is free. Costs apply for the beer tent, food and drinks, and rides. Reduced prices on Family Day.

Practical information

Practical information — Bayreuth Volksfest

Getting There

The Volksfestplatz is located at Äußere Badstraße 16, easily accessible from Bayreuth main station on foot or by city bus. By car, take the A 9 / A 70 (Bayreuth exit).

Admission

Entry to the Volksfest grounds is free; costs are incurred for the beer tent, food and drinks, and rides. Reduced prices apply on Family Day.

Tip

Don't miss the opening parade on the first Friday (starts 5:30 PM) and the musical fireworks.

Volksfest in the Wagner City

The Bayreuth Volksfest is one of the major folk festivals in Upper Franconia and a firm fixture in the event calendar of the city of Bayreuth in Bavaria. Bayreuth is world-renowned for the Richard Wagner Festival – and the Volksfest also embraces this heritage: in 2026, it will honour Wagner with musical fireworks for the 150th anniversary of the festival.

Beer Tent and Franconian Conviviality

For ten days, the Volksfestplatz at Äußere Badstraße 16 is the scene of exuberant atmosphere. In the beer tent, brass bands, party bands, and smooth Upper Franconian beer ensure the typical Volksfest mood, accompanied by hearty delicacies and new culinary ideas. The Volksfest combines proven traditions with fresh impulses and a varied supporting programme for the whole family.

Thrills and New Highlights for 2026

The rides provide the adrenaline rush. New for 2026 are the approximately 80-meter-high free-fall tower »Gravity Tower« and the roller coaster »Wilde Maus – Das Original«. In addition, there are classics like Nightfly, Break Dance, the Royal Wave Swinger, the XXL bumper cars, the Après-Ski-Party, and the haunted house roller coaster »Spuk«.

Parade for the Opening

Traditionally, the Bayreuth Volksfest begins with a parade: on the opening Friday, the procession starts at 5:30 PM and winds its way through the Bayreuth city center to the Volksfestplatz, where the festival is officially kicked off. A family day with reduced prices makes the Volksfest particularly attractive for families from the Bayreuth region.

Highlight of the Upper Franconian Summer

With its mix of tradition, thrills, and Wagnerian connections, the Bayreuth Volksfest is much more than just a funfair: it is a social meeting point for Bayreuth and the surrounding Upper Franconian region and a reliable summer highlight in May.