Bayreuth Volksfest

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.