Four-day Zeltkirwa with an almost 30-meter-high Kirwabaum
The historic small town of Betzenstein in the district of Bayreuth celebrates its Zeltkirwa (tent festival) annually at the beginning of September. For four days, the festival grounds opposite the town hall are transformed into a festival mile with a large festival tent – a highlight in the calendar of traditions for the Fränkische Schweiz.
The event kicks off with a rock evening on Friday featuring the band RACE. On Saturday, the almost 30-meter-high Kirwabaum is erected – a spectacular community effort by the Kirwaburschen (festival lads). On Sunday, the Kirwa couples' dance and a raffle follow; the amusement rides continue on Kirwamontag (festival Monday). Throughout the entire weekend, a varied music program in the festival tent ensures a great atmosphere.
The Zeltkirwa is organized by the local Kirwaverein. The proceeds benefit charitable and social institutions in the community – a festival that combines tradition, festive spirit, and community engagement.
Betzenstein is located in the district of Bayreuth in the administrative region of Upper Franconia in Bavaria, in the heart of the touristically developed Fränkische Schweiz. The Zeltkirwa is one of the region's traditional Kirchweihfeste (church consecration festivals) and marks the end of summer in the small town.
From September 5th to 8th, 2026, Betzenstein will celebrate its Zeltkirwa on the festival grounds opposite the town hall. The event kicks off with a rock evening featuring the band RACE on Friday. On Saturday, the almost 30-meter-high Kirwabaum will be erected, followed by the Kirwa couples' dance and a raffle on Sunday. The amusement rides will continue on Kirwamontag, accompanied by a continuous music program in the festival tent. The local Kirwaverein is organizing the event, with proceeds benefiting charitable institutions.
Friday: Rock evening with the band RACE in the festival tent. Saturday: Erection of the almost 30-meter-high Kirwabaum by the Kirwaburschen. Sunday: Dancing of the Kirwa couples and raffle. Monday: Continuation of the amusement rides. Continuous music program throughout the weekend.
Admission to the festival is generally free; individual program items may be subject to a charge. Food and drinks on-site are subject to a charge.
Betzenstein is conveniently located near the A9 motorway (exit Plech) in the Fränkische Schweiz. The festival grounds are opposite the town hall, Nürnberger Straße 5.
Admission to the festival is generally free; individual program items may be subject to a charge. Food and drinks are subject to a charge.
The Zeltkirwa takes place annually at the beginning of September over four days.
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Festgelände gegenüber dem Rathaus
Nürnberger Straße 5, 91282 Betzenstein
Obertrubach (09474)
Pottenstein (09472)
Pottenstein (09472)