Bezirksmusikfest Betzigau 2026 – 175 Years of the Music Association

The 53rd Bezirksmusikfest in Betzigau 2026 is the largest brass music event in the Allgäu festival calendar and also the anniversary celebration of the Betzigau Music Association (175 years, founded 1851). The festival weekend begins on Thursday, July 16, with the traditional star march of the participating bands and the opening in the festival tent. Friday and Saturday feature festival evenings with live music from prominent Allgäu and regional bands. The highlight is the grand festival parade on Sunday, July 19, through the municipality of Betzigau.

The competition performances take place on April 24, 25, and 26, 2026, in the Betzigau school gymnasium – a competition for bands in various difficulty levels before a jury. The official opening ceremony with district representatives and local politicians already took place at the former festival venue – the Betzigau Music Association presented classical pieces and polkas, as well as the piece Fiskinatura, with which they became the best band in the upper level in Wildpoldsried in 2013.

April 2026 (Prelude)

• April 24–26, 2026: Competition performances in the Betzigau school gymnasium

Thursday, July 16, 2026

• Star march of the participating bands
• Festival opening and beer tapping in the festival tent

Friday, July 17, 2026

• Festival evening in the marquee with live music

Saturday, July 18, 2026

• Festival evening with prominent Allgäu bands

Sunday, July 19, 2026

• Festival service
• Grand festival parade of the associations through Betzigau
• Morning pint and closing in the festival tent

• 53rd District Music Festival of District 6 (Allgäu/Swabia)
• 175th Anniversary of the Betzigau Music Association (1851–2026)
• Star march for the opening on Thursday
• Competition performances in April as a prelude
• Grand festival parade on Sunday

Getting There

Betzigau is located between Kempten and Marktoberdorf on the B 12 federal road. Access to the A 7 motorway (Kempten exit, approx. 10 km). Travel by train to Kempten (Allgäu) main station, then take a bus or taxi to Betzigau. Festival parking will be signposted, and a festival shuttle service is usually offered.

Admission

Festival grounds are freely accessible. Food and drinks in the festival tent are paid for on-site. Tickets may be required for special concert evenings.

Tip

The festival parade on Sunday around midday is the absolute highlight – many Allgäu families attend in traditional costume and participate in the parade. Arriving early is worthwhile.