Traditional parish fair in the historic old town on the Obermain
The Burgkunstadt Kirchweih is a genuine parish fair: it commemorates the solemn consecration of the town's parish church of Mariä Verkündigung on September 12, 1838, by Archbishop Maria Freiherr von Fraunberg. For almost 200 years, this date has been celebrated annually on the second weekend of September. The 'Borkuschter Kerwa' – as it is called in the Franconian dialect – is a fixture in the Upper Franconian festival calendar.
The actual start of the Kirchweih is marked by the Saturday evening mass at 6 p.m. in the parish church of Mariä Verkündigung. On Sunday, the festive service, followed by the Kirchweih procession around the market square, forms the solemn highlight. Both services are musically accompanied by the church choir and the Burgkunstadt town band.
The secular festivities take place in the parish courtyard and on the market square. Food stalls run by local associations serve draft beer from the traditional Burgkunstadt brewery Leikeim, accompanied by Schäufele, Bratwürste, Sauerbraten, and sweet Kerwa-Krapfen. The Burgkunstadt town band, along with other brass and dance bands from the Obermain region, provide the musical entertainment. The historic half-timbered buildings on the market square – Burgkunstadt is considered one of the most beautiful old town ensembles on the Obermain – form a picturesque backdrop.
Burgkunstadt in the Lichtenfels district of Upper Franconia is known as a former shoe town: the famous BALDA felt factory and later Baur Versand were founded here in 1925. Today, the baroque old town, Burgkunstadt Castle, and the Obermain river characterize the town's identity. The parish fair complements the region's established tradition of civic and local festivals.
The Burgkunstadt Kirchweih is traditionally held on the second weekend of September. For 2026, the Kerwa is therefore expected to take place on September 12 and 13. The festivities begin on Saturday, September 12, with the evening mass at 6 p.m. in the parish church of Mariä Verkündigung, followed by the festival activities in the parish courtyard.
On Sunday, September 13, the festive service with the subsequent Kirchweih procession around the market square will be the central event. The town band and dance bands will provide brass music throughout the day. The local associations' food stalls will serve beer from Leikeim and offer Schäufele, Bratwürste, and Kerwa-Krapfen.
Burgkunstadt is located on the Obermain river in the Lichtenfels district. By car, take the A73 (exit Lichtenfels-Süd) and the B289. By train, travel to Lichtenfels and then take the regional train to Burgkunstadt. The market square is a five-minute walk from the train station.
Admission to the festival grounds and all services is free. Food and drinks are paid for on-site.
Second weekend of September, Saturday and Sunday.
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Marktplatz und Pfarrhof Burgkunstadt
Marktplatz, 96224 Burgkunstadt