Dorffest Hochdorf an der Riß

Dorffest Hochdorf — Upper Swabia's Flea Market Festival Weekend

For over 25 years, the Dorffest Hochdorf an der Riß has been the most important summer festival in the Upper Swabian community of Hochdorf in the Biberach district (Baden-Württemberg). The organizer is the Musikverein Hochdorf/Riß e.V., which, along with local clubs — the sports club, fire department, shooting club, and rural women's association — supports the festival. For three days around Corpus Christi, the village center and the festival grounds transform into a lively venue with catering, dancing, and one of Upper Swabia's largest village flea markets.

Day 1 — Festival Grounds Gathering on Corpus Christi

The festival traditionally begins on Corpus Christi Thursday (2026: June 4th) with the Festplatz-Hockete (festival grounds gathering). After the festive service in the Catholic parish church and the Corpus Christi procession through the village, the festival grounds open in the afternoon. The clubs provide catering with Swabian specialties, grilled items, cheese spaetzle, and Maultaschen, while the music association plays brass music. A rather cozy opening with families, clubs, and regular guests.

Day 2 — Dancing in the Village Square

Friday evening, June 5th, is dedicated to dancing. Whether in the village square or the festival tent — depending on the weather — a live band plays, and the Hochdorf dance evening becomes a meeting point for the region. The atmosphere is relaxed, intergenerational, featuring Upper Swabian classics and pop cover bands from nearby Biberach and Memmingen.

Day 3 — Large Flea Market Along the Streets

The highlight: on Saturday, June 6th, the Großer Flohmarkt (Large Flea Market). Setup starts at 5:30 AM, sales begin early in the morning and run until approximately 3 PM. Hundreds of stalls line the village streets — Hochdorf residents, clubs, and external traders sell furniture, household items, toys, clothing, books, antiques, and collector's items. One condition: no new goods, everything must be used. The flea market takes place in all weather conditions, and stalls may not be dismantled before 3 PM. Bargain hunters come to Hochdorf from all over Upper Swabia (Biberach, Memmingen, Bad Schussenried, Bad Saulgau). The music association provides refreshments during the flea market with pretzels, coffee, cake, and warm snacks.

Hochdorf and the Riß Valley

Hochdorf is located in the Biberach district in the Upper Swabian valley of the Riß — a small tributary of the Danube that gives the town its nickname. With around 4,200 inhabitants, Hochdorf is a rural community with a vibrant club life. The Musikverein Hochdorf/Riß e.V., with over 80 active musicians, is one of the largest brass music associations in the district and the central organizer of the village festival.