Freystädter Volksfest

Corpus Christi Folk Festival in the Oberpfalz

When the bells ring for Corpus Christi in the Oberpfalz, the traditional Volksfest (folk festival) begins in Freystadt. The small town in the southern district of Neumarkt in the Oberpfalz has deliberately scheduled its festival week for the Corpus Christi weekend — and has been celebrating one of the most beautiful folk festivals in the Oberpfalz with supra-regional appeal for over five decades. The 2026 edition will be the 57th iteration of the festival.

Concert and Free Beer in the Market Square

The folk festival opens on Thursday, Corpus Christi Day, with a concert by five bands in front of the Freystadt town hall: Stadtkapelle Freystadt, Blaskapelle Thannhausen, Musikkapelle Meckenhausen, Blaskapelle Berngau, and Blaskapelle Jahrsdorf. They are traditionally accompanied by the Schäffler (coopers) in traditional costume. Afterwards, there will be free beer from the Neumarkter Lammsbräu brewery in the market square, followed by a colorful parade with the brewery horses and the beer tapping ceremony by the mayor.

Club and Company Evening

On Friday evening, the Club and Company Evening follows with a show program and a large dance event in the festival tent. Local companies, clubs, and groups reserve their tables and celebrate in a convivial atmosphere. Saturday is the traditional Children's and Seniors' Afternoon with reduced prices, followed by a brass music evening with friendly bands.

Freystädter Volksfestlauf on Festival Sunday

The sporting highlight is the Freystädter Volksfestlauf on festival Sunday — the 31st edition in 2026. Hundreds of runners from all over the Oberpfalz will start over several course lengths, from the Bambini run to the main race. The award ceremony takes place in the festival tent, after which the Blaskapelle Jahrsdorf will play for the festival's conclusion.

Freystadt in the Upper Palatinate Jura

Freystadt is located in the southern Upper Palatinate Jura between Nuremberg and Regensburg, near the pilgrimage basilica of Mariahilfberg. The historic old town with its 17th-century town walls, towers, and town hall provides a beautiful backdrop for the traditional parade. A visit to the folk festival can be combined with a pilgrimage to the baroque basilica of Freystadt or a tour through the Altmühltal valley.