Gmünder Stadtfest with 40er-Fest and Parade

Gmünder Stadtfest — UNESCO Tradition and Community

On the weekend of June 12 and 13, 2026, Schwäbisch Gmünd celebrates its traditional city festival. The city center around the Marktplatz (Market Square), the Obermarkt (Upper Market), and the adjoining streets becomes a festival mile with stages, stalls, and a rich program of customs. The highlight is the 40er-Umzug (parade for those turning 40) of the 1986 birth year — the celebration for the now 40-year-old residents of Schwäbisch Gmünd, a central event in the local age-group tradition.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — the Altersgenossenfeste

The Schwäbisch Gmünder Altersgenossenfeste were declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018. In Schwäbisch Gmünd, all age groups of the city celebrate together for specific milestone birthdays (confirmation festival, 40th birthday festival, 50th birthday festival, 60th birthday festival, etc.), including a parade through the city center. This tradition dates back to the 19th century and has been preserved with unique depth and vibrancy in Gmünd. The 2026 Stadtfest with the 40er-Umzug is part of this tradition — the 1986 birth year (born in 1986, now 40) parades with floats, traditional costumes, and marching formations through the city.

Program 2026 — from the Metzger-Ritt to the Keg Tapping

Saturday, June 12, 2026

• 10:00 AM: Opening with the 40er-Umzug of the 1986 birth year — the now 40-year-old residents of Gmünd parade through the city center with floats and traditional costumes
• Following: Metzger-Ritt (Butchers' Ride) — a special Gmünd tradition where local butchers recite rhyming verses and humorously accompany the ceremonial keg tapping
• On the Obermarkt: ceremonial Fassanstich (keg tapping) with local dignitaries
• Stage program with music, folklore, and dance
• Over 50 associations and caterers serve food and drinks in the streets and squares

Sunday, June 13, 2026

• Morning pint and family program
• Live music on several stages
• Dance performances and folklore
• Festival concludes in the evening

Schwäbisch Gmünd — Stauferstadt in the Ostalbkreis

With around 62,000 inhabitants, Schwäbisch Gmünd is the largest city in the Ostalbkreis district and one of Germany's oldest Staufer cities. The historic old town with the Marktplatz, the Heilig-Kreuz-Münster (the oldest Gothic hall choir in Southern Germany), and the Stadtkirche forms an extraordinary ensemble. Gmünd is famous for its precious metal processing — the city has been a center of South German goldsmithing since the Middle Ages.

Note on Festival Regulations

During the festival, there are restrictions on glass bottles and cans. The last beverage service ends at 0:30 AM, and the music program at midnight. An extended night service for city buses departs at 0:45 AM.