Gothardusfest Gotha

City Festival of the Former Residential City

For centuries, Gotha was the residential city of the Ernestine line and is now the district capital of the Gotha district. The Gothardusfest, named after Saint Gotthard of Hildesheim, the city's patron saint, commemorates the medieval tradition of the city church festival and has been Gotha's major Volksfest (public festival) for 27 years.

Four Days, Four Stages, Four Squares

The festival spans the central squares of Gotha's old town: Buttermarkt and Oberer Hauptmarkt are the main stages for major concerts, the Brühl becomes a summer lounge with chill-out music and a cocktail bar, and the Neumarkt hosts the family and children's program.

Yvonne Catterfeld as Headliner in 2026

The highlight in 2026 is the performance by pop singer and actress Yvonne Catterfeld on Saturday evening, May 2nd, 2026, at 8 PM on the Oberer Hauptmarkt. Catterfeld – known in the region for her role in "Wege zum Glück" – combines R&B, Soul, and Dance for a captivating open-air concert.

Tradition and Innovation

The opening with the traditional beer tapping at the historic waterworks, the grand parade with around 1,000 participants, the fireworks evening, and classics like the Ducal Wine and Delicacy Garden at the Ernst-dem-Frommen monument give the festival its unmistakable character.