Heimattage Mengen 2026 — 750 Years of City History

A Quadrennial City Celebration for Centuries

The Heimattage Mengen is one of the oldest and most traditional local festivals in Baden-Württemberg. It takes place only every four years — a deliberate scarcity that makes each event a once-in-a-century occasion. In 2026, the festival coincides with Mengen's 750th anniversary as a city: in 1276, the settlement on the Andelsbach received its town charter, one of the oldest city privileges in Upper Swabia.

Four Days of Full Program

Friday, July 10th, 2026, opens the festival with the traditional kickoff — a parade and barrel tapping ceremony in the market square. The Mengen Bürgergarde marches through the old town in historical uniforms, and the mayor taps the ceremonial barrel. From the late afternoon onwards, festival tents offer live music.

Saturday, July 11th, 2026, is market day: a historical craft market throughout the old town featuring blacksmiths, turners, potters, weavers, and bow makers in historical attire. Simultaneously, a vintage car show takes place on the festival grounds. In the afternoon, culinary stations will be set up throughout the city for a "parcours gastronomique" — Mengen specialties at every corner. In the evening, the Serenade with the grand parade maneuvers of the Bürgergarde follows — a spectacular display of flag twirling against the city backdrop.

Sunday, July 12th, 2026, is the highlight: a grand historical parade through the old town with over 50 themed groups, equestrian groups, traditional costume associations, and music bands from all over Upper Swabia. In the evening, a grand fireworks display will illuminate the old town.

Monday, July 13th, 2026, concludes the festivities with the Children's Festival — a children's parade, play stations for toddlers, and family entertainment.

State Meeting of the Bürgergarden in Advance

From Friday, July 3rd, to Sunday, July 5th, 2026, the State Meeting of the Baden-Württemberg Bürgergarden and Fire Brigades will take place in Mengen, preceding the main Heimattage. Hundreds of marksmen and guild members from Baden-Württemberg will gather to watch, practice maneuvers, and greet each other — an impressive overture to the city's anniversary celebration.

Mengen in the Sigmaringen District

Mengen is located on the Andelsbach river shortly before its confluence with the Danube, in the southern district of Sigmaringen. The city, with nearly 10,000 inhabitants, boasts an exceptionally well-preserved old town core with remnants of walls, city gates, half-timbered houses, and the late Gothic city parish church of St. Martin. The Mengen Bürgergarde — the primary organizer of the anniversary — is one of the oldest marksmen's and civic associations in Upper Swabia.