Name: Höchstadter Altstadtfest 2026
Start: 2026-08-28T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-30T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Altstadt Höchstadt (Schlossberg, Engelgarten, Marktplatz, Rathaushof)

Altstadtfest Höchstadt

About Altstadtfest Höchstadt

The Höchstadter Altstadtfest is considered the most beautiful and largest festival in the Aischgrund (Middle Franconia, Erlangen-Höchstadt district). On the last weekend of August, the entire old town of Höchstadt an der Aisch transforms into a kilometer-long festival mile: three stages on Schlossberg, Engelgarten, and Marktplatz offer music for every taste — from rock to brass bands. In addition, there are club stands, a historical handicraft market in the Rathaushof, a children's flea market, a family afternoon, and the unique castle courtyard atmosphere of the castle ruins.

Dates 28 Aug — 30 Aug 2026

Venue Höchstadt a.d.Aisch (09572)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Altstadtfest Höchstadt — edition 2026

The Höchstadter Altstadtfest 2026 runs from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30. Three stages on Schlossberg, Engelgarten, and Marktplatz, plus the historical handicraft market in the Rathaushof on Sunday, a children's flea market on Saturday and Sunday, and a family afternoon in the Engelgarten on Sunday. Club stands fill the old town, with music genres ranging from rock to brass bands. Free admission.

The 2026 edition continues the established three-stage concept. The entire historic city center becomes a festival mile, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. The city of Höchstadt coordinates the festival together with local clubs, who are responsible for catering and program items.

Specific bands and exact times will be published by the Höchstadt city event office in the summer of 2026. The concept of stages, handicraft market, children's program, and the castle courtyard atmosphere remains unchanged.

Highlights Altstadtfest Höchstadt 2026

Three stages Schlossberg/Engelgarten/Marktplatz, historical handicraft market in the Rathaushof, Schlosshof atmosphere in the castle ruins, Aischgrund carp.

Programme Altstadtfest Höchstadt 2026

Friday, August 28, 2026 — Festival Opening

afternoon — Setup of stands in the old town
evening — Official festival opening on the Marktplatz
simultaneously — First bands on the three stages Schlossberg, Engelgarten, and Marktplatz

Saturday, August 29, 2026 — Stages and Clubs

daytime — Children's flea market in the old town
afternoon and evening — Concerts on all three stages
continuously — Club stands with Aischgrund specialties (carp, bratwurst, Franconian beer)
late evening — Dance bands and cover bands on the main stage Marktplatz

Sunday, August 30, 2026 — Family Day and Crafts

morning — "Frühschoppen" (morning pint) with the town band on the Marktplatz
daytime — Historical handicraft market in the Rathaushof (demonstrations, regional crafts, gift items)
afternoon — Family afternoon in the Engelgarten with entertainment for children
simultaneously — Children's flea market
evening — Festival finale on all stages

Town Atmosphere Around the Castle Ruins

The Schlosshof in the castle ruins offers a quieter area throughout the weekend for conversation, drinks, and the feeling of sitting within historic walls — a trademark of the Höchstadter Altstadtfest. Specific band confirmations and the detailed program will be published at hoechstadt.de/altstadtfest.

Prices Altstadtfest Höchstadt 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks at club stands at usual festival prices. Handicraft market goods directly at the stand.

Practical information

Practical information — Altstadtfest Höchstadt

Getting There

Höchstadt is located on the A3 motorway (exit Höchstadt Nord or Süd) between Würzburg and Nuremberg. The nearest train stations are Erlangen or Forchheim, from where you can continue by bus.

Admission

Admission to the entire festival grounds is free. Food and drinks at the club stands are at usual festival prices.

Tip

Definitely visit the Sunday handicraft market in the Rathaushof — regional crafts are not often seen demonstrated live.

Höchstadt Celebrates Its Old Town

As the last weekend of August approaches, Höchstadt an der Aisch switches into festival mode. The entire historic city center — from Schlossberg via Marktplatz and Engelgarten to Rathaushof — becomes a festival promenade. The Aischgrund, that Middle Franconian carp pond landscape between Erlangen, Bamberg, and Würzburg, has its most important social gathering of the year here.

Three Stages, Three Moods

Schlossberg — Stage set against the backdrop of the castle ruins, often featuring rock and alternative acts
Engelgarten — Stage in the romantic city garden, family-oriented and mainstream program
Marktplatz — Central main stage with brass bands, the town band, and cover bands
Schlosshof — Quieter area in the castle ruins for enjoyment and conversation

More Than Just Music

Throughout the days, club stands characterize the scene: sports, shooting, and traditional costume clubs, singing clubs, the Aischgrund carp farmers, social initiatives — all use the festival to present themselves to the city and boost their funds. A special attraction is the historical handicraft market in the Rathaushof on Sunday: regional crafts are demonstrated live, and gift and food items are available for purchase. For families, there is a children's flea market on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a dedicated family afternoon in the Engelgarten.

Höchstadt in the Aischgrund

Höchstadt an der Aisch is the second-largest town in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district and the economic and cultural center of the Aischgrund. The region is known for its carp pond farming — the "Aischgründer Spiegelkarpfen" (Aischgrund mirror carp) is a protected geographical indication by the EU. During the Altstadtfest, several club stands serve fresh carp in various preparations, as well as Franconian bratwurst and sweet specialties.