Höchster Schloßfest

Since 1957 — Frankfurt's Grand West District Festival

Frankfurt-Höchst is its own small town in western Frankfurt — with historical town rights, its own medieval old town, and its own industrial history (Hoechst AG). The Höchster Schloßfest is the grand summer festival of this district, organized since 1957 by the Vereinsring Höchst am Main — an umbrella organization of the numerous Höchst clubs. In 2026, the festival runs from July 3rd to 12th, spanning ten days over two weekends.

The Building Blocks of the Schloßfest

The Schloßfest is not a single Volksfest (public festival), but a networked festival week with several modules running concurrently or sequentially:

Hafenfest — Opening

The Hafenfest (Harbor Festival) on the first Friday (July 3rd, 2026) on the Höchst riverbank kicks things off. A classic warm-up party with live music, DJs (often hr3 disco party), food trucks, and a harbor backdrop.

Fest der Vereine — Brüningpark

On the first weekend (July 5-6, 2026), the Fest der Vereine (Festival of Clubs, formerly known as "Altstadtfest" or Old Town Festival) moves into the Brüningpark: approx. 30 Höchst clubs present culinary specialties, live music, and shows. This is where the density of Höchst clubs is showcased in its full breadth.

Höchster Orgelsommer — Justinuskirche

Concurrently, the Höchster Orgelsommer (Höchst Organ Summer) takes place in the Justinuskirche (St. Justin's Church) — one of Frankfurt's oldest churches (9th century). Short concerts and a concluding light concert combine sacred acoustics with a summer program.

Höchster Designparcours

Creative studios and pop-up galleries in Höchst's ateliers, workshops, and vacant commercial spaces — a nod to Frankfurt's World Design Capital 2026 year. The Designparcours runs alongside the entire Schloßfest week.

Kirmes and Kerb on the Riverbank

A family funfair with rides (smaller than in previous years, but more compact), and on the second weekend (July 10-12, 2026), the Kerb am Mainufer (Riverside Festival) as the finale — with live bands, a festival tent, and a grand closing fireworks display over the Main river.

Höchst as an Excursion Destination

Those arriving from the city center should plan a few hours for Höchst's old town: Justinuskirche, Bolongaropalast, the old customs house, the Hostie on the riverbank. Höchst is one of the few Frankfurt districts that truly feels like a "city" rather than a suburb — the Schloßfest temporarily restores its old function as a festival mile on the Main for a few summer weeks.