Hohenasperger Maitage 2026

Hohenasperg Fortress — Stage with a Panoramic View

The fortress of the same name rises on the 365-meter-high Hohenasperg in the northern Ludwigsburg district — for centuries a Württemberg state prison and the scene of dramatic stories from Kaspar Hauser to Friedrich Schiller, who was imprisoned here several times. Today, the fortress houses a museum and a spacious outdoor area. From here, the view extends far over the Ludwigsburg district, and on clear days, to the Swabian Jura. It is precisely this location that the Hohenasperger Maitage festival uses as an extraordinary open-air stage.

Premiere 2025 — Continuation 2026

The Hohenasperger Maitage celebrated its premiere in 2025 and attracted a broad audience from the greater Stuttgart-Ludwigsburg area in its first year. The second edition in 2026 runs from Thursday, April 30th, to Saturday, May 2nd. The organizers are the City of Asperg in cooperation with Hotel Adler Asperg, 's Esele Brewery, Weingut Wolf, and other regional partners. Free admission — the concept is deliberately aimed at families, working professionals after work, and visitors from the entire district.

Thursday, April 30th — After-Work Sundowner

The event begins with the after-work sundowner on Thursday evening, April 30th. Stalls and stages in the fortress courtyard open at 5:00 PM. At 6:00 PM, Mayor Christian Eiberger, together with the organizers, will tap the traditional keg. Live music accompanies the sunset over the Ludwigsburg district; regional cocktails from the Adler Bar and beer from 's Esele taste particularly good in the sundowner atmosphere.

Friday, May 1st — Family Day and Concerts

May Day starts in the morning with a Weißwurst breakfast and Frühschoppen (morning pint) atmosphere, transitions into a family afternoon with a children's program, and concludes in the evening with live concerts. Regional bands, cover groups, and a DJ set alternate on the fortress stage. The culinary stalls feature regional specialties: Maultaschen, grilled bratwurst, Swabian cheese specialties, Baden wines, and sparkling wine from the region.

Saturday, May 2nd — Evening Dance to Conclude

Saturday begins again with a relaxed Frühschoppen and an extended lunch menu. In the afternoon, guided tours of the fortress are offered — many visitors combine the festival with a visit to the Hohenasperg Museum. In the evening, starting at 6:00 PM, live music and a DJ set until midnight. Pastor Kerstin Gottfried will provide a short spiritual reflection at the opening — an element that underscores the event's ecumenical roots.

A Festival with Community Involvement

Unlike commercial open-air festivals, the Hohenasperger Maitage relies on close collaboration with the city, associations, and the local economy. Hotel Adler Asperg, 's Esele Brewery, Weingut Wolf, the catering company Markus Deutsch, and several other local partners are behind the event. Free admission, food and drinks are served at typical festival prices — all proceeds go towards repeating the event next year and supporting a solidarity program of the city.