Höhlerfest Gera

Three Days of Festival Mile in Gera's Old Town

When the Höhlerfest starts in early October, the Geraer Altstadt belongs to the Volksfest for three days. The festival mile stretches from Puschkinplatz and Museumsplatz across Markt, Sorge, and Große Kirchstraße to Zschochernplatz and Nicolaiberg — one of the largest festival areas in Eastern Thuringia. Several stages offer live music, plus there's a children's meadow, amusement rides, culinary stands, a medieval camp, and of course, Sunday shopping.

The Höhler — The Beer Cellars That Give the Festival Its Name

The name Höhlerfest dates back to the Geraer Höhler: an extensive system of underground beer storage cellars beneath the historic old town. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Gera's breweries stored their beer here — today, the Höhler are a technical monument that is opened for visits on the occasion of the festival. This connection between city history and festival culture makes the Höhlerfest unique in Thuringia.

Highlights and Tradition

The regular program includes the symbolic opening ceremonies on Friday with bell tolls from the town hall tower and fanfares from the balcony of the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum, as well as the traditional tapping of the first beer keg. On Sunday, a grand historical parade with scenes from Gera's past and present forms the highlight — clubs, traditional companies, schools, and engaged citizens march through the city center. The "Köstritzer Bierstange" is awarded to special personalities of the city; the rock band SILLY and other live acts have repeatedly performed on the main stage in recent years.

789 Years of Town Charter

In 2026, Gera celebrates the 789th anniversary of its town charter. The 35th edition of the Höhlerfest will therefore be designed as a festive weekend for the anniversary year — with a special parade and an expanded historical program. Admission is free, as always.