Höhlerfest Gera
Eastern Thuringia's largest Volksfest in the beer cellars and old town of the independent city of Gera
About Höhlerfest
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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.
Höhlerfest — edition 2026
Festival Weekend October 2–4, 2026
The 35th edition of the Höhlerfest coincides with the 789th anniversary of Gera's town charter. Three days of program in the old town, free admission.
Focus 2026
- Sunday shopping in Gera's city center
- Several stages with live music
- Medieval camp on the Kornmarkt
- Children's meadow with games and creative activities
- Höhler tours beneath the old town
- Amusement rides around the festival mile
Festival Parade on Sunday, October 4, 12 PM
The impressive parade marches through the city center, telling Gera's story with scenes from its past and present. Clubs, schools, companies, traditional businesses, and citizens are invited to participate with their own contributions. Registration by May 31, 2026, at [email protected].
Programme Höhlerfest 2026
Schedule October 2–4, 2026 (typical, based on 2025)
- Friday, Oct 2 — Opening ceremony with bell tolls and fanfares, tapping of the first beer keg, opening of stages and festival mile
- Saturday, Oct 3 — Live music on all stages (main stage Markt with rock/pop acts), medieval camp, Höhler tours, historical parade by the Höhlerverein (Höhler Association), awarding of the Köstritzer Bierstange
- Sunday, Oct 4 — Sunday shopping, from 12 PM the grand historical parade through the city center, stage program until evening, finale
Venues: Markt, Puschkinplatz, Museumsplatz, Sorge, Große Kirchstraße, Zschochernplatz, Nicolaiberg, Kornmarkt.
Highlights Höhlerfest 2026
- 35th edition of the Höhlerfest + 789 Years of Town Charter
- Grand historical parade on Sunday, Oct 4 at 12 PM
- Open Höhler cellars beneath the old town
- Several stages, medieval camp, Sunday shopping
Prices Höhlerfest 2026
Free admission. Höhler tours may incur a separate fee; amusement rides have individual prices.
Practical information — Höhlerfest
Getting There
By train to Gera Hauptbahnhof (main station) — from there, a few minutes' walk to the city center. By car: A4 (exit Gera-Leumnitz) or A9 (exit Triptis), then follow signs for Zentrum (center). Parking garages in the city center, Park-and-Ride recommended.
Admission
Free admission. Höhler tours may require a separate ticket.
Tip
Combine your visit with a guided tour of the Höhler system beneath the old town — the technical monument is not accessible every weekend.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Höhlerfest al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Höhlerfest
Innenstadt Gera (Markt, Puschkinplatz, Sorge, Große Kirchstraße, Zschochernplatz, Nicolaiberg)
Markt, Puschkinplatz, Große Kirchstraße, Zschochernplatz, 07545 Gera, 07545 Gera