Jubiläumsfest Wernau — 750 Years Pfauhausen and Steinbach

750 Years Pfauhausen and Steinbach — History Meets Festival Culture

The city of Wernau (Neckar) was formed in 1938 through the merger of the two previously independent municipalities of Pfauhausen and Steinbach. While the city itself is thus "only" 88 years old, the documented history of its districts goes back much further: Pfauhausen was first mentioned in a document in 1274, Steinbach in 1276. Thus, in 2026, Wernau celebrates a 750th anniversary of its historical origins — an occasion for three days of festivities on the Neckar.

Festival Grounds on the Neckar — The Central Stage

The venue is the Festplatz am Neckar — a large festival meadow on the banks of the Neckar in Wernau, regularly used for folk festivals, city festivals, and club celebrations. For the anniversary festival, a large festival tent with a stage, a funfair with rides, catering pavilions from local clubs, a market area, and several activity stations will be set up on the grounds. The city of Wernau has reserved a budget of up to €100,000 for this; further funds will come from sponsorships, merchandise sales, and catering revenue.

Three Days of Festival with a Packed Program

Friday, July 3rd, opens the festival weekend with the opening ceremony, keg tapping, the first bands in the festival tent, and the opening of the funfair. Saturday, July 4th, brings the full program: a parade through the city with club delegations, a family afternoon with games and activities for children, and a festival evening with a big party in the tent. Sunday, July 5th, begins with a solemn church service, followed by a Weisswurst breakfast, a charity run, a mini disco for the youngest guests, a beer tasting for adults, and a grand raffle with attractive prizes. The festival concludes on Sunday evening.

Planned Program Highlights

The city of Wernau is planning a show match with former VfB Stuttgart legends against local football clubs — the exact date is still to be determined. A community project is also planned: the citizens of Wernau are to create something lasting together — perhaps a sculpture or another work that will remain in the city as a visible memorial after the anniversary. The Kult-Verein and the commissioned event agency will coordinate the program design together with the city administration.

Wernau am Neckar — City in the Esslingen District

Wernau, with around 12,800 inhabitants, is a medium-sized town in the Esslingen district (state of Baden-Württemberg, district 08116), located on the Neckar river between Esslingen and Plochingen. The two historical districts of Pfauhausen and Steinbach still form the city today — a typical southern German combined city whose history branches into two independent village identities. The 750th anniversary honors these dual historical roots.