Kamenzer Forstfest 2026

Forstfest — Tradition since the 16th Century

The Kamenzer Forstfest is one of the oldest school and local festivals in Central Germany. Its roots date back to the 16th century when the marksmen, schoolchildren, and citizens of Kamenz would gather annually around St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24th) in the nearby Kamenzer Forst for competitions, shooting, games, and communal feasting. Over centuries, this ritual evolved into an entire festival week. In 2014, the Forstfest was added to the Federal List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

Bartholomäuswoche 2026 — August 21st to 27th

In 2026, the festival week runs from Friday, August 21st, to Thursday, August 27th. It kicks off with the Opening Concert featuring the Brass Band of the City of Lessing, Kamenz e. V. in the Kamenzer Forst on Friday evening. This is followed by sporting competitions and concerts, and the traditional Beer Tapping Ceremony on Saturday. The highlights are the two grand Parades with the marksmen, the mayor, and local clubs and associations — one on Sunday with the marksmen's parade, and the other on Thursday as the closing parade to the marketplace.

Students, Marksmen, Citizens

A special feature of the Forstfest is the connection between schools and the marksmen's tradition. Schoolchildren march in their own parades through the city, classes visit the Forst together, and former students meet at traditional spots for class reunions. The Schützengesellschaft Kamenz e. V. organizes the shooting competitions and ensures the tradition of marksmen kings. Teachers compete in their own contests — a program element unique to Kamenz.

Grand Fireworks Display and Forstfest Booklet

The visual highlight is the grand fireworks display with music over the Kamenzer Forst, traditionally held on Wednesday evening (August 26th in 2026). Thousands of visitors from all over Upper Lusatia, Berlin, Dresden, and the Bohemian Šluknov Hook travel for this spectacle. Those who wish to experience the festival week comprehensively can purchase the Forstfest Booklet for €1.00 at the Kamenz Information center or in downtown shops — it contains the full program, parade order, song lyrics, and background information on the tradition.

Kamenz — The City of Lessing

Kamenz, with around 17,000 inhabitants and the district seat of Bautzen, is the birthplace of the poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729–1781). The Lessing Tower, the Lessing Museum, and the St. Anne's Monastery Church are worth seeing. With the Forstfest, the city of Lessing bridges two worlds: the city of enlightenment of a theorist of religious tolerance and the centuries-old tradition of marksmen and schools.