45th Kandelfest Grabenstetten

45 Years of Tradition on the Swabian Jura

For 45 years, the Kandelfest has been the social highlight of the Grabenstetten summer. On July 11 and 12, 2026, the municipality in the Reutlingen district will once again open its marquee and town center for a weekend full of Swabian culinary delights, music, and conviviality. The festival is spread across Böhringer Straße and the adjacent squares.

Culinary Delights Outdoors and in the Marquee

In the large marquee at the town center, Grabenstetten's clubs host their guests with Swabian specialties — Maultaschen, Swabian Rostbraten, Saitenwürstle, Spätzle, and Käsbrätzel. Accompanied by draft beer, Albbier, and regional wines. Outdoors, local club stands offer a wide range of treats — from coffee and cake in the afternoon to hearty snacks in the evening.

Musical Accompaniment

The traditional aspect of the Kandelfest is the musical accompaniment: brass band music from the Albverein, cover bands, and Schlager hits on both festival days — a program designed to appeal to the whole family. Saturday evenings traditionally feature faster-paced bands, while Sunday is dedicated to the Frühshoppen (morning pint) and family afternoon.

Club Life and Mayor's Office

The Kandelfest is organized under the leadership of the Grabenstetten Mayor's Office in close cooperation with local clubs. Proceeds from the festival traditionally flow back into club activities — youth development, music clubs, sports clubs, and traditional customs benefit.

Grabenstetten — Gateway to the Swabian Jura

The municipality, with its approximately 1,700 inhabitants, is located in the southern Reutlingen district at an altitude of about 700 meters on the Swabian Jura — one of Germany's most beautiful hiking landscapes. The Falkensteiner Höhle, the Falkensteinhöhle, and the Alb plateau are popular excursion destinations. The Kandelfest is a perfect fit for a weekend trip combining hiking, cave visits, and festival culture.